If a player holds two cards of the same value, he may split the pair into two separate hands. For example, let's say you're dealt two 8s. You do not have to play this as a single hand totaling 16. By placing an amount of money equal to your original bet on the table, you may play each 8 as a separate hand. Again, in the face-up game, you do not touch the cards, but simply take this option by putting your money on the table. In the facedown game, you separate each of your cards face-up on the table, and add the bet for the second hand beside one of the cards.

When you split aces, most casinos do not allow more than one additional card on each ace. Likewise, most casinos allow non-ace pairs to be re-split up to four hands. If, for instance, you split a pair of 8s, and received another 8 on one of the hands, most casinos would allow you to re-split and play a third hand.

Usually, split aces may not be re-split. If you receive a ten on one of your split aces, this hand counts as 21, but is not a blackjack. You will not be paid 3 to 2. The dealer will complete his hand, and if he also totals 21, it's a push. Most casinos, though, allow you to split any ten-valued cards. For instance, you may split a jack and a king. Some casinos, however, require that only identical ten-valued cards, such as two kings, may be split. As with split aces, if you split tens and draw an ace on one of them, it is not counted as a blackjack.

Unless told otherwise, assume the standard pair-splitting rules: Any pair may be split; any pair, except aces, may be re-split; split aces receive only one card each. There are also some casinos that allow you to double down after splitting. For instance, you split a pair of 8s, and on one of the hands you're dealt a 3 for a total of 11. Some casinos will allow you to double down on this hand if you like.

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