A Pair of 10s vs Dealer 6: Ever Split?
Stand, under every common rule set.
Why stand is right
No. Twenty wins about 80% of the time against a dealer 6 - it is one of the most profitable situations in the entire game, and splitting shatters it into two hands averaging far less. Splitting tens against a 6 'because the dealer is weak' is the classic greedy blunder; the dealer's weakness is exactly why your made 20 is so valuable. Card counters do split tens at very high counts, which is also why doing it at a full table gets you noticed.
How the rules change the answer
This one is easy to memorize - the play doesn't change with the table rules.
| Table rules (6 decks) | Correct play |
|---|---|
| S17 · late surrender offered | Stand |
| S17 · no surrender | Stand |
| H17 · late surrender offered | Stand |
| H17 · no surrender | Stand |
🃏 Card counter's note
Counters split 10,10 vs 6 at True Count +4 (+5 vs a dealer 5). It's a real Illustrious 18 play - and the fastest way to get backed off if the pit is paying attention.
Common questions
What is the correct play for a pair of 10s against a dealer 6?
Stand. In a standard 6-deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17 and late surrender is offered, basic strategy says to stand. This play holds under every common rule variation.
Does the dealer hitting soft 17 (H17) change the play for a pair of 10s vs a dealer 6?
No. Stand is correct whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, and whether or not surrender is offered.
When should card counters play a pair of 10s vs a dealer 6 differently?
Counters split 10,10 vs 6 at True Count +4 (+5 vs a dealer 5). It's a real Illustrious 18 play - and the fastest way to get backed off if the pit is paying attention.
Reading charts doesn't build reflexes. Drill this exact decision until it's automatic - our trainer deals from a real 6-deck shoe and grades every move.
Practice in the Trainer (enable Pairs Only) →