10’s…stand or split

Two of the same 10-value cards in blackjack is like putting a double-fudge, super-scoop ice cream sunday in from of a fat guy. It taunts you with its delicious options, even though you know you’re not supposed to touch it – but somehow against all logic and reason, you just can’t help yourself. What am I talking about (besides sprinkles and marachino cherries)? Going against the general rule to stand on this hand.

The charts say to stand on two 10’s – against any card. But, first, is that always the best choice in terms of player’s expected return. What if you’re facing a dealer card of a five or six? Same decision? Before I go any further, just to make sure we’re all on the same page, the only other decision you can make here (please tell me you weren’t thinking a hit) is to split the 10’s. Now, if you’re keeping track of the true count, you’ll have a better idea as to whether it makes sense for you to stray from the norm in this situation, but if you’re not, splitting 10’s is a sexy as that dessert buffet across the room.

Bottom line, if you split 10’s against a card like that, you’re not so much playing each hand as you are simply doubling your bet that the dealer is going to bust. Just like splitting nines (very similar statistically), you’re giving up a strong hand for the opportunity to get two hands that’ll hold up against whatever the dealer is holding. And like everything else, it’s a risk-return assessment. If you only have the strategy card to go on, your best bet is probably to follow it.

A few other things to keep in mind here. When you do split 10’s, you eliminate your ability to double down. Also, and different from splitting nines, a hand of 20 is a strong favorite to win or push. So the risk of hurting your position in both hands is greater than that of an 18 off the deal.

I hope that clears it up for those that might be wondering. Standing is still your best bet.