Wager Mage
Photo by Monstera Pexels Logo Photo: Monstera

Should you always split 10s in blackjack?

In Face-up Blackjack, where all the cards dealt are exposed, including both dealer's cards, the correct strategy is to split 10s against the dealer's 13, 14, 15 or 16.

Is there a math to winning the lottery?
Is there a math to winning the lottery?

Lottery mathematics is used to calculate probabilities of winning or losing a lottery game. It is based primarily on combinatorics, particularly...

Read More »
How much tax will be taken out of a 1000 bonus?
How much tax will be taken out of a 1000 bonus?

22 percent The flat rate method, also known as the flat percentage method, requires you to withhold income tax at a flat 22 percent rate. For...

Read More »

By Mark Pilarski

QUESTION: I am aware that you never — ever — split 10s against a dealer's 5 or 6. However, I have been tempted to do so when no one else is at the blackjack table. My question is: What are the percentage odds of winning (or losing) by doing so? — Herb C. ANSWER: Surprisingly, Herb, there was a gaming writer named John Scarne ("Scarne on Cards") who did recommend splitting 10s when playing the standard version of blackjack. However, Scarne's book was published in 1949, well before computers could analyze the game of blackjack with millions of hand simulations. Then in 1962, along came Edward Thorp, the first blackjack specialist who used an IBM 704 computer and published the results in his book "Beat the Dealer." Since then, I can't think of any blackjack authors who have recommended splitting 10s. Years ago, I ran a 20-million-hand simulation analysis using a Macintosh software program called BJ Trainer. My results clearly favored leaving those 10s unaided versus splitting them, even against a 5 or a 6. I favor taking computer results over advice written in 1949 every time. With all that said, Herb, there are moments in which splitting 10s can be a good strategy. In Face-up Blackjack, where all the cards dealt are exposed, including both dealer's cards, the correct strategy is to split 10s against the dealer's 13, 14, 15 or 16. For card counters, a situation that favors splitting 10s would be one in which there's a high proportion of high cards left in the deck (for instance a high-low true count of plus 6 or more with the dealer showing a 6). There is one other scenario in which splitting 10s can be the better play than standing. It arises during the last hand of a round during a blackjack tournament. I had it happen to me once like this: While observing the leader's chip count, I calculated that by holding on to a probable winner of 20, I still wouldn't win enough money to overtake him. As a result, I split them, and a $20 payout difference got me to the next round. As for the arithmetic, the statistical data on how often you will win when you split a pair of 10s against a dealer showing a 6 is 64% of the time. Your profit expectations for every $100 you bet while splitting those 10s will be, on average, a $56 profit. However, let's look at your other option: standing pat on your 20. By standing, you will win around 85% of the time and make about $14 more per $100 wagered than if you split. My recommendation is to stand on your 20. Your fair share of being dealt a 20 is approximately 9.2% of the time. I don't want you putting that stellar hand in unwarranted jeopardy save for the few exceptions described above. Mark Pilarski is a contributing editor for numerous gambling publications. E-mail questions to pilarski@markpilarski.com.

What is 1 100 second called?
What is 1 100 second called?

So, 1 centimeter = one hundredth (1/100) of a meter, 1 centigram = one hundredth (1/100) of a gram, 1 centisecond = one hundredth (1/100) of a...

Read More »
How rich is Elon Musk?
How rich is Elon Musk?

With an estimated net worth of around $164 billion as of December 13, 2022, primarily from his ownership stakes in Tesla and SpaceX, Musk is the...

Read More »

What is a pumpkin slang?

In English, the word pumpkin is often used as a term of endearment. Other English words that people use to express their adoration for someone include babe, baby, beautiful, buddy, cupcake, cutie-pie, , dear, , honey, pet, princess, sugar, sweet pea, sweetie, or sweetie-pie.

show Answershide Answers

Pumpkin is a Term of Endearment

In English, the word pumpkin is often used as a term of endearment. Other English words that people commonly use to express their adoration for someone include babe, baby, beautiful, buddy, cupcake, cutie-pie, darling, dear, handsome, honey, pet, princess, sugar, sweet pea, sweetie, or sweetie-pie. People use pet names to address their children or their romantic partners. In some countries, it is customary to use terms of endearment with just about anyone. For example, in Britain a stranger may call your husband love (often spelled luv) or your child dear. Don’t be alarmed. This is just a friendly way of speaking. Unlike a nickname, which is capitalized in written English, a term of endearment isn’t usually capitalized: Can you pick up some bread, honey? However, it is common to capitalize terms of endearment in a salutation: Hi, Babe.

What's 2.5 goals mean?
What's 2.5 goals mean?

Over 1.5 Goals : The game/team needs 2 or MORE goals. Under 2.5 Goals : The game/team needs 2 goals or LESS.

Read More »
What do odds 9 4 mean?
What do odds 9 4 mean?

9-4 Betting Odds means that out of 13 possible outcomes, the 9/4 odds are that there will be 9 of one kind of outcome and 4 of another kind of...

Read More »
What do odds of 15 8 mean?
What do odds of 15 8 mean?

15-8 Betting Odds means that out of 23 possible outcomes, the 15/8 odds are that there will be 15 of one kind of outcome and 8 of another kind of...

Read More »
What is the top 3 sport?
What is the top 3 sport?

The Most Popular Sports In The World Football (Soccer) – Over 3.5 Billion Fans. Cricket – Over 2.5 Billion Fans. Table Tennis – Over 850 Million...

Read More »