Don't split those fives!

Dear Frank:

Today I tossed the dice twenty times without seeing the seven. I need to take a Golden Touch dice control lesson in June of 2010. I have a DVD of dice control from Golden Touch too. I was thinking of buying the DVD on blackjack, because I also practice speed counting. I have the book and the CD.

I recently learned that you should split 5s against the dealer's 5 and 6.

The reason is because if you double, you double only on one hand, but if you split the 5s, you have two hands. Let's say I have a $25 bet, and dealer gives me two 5s, I would split the pair, and place $25 on each hand, and if the dealer gave me 6 on one hand, and 4 on the other I would have 5:6 and 5:4. I would double on each hand and if the dealer goes over, I would win more money.

Harry

Dear Harry:

I am happy that you are practicing your dice throw. The Golden Touch dice control class is on June 26 and 27 of 2010 in Las Vegas, although we do have one coming up this October 24 and 25 in Las Vegas.

Now, do not split those 5s. You are asking for trouble. "What if" scenarios are just that — the reality is splitting two 5s is a terrible thing to do. But doubling on a 5:5 is a strong move and will win you money. I have no idea who wrote that you should split 5s but ignore the advice of that person. He's leading you off a cliff!

Follow the Optimum Basic Strategy (OBS) when you use the Speed Count in blackjack. It is the best way to play.

I am giving you a free 30-day subscription to my private website at www.goldentouchcraps.com. We have over 5,000 members on this members-only private site and I think you will enjoy all the message boards and posts.

All the best in and out of the casinos.

Frank Scoblete