A Pair of 5s vs Dealer 10: Ever Split?
Hit, under every common rule set.
Why hit is right
Never split 5s - you'd be trading a hard 10, one of the best starting totals in the game, for two hands that each start with the worst card in the deck. Treat 5,5 as a 10, full stop: double against dealer 2-9, and against a 10 or Ace just hit. Splitting 5s against a strong dealer card is arguably the single worst move available on a blackjack table.
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 | Hit |
| S17 · no surrender | Hit |
| H17 · late surrender offered | Hit |
| H17 · no surrender | Hit |
Common questions
What is the correct play for a pair of 5s against a dealer 10?
Hit. In a standard 6-deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17 and late surrender is offered, basic strategy says to hit. This play holds under every common rule variation.
Does the dealer hitting soft 17 (H17) change the play for a pair of 5s vs a dealer 10?
No. Hit is correct whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, and whether or not surrender is offered.
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.
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