Why do you split 8s? Why is it a standard in blackjack strategy to do so?
Look at what blackjack strategy is first. In the first place you have a strategy so that you can improve your odds of winning. But what do you do when you find yourself in a situation that you know you are most likely going to lose?
This is the other part of your blackjack strategy: finding the least costly way out of a non-winning situation.
Now let