Split
Dividing a pair in blackjack into two separate hands, each with its own bet.
When you're dealt a pair in blackjack, you can split them into two separate hands by placing a second bet equal to your original. Each card becomes the first card of a new hand, and you play each hand independently.
Basic strategy has clear rules for splitting: always split Aces and 8s, never split 10s or 5s. Other pairs depend on the dealer's upcard. Splitting is one of the key ways to reduce the house edge.
Some casinos allow re-splitting (splitting again if you receive another pair) and some restrict what you can do after splitting Aces (usually only one card). House rules on splitting affect the overall house edge.
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