Doubling Questions

OK, so the rulebook states that you split 10s against a five when the true count is five. And you split 10s against a six when the true count is four. My apologies for those who aren’t counters, but stick with me here.

So what do you do if you get an ace on your first split in either scenario? Do you double that hand? There are two answers to this question. The first one pertains to the financial end of things, and that would be to take the double. The second, depending on what casino you’re playing at, refers to the physical side. Meaning, if you want to keep all your bones in one piece, you’ll stand. That double after the split is a telltale sign you’re a card counter, and if you make that move, be prepared for a tap on the shoulder or worse within 15 minutes. You might be doubling your money, but you certainly won’t be doubling your luck.

Second scenario is if instead of an ace, you get another 10. The splitting of 10s is always a touchy subject, and regardless of what the true count is, or what the card tells you to do, every player has their own preferences and gut feelings about it. Personally, it would take more than a few drinks these days to really get me in the mood to split 10s – heh, especially after I’ve already split them the first time. The answer here is probably guided along those same lines – if you’re the type of player that does it by the book, you’ll split. But keep in mind these multiple splits (even more so if you’ve been winning) will garner the attention of the dealer and other casino employees.

The bottom line is, how disciplined are you at covering your card counting? Because if the true count gets so high, you could be splitting hands four or five times (if the casino rules allow), and then you might not even be able to finish your hand before you get escorted to the back room or the front door. Can you accept less profit for the safety of staying at the table? Do you have enough foresight to realize you could end up making more money by the end of your session by sacrificing a little early on in these situations?

How about splitting 10s against a dealer Ace? Splitting or doubling anything against an ace is a dicey, stressful prospect, even for regular players. If you count, it helps to follow the +7 doubling rule. But there’s no shame in avoiding it altogether. You’ll kick yourself for missing an opportunity less than you will shake your head for making a dumb play that cost you in the end.