Blackjack is one of the most popular games in casinos, but if you’re not sure how to play it properly, you might find yourself confused by some basic rules. For instance, you may not be aware that it is not a good idea to split 10s in blackjack.

You may be tempted to split your pair of 10s because it is a strong hand that can easily beat the dealer’s upcard, but you should never do it. This is because it will decrease your chances of winning and can make it more difficult for you to win.

This is especially true if you have a pair of tens and the dealer has a five upcard. You would lose a total of $56 per $100 wagered on these hands when you split them, but if you stand pat, you can expect to win 85% of the time and will make $14 more per $100 wagered.

It is important to understand that split 10s are a bad strategy and only beginners and experts should try them. For example, if you are a card counter, it is a wise decision to avoid splitting your 10s because you can use a high-low count to determine whether the deck is rich in 10s and other cards that favour you.

For players who are not card counters, the most common reason to avoid splitting 10s is the fact that a pair of tens will result in two hands with a value of 20. These are incredibly powerful hands and can lead to big losses, so it is not worth the risk.

Aside from that, splitting a pair of tens can also be an unwise choice for players who have a high number of low cards left in the deck. This is because a deck that is rich in low cards will be more likely to have some ten-valued cards, making it more likely for you to get a pair of tens or an ace that can be counted as two.

The only exception to this rule is when the dealer has a six upcard, or if you are playing in a tournament where you have a higher chip total and need to increase your bets to avoid elimination. This is why you should only split a pair of tens in a ten-rich deck when you have a small chip total or when it’s the last hand in your tournament.

In any case, it’s not a bad idea to split a pair of tens if you are playing in a casino that allows it and you are comfortable with the rules. You can even split a pair of tens in an online casino that is only available to players in Canada.

There are a few situations when you should split your pair of tens, but the most common one is when the dealer’s upcard is a five or six and you have a strong hand. You can also split a pair of tens when you have a good hand and the dealer has an upcard that is weaker than yours, such as an eight or nine. This is an excellent way to improve your hand and avoid losing more money than you should be, while still giving yourself a better chance of winning.