Not a clever analogy.

 

For a skilled card counter using index numbers to determine playing strategy deviations, splitting 10s against a dealer 5 or 6 is sometimes the correct play, but it is usually a bad idea. This is because the play draws immediate scrutiny.

If you are playing for any decent amount and split 10s the dealer will typically alert the floorman (by calling out "Splitting Tens"). The floorman will then discretely watch your play to determine if you may be a card counter or are simply a weak player. If you make another (correct) playing strategy deviation based on the count (e. g., taking Insurance, standing 16 vs. 10, standing 15 vs. 10, standing 12 vs. 3, standing 12. vs 2, etc.), particularly if your betting pattern is also tracking the count, you will likely see the floorman get on the phone, followed by some other suit giving you a tap on the shoulder.

 

Yes, many people don't like splitting 4's but against a 5/6 it's the proper move. Sorry for my earlier version of this post where for some unexplained reason I thought you said you wanted to split tens and then double down on the resulting stiff hands rofl. I have no words lol.

 

fish? I have never split tens in my life... the post of mine you quoted is in reference to splitting 4s.

 

I don't know why I read that as splitting 10's lol. I profusely apologize (and for the record splitting 4's against 5/6 where DAS is allowed is the right play). That's what I get for posting from my iPad while half asleep lol.

 

The first time I ever played was in Winnemucca or Elko on the way to Denver. I split 10's and the old cowboy at 3rd base about grabbed me.
He looked like a more grizzled and tan version of the Marlboro man. I finished the hand, colored up and upon return to LA bought Thorp's book.

 

OK, I'll bite. If I have 44 against a 5 or 6, I am doubling.

What is the advantage of counting?

 

No, you wouldn't want to double on 8. If you can double after split, the proper move is to split 4's against a 5 or 6. That's basic strategy.

Counting is separate from basic strategy. Basic strategy is calculated based upon hands being dealt from a full deck or shoe. Counting enables you to properly size your bet based on whether or not you currently have an advantage over the house, and make some basic strategy deviations, based on the current composition of the cards (rather than a calculation based on a full deck). This works because in blackjack the remaining composition of the cards can change the mathematically correct way to play each hand, along with whether the advantage currently lies with the house or the player.

Here are some common strategy deviations that counters make: in a strongly negative count, doubling down on 11 vs dealer 10 would be incorrect, and hitting a 12 vs dealer 4-6 would be correct. In a strongly positive count, doubling down on 10 vs dealer 10, doubling on 8 vs dealer 6, and yes, even splitting 10's vs dealer 6 would be correct, even though basic strategy would tell you not to make any of these decisions.

 

I didn't word the question properly, but you answered it in the first line. What I meant to ask was if splitting 4s was a strategy if counting.

Totally unrelated to this, I played at a local casino last night and had 77 against a 5. I split, got another 7, split that and was given a 3 which I doubled. Ended up with four bets and three hands of 17 or above.

Dealer ended up with a four-card 20.

I know that scenario can and will happen and I was frustrated but not upset. But if I am just playing a short session (in this case, we went to the casino for only an hour after the Brewers game last night with a limited bankroll) or if my bankroll is depleted, I'd still probably double on the 44 against a 5/6 so I don't have as much exposure.

 

You played the 7's correctly...obviously I can only tell you what the mathematically correct play is. Of course it sometimes doesn't work out, and it's your money so play it however you like. If you aren't going to split your 4's though, the next best play mathematically is to simply hit it. Doubling is the last thing you should do, and will actually cost you more over the long term than just hitting, because you're putting twice the money into a negative expectation decision.