The basic split
When your first two cards have the same value, many tables let you split them into two separate hands. You place a second bet equal to the first, the dealer gives each card a new second card, and you then play the two hands one after the other. Each hand is settled on its own against the dealer. Whether a split is a good idea is a strategy question, covered in the pair splitting discussion elsewhere on this site. This article is about the table rules that govern it.
Cards of the same value usually means any two ten-value cards, not only identical ranks, though some casinos require matching ranks. That is the first thing to check.
Resplitting
After a split, you may be dealt another card of the same value as the one you just split. Resplitting means splitting again, giving you three hands, and so on. Tables set a cap on this, and the cap is one of the resplit limits worth reading about before you sit down.
Typical arrangements include:
- Up to two hands. Only one split is allowed; a further pair must be played as it stands.
- Up to three hands. You may resplit once.
- Up to four hands. You may resplit up to three times. This is a frequently seen limit.
- No limit stated or higher limits. Less common, and worth confirming.
Each additional hand needs another bet equal to the original, so a full set of resplits means several bets are at risk at once. Check your budget before splitting, since you may be committing several times your original stake to a single deal.
Split aces
Aces are usually treated separately. Common rules include:
- Each split ace receives only one additional card, and you cannot hit further.
- Resplitting aces is often not permitted, even if the table allows resplitting other pairs.
- A ten-value card dealt on a split ace is often counted as 21 but not as a natural, so it is paid at even money instead of the natural payout.
Some tables are more generous, allowing resplit aces or additional cards. These details can matter because they apply to what is generally one of the stronger starting pairs.
Doubling after a split
Many tables allow you to double down on a hand created by splitting. This is often written as DAS on strategy charts. Where it is not allowed, a split hand must be played by hitting or standing only. Allowing doubling after a split is generally favourable to the player, while forbidding it is not.
How the rules change the odds
Each permission tends to help the player a little, and each restriction tends to help the casino. Allowing more resplits, for instance, usually reduces the house edge by a small amount compared with restricting them, though the effect of each is modest, especially next to something like the natural payout. Because the result depends on the combination of rules, a table that is generous on one point can be strict on another. The effects-of-rules comparison on this site lists rule effect values for these differences.
Basic strategy also depends on these rules. A chart written for a table that allows doubling after a split will recommend splitting some pairs that a chart for a no-DAS table would not. Use a chart that matches your table, and expect minor adjustments.
Where to find the rules
- Some felts print a short note such as “Split up to 4 hands” or “Aces split once”.
- A sign at the table sometimes lists additional details.
- The dealer or a floor supervisor can usually confirm anything not printed.
- Online games usually list the rules in a help or information screen.
A caution
More favourable splitting rules lower the house edge, but they do not remove it. Splitting also puts more of your money in play at the same time, which can speed up losses as well as wins. Decide how much you can afford before the session begins, avoid using splits to chase losses, and if gambling is causing you stress, contact a local support service.