Splitting 10s In Blackjack
Picture this - you're on your favourite blackjack table, as you await your next move. Suddenly, you're dealt a pair of powerful 10s. The hand is burning for potential. But what is the correct play here? Should you split them? Should you keep them paired? What move has the highest win potential?
In this blackjack guide, we'll cover the questions behind one of blackjack's most debated strategies - splitting 10s. We’ll go through the nuances of this hand, what makes it such a debatable topic in the community, and what experts suggest.
What is meant by splitting in blackjack?
Splitting in blackjack means dividing a hand of identical cards and playing them separately. Each card has its own wager, with independent outcomes. This tactical move becomes available when you are initially dealt a pair of cards of the same rank, such as two 10s.
By splitting, you practically create two independent hands and double your winning chances. However, you also increase the risk level, as you now await two extra cards to be dealt, one for each 10-card.
What does a hand of 10s consist of?
In blackjack games, cards one through ten hold their face value, with the Ace double-acting as one and eleven at the same time. Face and numbered cards play by different rules. The Jack, Queen, and King all have a value of ten.
Getting any pair consisting of the three possible face cards, or the ten itself, will yield a pair of 10s. The combination has a total value of 20, the second-best combo you can land in Blackjack. It allows for the tricky tactic of splitting the 10s as well. This is where most players get the decision headaches.
Playing Your Hand of 10s
When dealt a pair of 10s, you must weigh the pros and cons of splitting versus standing. Splitting may seem tempting, as it creates two chances to improve your hand. However, it's crucial to recognise that a hand of two tens is already strong. Let’s run through some of the potential scenarios.
Scenarios favouring splitting 10s
Online casinos employ various tactics to avoid counting cards, such as playing with multiple decks and shuffling before each deal. But if you do the math, you can calculate the rough chances of what the next card or two will be. Thirty percent of the deck consists of 10-value cards. A table with many players and little 10s drawn is a good sign a 10 may come up next as they haven’t appeared as much during this hand.
Scenarios against splitting 10s
In most cases, experts will advise you against splitting a pair of 10s. The main idea is that the hand is already strong enough, so there is no need for further risks. A hand totalling 20 offers high odds of beating the dealer. Even if they grab a strong face card, standing still and purchasing insurance is much preferred over splitting.
Always look at the rest of the table before making a decision. Look at what the rest of the players got. Just as a lack of 10s increases the chance of one incoming, a large number of 10s already down means a weak card is likely up next. Splitting the 10s and getting something like a five or a six on each one is the worst possible scenario in the game.
Utilising the dealer's face-up card
The main tell to help you decide whether to split two 10s is the dealer's exposed card. It can offer valuable insight no matter its value. If the dealer shows a low-value card, splitting becomes more appealing. As the likelihood of the dealer busting increases, your freedom for risks grows. Conversely, if the dealer presents a strong card, such as a face card or a 10, standing on 20 may be the safer choice.
In conclusion, splitting 10s in blackjack can be a tricky decision. While it offers opportunities for huge gains, it also risks diminishing the strength of an already powerful hand. Reading the room, understanding the dynamics of the game, and considering factors such as the dealer's face card can be of great help.
Remember, blackjack is a game of chance with some room for strategising. If you like the excitement caused by the bigger risk you take and you have the budget to back high-risk moves, splitting 10s may feel like the right move under the circumstances. Otherwise, why break an already strong hand? After all, statistically, you have an 83% chance of winning when you stand with a 10 pair.
