One of the most important things in blackjack is to have a solid knowledge of the game’s basic rules and strategy. If players aim to win in the long run, it is essential to be familiar not only with the number of moves they can make but also with their possible outcomes.
Even though players need to follow a particular strategy and know it by heart, it will be extremely beneficial for them if they understand the motives behind it. Before sitting at a table to play, they should also make sure they are aware of the casino’s rules. Some places restrict certain moves such as surrendering and re-splitting, which can significantly affect players’ performance. In such cases, they should be prepared to act accordingly and have a strategy for every occasion in order to reduce their losses to a minimum.
At some point during the game, players will face a situation in which they are dealt two cards of the same rank. Such cases should not be underestimated, as they require a lot of preparation as well.
Players should always act according to their chosen strategy and bear in mind that every pair should be treated differently. Therefore, splitting will not be the best choice every time. For instance, when it comes to having a pair of 10s, this move should be avoided for several reasons.
Moves to Avoid When Having a Pair of 10s
While the optimal move for most other pairs is rather controversial and provokes much discussion, when it comes to a pair of 10s, all knowledgeable players share the same opinion. The reason is that, bearing in mind the average winning hand is 18.5, being dealt a pair of 10s leaves players with a solid total of 20.
Improving such a hand is almost impossible, as the odds of losing it are 92% if players decide to hit. Whenever their chances of going bust are higher than the dealer’s, this move should always be avoided.
The only card that will not lead to this outcome is the ace. This powerful card gives players the necessary flexibility, as they can choose to count it as one and prevent themselves from surpassing twenty-one. However, the chances that they will be lucky enough to draw this card are very low and it is simply not sensible to hit with a pair of 10s.
Another move players should always avoid is the first one that comes to mind when they are dealt a pair of the same rank – splitting. The reason is that, by splitting, they simply separate one winning hand into, most likely, two losing ones. The chances that the outcome will be any different are very low and it is just not worth the risk.
| 10-10 Basic Strategy Moves | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player’s Hand | Dealer’s Upcard | |||||||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Ace | |
| 10-10 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Best Move When Having a Pair of 10s
Just like a pair of 5s, players should view a pair of 10s as any other combination that totals 20. This hand is already strong enough as it is and should never be split. It is a great stroke of luck whenever players are dealt a pair of 10s as their first two cards, since this already places them in a very advantageous position. With such a pair, the best move they can make, regardless of the dealer’s upcard, is to stand, as any other option will place them in a less favourable position.
The chances that their hand will be a winning one are extremely high if they choose to stand. Having such great odds of beating the dealer is very rare in blackjack, and players need to know how to make the most of it. What they should do is stand, as they already have an amazing total of 20 in their hands.
If they manage to misplay this pair, what hope is there for the really tough situations they will inevitably face later in the game? The odds that this hand will win are around 90%, which certainly makes standing the best move players can make in such cases. This is one of the few moves that professional players agree on and approve.
When the Dealer’s Upcard Is Five or Six
Many players have witnessed situations in which a pair of 10s is split when the dealer’s upcard is five or six. The reason is that having totals of ten in both hands is considered to be a good start, especially if the dealer is in such a weak position. However, in order to draw a conclusion as to which move is the most reasonable, let’s compare the odds of winning for both options.
If players decide to split, the chances that they will win against a 6 as the dealer’s upcard are 64%, whereas if they choose to stand – 85%. The bottom line is that while splitting is not a bad move, whenever players have the opportunity to gain a greater advantage over the casino, they should take it. After all, blackjack is played with money, and every wrong decision will surely cost them in the long run.
Splitting a Pair of 9’s
Splitting a Pair of 10’s
Dealer’s Up Card
Basic Strategy Money Management
Running True Count
Splitting 10s to Advantage
A pair of 10s can be split to advantage only on two occasions, the first being when the shoe/deck is depleted of low cards. With an excess of ten-value cards and aces, the player stands a better chance of drawing another 10 or an ace to make two solid hands with totals of 20 or 21. Of course, this is usually done on occasions when the dealer starts their hand with a lousy upcard like a 5 or a 6.
However, the only way to determine the composition of the remaining shoe is to deploy a card-counting system efficiently. Therefore, splitting is not a viable move for basic-strategy players because basic strategy rests on the premise of a neutral deck. It does not take into account the changes in shoe composition as cards are dealt out.
Let us say in passing that even card counters avoid splitting this particular pair because this move would arouse the suspicion of pit bosses and casino management. Splitting 10s is basically equivalent to strolling around the casino floor with “I am an advantage player” written on your forehead.
Splitting a pair of 10s is also a good move in blackjack tournaments, where your goal is not to beat the dealer on individual hands but to prevail over other players by finishing with more money in the final chip count. Skilled tournament players will sometimes split their 10s when trying to gain on the current chip leader during the final hand.
Conclusion
Having a pair of 10s is probably one of the combinations players hope for throughout the game, and whenever they are lucky enough to receive it, they must ensure they know how to take advantage of it. The best move they can choose in such situations is to stand, as this almost certainly guarantees the desired win. It is crucial to know how to play every single hand, as this will help them avoid losing more money.
It is worth mentioning that in some cases where players split a pair of 10s, they are not necessarily ignorant about the game. Splitting such a pair can sometimes be favourable for players who count cards. The reason is that, if the deck is rich in cards favouring them, they can take advantage of this knowledge and expect to draw certain cards.