Splitting 10s

**FerrisB** · 08-11-2014, 01:28 PM

Curious, if the TC is way high (say 18+) DD game with 4 aces still in deck, the dealer is showing a 6, is it ok to split tens three, four times or should you only split once?

KJ · 08-11-2014, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by FerrisB

Curious, if the TC is way high (say 18+) DD game with 4 aces still in deck, the dealer is showing a 6, is it ok to split tens three, four times or should you only split once?

I am not a big ten splitter (at least not at the standard index number for splitting), as there are other issue beside EV to consider when splitting tens. So take that into consideration when I say hell yes, you split your 10's at a TC of +18 (and continue splitting as many times as you can).

The 4 aces remaining isn't a big consideration for me, although I do track aces in DD games, it is mainly for the benefit of BJ's and the extra 50% payout, which you would not get in this situation. For someone with a highly specialized count, like Tarzan, the aces probably mean more in this situation.

**Meistro123** · 08-11-2014, 04:24 PM

I start splitting T,T v 6 around +9.

**bigplayer** · 08-12-2014, 05:08 AM

You pay the price in terms of heat for the 10-10 split on the first split, so once you've paid that price you might as well keep on resplitting get the full amount of EV out of the play. If that +9 index is artificially high then you may want to continue resplitting even after the TC drops below +9, as long as it's still above the regular RA index.

**Ouchez** · 08-12-2014, 06:51 AM

Ferris, I would have to say that you are better off not splitting 10's, as a general rule. The heat you can create can be a train wreck, with other players, the pit, and the EITS. You can be playing at the most far away, small, dingy casino, and all they need is OSN and they can reach out to the rest of the USA. Even if you are playing unrated they can get your car license, picture to distribute, or use security, police to get an ID from you. I know it is very tempting to do at times, but consider the damage it can lead to overall.

O

**LVBear584** · 08-12-2014, 09:02 AM

I am interested in as much EV as I can smash and grab in short sessions, and usually leave after I have shown my full spread; win, lose, or draw. Not splitting tens (or doubling A,9) wastes too much EV for my taste. I aggressively split and resplit tens whenever the situation calls for it, but terminate the playing session at the next shuffle or significant count drop. Those interested in longevity likely view it differently.

**Ouchez** · 08-12-2014, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by LVBear584

I am interested in as much EV as I can smash and grab in short sessions, and usually leave after I have shown my full spread; win, lose, or draw. Not splitting tens (or doubling A,9) wastes too much EV for my taste. I aggressively split and resplit tens whenever the situation calls for it, but terminate the playing session at the next shuffle or significant count drop. Those interested in longevity likely view it differently.

One thing to remember Bear plays in LV with a great abundance of casinos, the rest of us around the USA have far different situations as to options after barring.

O

**biggg** · 08-12-2014, 09:51 AM

If its close I don't do it but when you have a huge count, like +10, not splitting can cost half a max bet or more. It's hard to just eat that, usually you would be better off splitting and leaving right after.

**FerrisB** · 08-12-2014, 10:11 AM

I appreciate everyone's feedback. This is very helpful.

**Dieter** · 08-12-2014, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by Ouchez

Even if you are playing unrated they can get your car license

Memo to self: borrow a car.

KJ · 08-12-2014, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by Ouchez

One thing to remember Bear plays in LV with a great abundance of casinos, the rest of us around the USA have far different situations as to options after barring.

O

I just want to say something about this perception of the great abundance of casino's in LV. Yes, there are hundreds of casino's in close proximity. But thse numbers are misleading. There are only so many 'playable' games. Just how many will depend on each players definition of 'playable'. Most players based out of Vegas or even that visit and play Vegas regularly have a set number of games. My own rotation is 25-30 games, which is larger than most players, because I play some marginal games so that I can have a bigger rotation.

But regardless of the number, there are two things that sort of shrink that number. Chains & OSN. Everybody that plays Vegas regularly plays at least some of the Station casinos. Some of us play nearly all of them regularly. But any heat issue, BO's, barings at one of these games will result in the temporary loss of multiple games. Same with the Boyd properties. And of course the two big chains dominating the strip (although I don't play much at one). These 4 chains, really begin to shrink the options down.

And then of course for all the independent properties, well, they are linked as well, by OSN. Some more than others. So it isn't like a LV player has 100's of options and if he loses one, it is no big deal. Every loss has consequences and can be costly depending on circumstances.

This is the very reason that despite having a larger rotation than many, I still take caution. Longevity is my number one priority and so one of the cautions that I take is extreme caution with splitting 10's. AS a general rule, I don't do it, but there are exceptions and one of those exceptions would be a TC of +18 (as I referred to earlier). I doubt I could pass that one up.

Now obviously different players do things differently based on their style of play and goals and I guess just how much they play and want to expose themselves. I am very surprised to hear LVBear say he plays the smash & grab, max EV at all costs style. But again, to each his own. Bear's been doing so long enough that he knows what works for him.