If you’re a fan of playing blackjack, you’ve probably heard the phrase “never split 10s”. But why is this rule so important? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why splitting 10s in blackjack is generally considered to be a bad move.
Firstly, it’s important to understand the basics of the game. In blackjack, your goal is to get a hand with a total value of 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over.
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You’re playing against the dealer, who also has the same objective. Each card has a point value – numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (kings, queens and jacks) are worth 10 points each and aces can be worth either one or 11 points.
Now let’s talk about splitting pairs. When you’re dealt two cards of the same rank (for example, two sixes), you have the option to split them into two separate hands. This means that your original bet is doubled and you play each hand separately against the dealer.
So why is splitting 10s such a bad idea? Firstly, when you have a pair of 10s, your hand already has a total value of 20 – which is pretty good!
The only way to improve upon this would be to draw an ace (worth 11 points) which would give you an unbeatable total of 21. However, if you split your pair of 10s into two separate hands and draw anything other than an ace on one or both hands, you’ve effectively lowered your chances of winning.
Another reason not to split 10s is that it goes against basic strategy. Basic strategy is a set of rules that players can use in order to make more informed decisions about how to play their hand based on what they know about their own cards and the dealer’s up card. According to basic strategy, never splitting 10s is a wise move because it’s statistically more likely to result in a win.
It’s also worth noting that splitting 10s can be risky from a bankroll management perspective. If you’re playing with a limited budget, splitting pairs can quickly deplete your bankroll if things don’t go your way. Since splitting 10s is generally considered to be an unwise move, it’s best to avoid doing so in order to preserve your funds for future hands.
In conclusion, there are several compelling reasons why you should never split 10s in blackjack. Not only does it lower your chances of winning and go against basic strategy, but it can also be a risky move from a bankroll management perspective. So the next time you’re dealt a pair of 10s at the blackjack table, remember – keep them together and hope for that elusive ace!
