Is there ever a time for splitting tens?

[blackerthecracker]

Hi guys, I'm a newbie player here and I think I've just about nailed down basic stratergy. I did however wonder if there was ever a good time for splitting tens? I understand that the maths has been done and you should stick...but when the dealer shows a 5 or a 6 aren't the odds still in your favour for a win , i.e. the house goes bust (double payout!)? Anyway, I'm sure I'm wrong but was wondering if anyone could offer me an explanation?

Many thanks for any help

[Grifter]

blacker....... Nope, the odds are not in your favor by splitting if the dearler has a 5 or 6 showing. You gain 13% - 16% by standing.

IF you are counting and the TC is +5 or better, THEN the odds are in your favor for splitting (but that can get you "noticed" by the pit as a possible counter.... and most people do not split).

Grifter

[PhilTx]

Greetings -- and welcome. Your question is not uncommon amongst beginning players.

In cases where the math has been done but to you it still "seems like ...." -- you'll fare best if you just trust the math.

In the case you've mentioned, if you STAND, the expected value of the outcome is to win is around $.70 for each dollar wagered. If you SPLIT, the expected value is around $.15 to $.20 depending on the number of decks and the rules of the game. So indeed, the best choice is to STAND.

If you're really interested in the math part, be sure to check out the following website: www.wizardofodds.com. You'll find the answer to any question like this you might have.

Good luck!

[Ray]

My answer is hardly ever and never in pitch games at your local casino. Reason being, you're at max bet at what is usually a higher limit table that is well observed. You will see that +5 more often, maybe too often.

Shoe games are only a maybe depending on heat, where you are at and
if you are playing low limit. You want see +5 very often so......As Grifter said, most don't.

[Grifter]

blackerthecracker - PhilTx and my numbers above are both right, but I just realized they might not mean much unless you are familiar with the "jargon". He it is in plain English.

Let's say you are a $10 bettor and you play 10,10 vs 5 100 times:
If you STAND, your expected win is $680.00.
If you SPLIT, your expected win is $520.00.
Net Gain by Standing is $160.00.

Grifter

[blackerthecracker]

Thanks for the advice! The info on counting is interesting but due to the card shuffling machines the casino uses I think that all card counting is rendered impossible :( I'll be sure to always stick.

Thanks for website PhilTx, interesting stuff.

blacker

[nc-tom]

Be careful splitting tens, as grifter pointed out . Become a better player and counter and develope your cover before trying such a move. Of coarse it is one way to clear out a crowded table. You might also try to find a better game. BJ with csm is death on your bank roll.

[ihate17]

Thanks for the advice! The info on counting is interesting but due to the card shuffling machines the casino uses I think that all card counting is rendered impossible :( I'll be sure to always stick.

Thanks for website PhilTx, interesting stuff.

blacker

Is it just a shuffling machine or is it a continuous shuffling machine. The first, shuffles the cards, the dealer removes them for the cut and deals. The whole group of cards is dealt till the cut card is reached and you will have no problem counting.
The other: is where after every hand or two the dealer places the discards back into the machine which is always shuffling. These you can not count against.

ihate17

[blackerthecracker]

Yes, unfortunately it is a continuous shuffling machine which is used after every hand-I think all of the casinos here use them. Still, to the best of my knowledge blackjack remains the game with the best odds.

blacker