How to Split 10s in Blackjack?

A player sits at the blackjack table, and boom-two 10s land in front of them. That's a sweet 20. Then someone at the table splits their 10s, and everybody else kind of winces. Are they making a genius play, or just throwing money away? However, here's the real deal on one of blackjack's most controversial moves.

What Splitting 10s Means

A player gets two 10-value cards, could be face cards, tens, whatever. That's a solid 20, which is about as good as it gets without hitting 21. They're basically taking a great hand and splitting it into two hands, doubling the bet, hoping both work out. 

That sounds cool in theory, but here is the thing: they are basically trading a sure winner for two big maybes. 

Every basic blackjack chart says the same thing: stand on 20 and call it a day.

Why do Players Split 10s?

The boss play is how some view it, indicating that they know what they are doing. Others just figure if one 20 is good, two winning hands must be better. 

Reality check: most times they just end up losing both hands instead of winning one. Most seasoned pros who have played thousands of hands barely split 10s unless the numbers actually back it up. 

This is not about looking confident, it's about whether the math works or not.

When Not to Split 10s

If he's showing a 7 or better, splitting 10s isn't worth it; that 20 beats most of what the dealer's gonna end up with. That blackjack dealer upcard is huge here: anything 7 or above means that 20 is sitting pretty. Basic blackjack strategy keeps it simple: play the percentages, not the long shots. 

Every chart out there basically yells "don't mess with your 20."

Splitting 10s: When It Makes Sense

So where does splitting 10s make sense? When the dealer's got to stay in with a weak card, such as a 5 or 6, the player is counting cards and can be certain the deck is full of high cards. Single deck blackjack also changes things, compared to those six-deck shoes. 

But this isn't guesswork; the card counters are literally doing math in their head, tracking each and every card that's been played. They're not just feeling lucky.

What Pros Players Really Think

Ask any serious blackjack player, and he or she will tell you, splitting 10s is usually a sucker bet. Casinos just love when players do it, as that raises the house edge right up. 

What looks like some kind of gutsy, strategic blackjack move is actually just handing over chips. Professional blackjack tips are all about playing smart, not playing flashy. 

The people who really make money at blackjack stick with what works, not with what looks cool.

Conclusion: Quick Takeaway

So when to split 10s in blackjack? Almost never. Unless the player is genuinely counting cards in a single deck game with a weak dealer upcard showing, that 20 stays right where it is. 

The fancy plays look good in movies, but boring wins at the actual table. Take the strong hand, pocket the win, and save the experiments for someone else's bankroll!

FAQs 

Can you split 10s in blackjack?
Yes, you can but most players avoid splitting.

Is splitting 10s a good idea?
Not really. Two 10s give you 20, which is already a strong hand.

Do you split 10s against a 6?
Usually no, it's safer to stand and let the dealer bust.

What is the 777 rule in blackjack?
It's a special bonus when you get three 7s of the same suit, often triggering a jackpot.