I don't recommend you do it - it can lead to disputes and increased pit scrutiny... and on two occaisions I had ploppies scoop the winning insurance bet and pay-off altogether, without a thank you.
Going partners on double-downs as desrcribed below is safer, at least by degree. zg
Zengrifter Interview EXCERPT-
Splitting 10s is a risky yet lucrative play that most counters avoid -
but I’ve watched you split tens many times. How do you establish yourself as a 10-splitter without drawing heat?
I’m an enthusiastic 10-splitter, though I fancy that my top-bet 10s get split at a higher true count typically than the strict EV-based indices suggest, thus a bit more ‘risk-averse’… and as the number of splits increases, my index rises higher into RA territory. I also establish myself early on as a 10-splitter by splitting and re-splitting tens incorrectly a couple of times with small bets out, even against a 3 or a 7 perhaps. Besides the obvious cover value, it’s also an excellent way to clear the table of excess players - and if I’m lucky enough to cause the loss of others’ bets due to the ‘obnoxious’ splits, I chuckle at the player’s loss and announce that “it will work better next time!” If a ploppy invades my table I will often immediately ask them in mock surveyesque fashion “would you play at the same table as some crazy yahoo who splits 10s?”
More times than not they will passionately reply “NO!” Then I turn to the dealer and say, “Hurry up Sally - deal me some 10s!” The other players usually get the message. I'm also fond of getting another player at the table to split their tens – usually a wild redneck or one of ‘the brothers’ – I put up the other half, going “partners” - in which case the index need only be well below what even doubling on 10 would be.
Frequently you go partners with other players at your table.
How do you get them to agree to let you share their split or double down?
How do you know when that ploy is advantageous for you?
Going “partners” on double-downs and splits several times per night is a significant ‘EV- booster.’ The key to this move is to cultivate a 'table alliance' with ploppies at the table who will allow you to put up all or part of the additional double down or pair-split. For example, whenever I see a fellow player chunk out his last stack in frustration I immediately alert him that "If you get a good double down hand I'm putting up the other half!” "Partners on the double," is what I proclaim as I place the other half of the money out, reassuring the player that I’m going to “share the risk.” Whenever I see someone place a large 'last shot' bet out I immediately announce that I'm "locked and loaded" with the other part of the money, and I demonstrate this by segregating the amount out. If I see a player hesitate on a double or place a sizeable bet and/or announce “double for less,” I'm there for the balance. The key is to observe other players for these situational opportunities.
If the amount is somewhat larger than my regular top bet, that’s ok, the edge on half-doubles is very high. Partner-doubling well below the index is advantageous, so I go for it. Partner-splitting is another story - I haven't analyzed it entirely, but I would go split partners on 9s against 2-7, 10s against 2-9, etc… perhaps most 'aggressive splits' but certainly no 'defensive splits,' like 8s vs. 10) - if a macho or boozed up redneck or black brother ploppy gets 10s against 2-9, I challenge, "if you got the balls to split those I'll put up half the dough!"
How do you handle it if they turn you down?
Usually I’ll say, in mock-concern, something like, "Ok, but I must warn you that it’s very unlucky to turn me down on a partnership offer.” If we win a partner-double I reinforce for the next time with a high-five, "Yeah! Pleasure doing business with you”. Or if we lose, I reinforce with "see it’s good to share the risk... but you owe me another chance, good buddy!" If the dealer intervenes to pre-empt the move, I act oblivious and reassuringly instruct the ‘partner’ to "here take my chips."
One time I went partners with a $500 matching bet and we lost. In the next instant the player turned to me casually and asked, "Ok, now how much do I owe you?" I was tempted to tell him $250... but instead I kindly told him "another one."
Inebriated females are the best/easiest to cultivate on this ploy, but watch out - the cute ones, no matter how drunk, will insist that you in turn go partners with them on their 8-8 vs. Ace, a tricky situation.
- END EXCERPT -
