What happens when you split
When the first two cards are eligible as a pair, the player adds a wager equal to the original and receives a new card on each separated hand. The hands are then completed independently, subject to table limits.
Some casinos allow any two ten-value cards to split; others require identical ranks. Strategy almost never recommends splitting tens in ordinary blackjack, but the eligibility wording still matters for unusual variants and promotions.
The durable pair principles
Aces are split because two starting aces are difficult to play efficiently as soft 12, while each separated ace has a strong chance to receive a ten-value card. Eights are split because hard 16 is a poor starting position, even though creating two larger wagers can increase short-term swings.
Tens normally remain a strong standing 20. Fives are normally played as hard 10 rather than split because doubling or hitting keeps their combined value. The middle pairs are more rule- and upcard-sensitive.
DAS changes the boundary
Double after split increases the value of splitting pairs that can form good doubling totals. Without DAS, common multi-deck charts become more conservative with pairs such as 2s, 3s, 4s, and 6s in several dealer-upcard positions.
Do not copy a pair chart without checking its DAS assumption. The site’s interactive chart includes a separate DAS/NDAS control for that reason.
Split aces are special
Many games deal only one additional card to each split ace and do not permit further hits. A ten dealt to a split ace usually counts as 21, not a natural blackjack, and ordinarily pays 1:1 rather than 3:2.
RSA can allow aces to be split again when another ace arrives. Hitting split aces, multiple-card draws, or a bonus payout are favorable but uncommon rules that require their own strategy treatment.
Rules to record
- Maximum number of hands
- Whether non-identical ten-value cards may split
- DAS or NDAS
- Whether aces may be resplit
- Whether split aces receive one card only
- Whether 21 after a split is treated as an ordinary win
- Dealer-blackjack treatment of added wagers
General pair principles do not replace an exact chart. Pair decisions change with decks, DAS, surrender, dealer procedure, and other rules. Last reviewed September 20, 2026.