Page "Blackjack" Paragraph 20

* Split ( only available as first decision of a hand ): If the first two cards have the same value, the player can split them into two hands, by moving a second bet equal to the first into an area outside the betting box of the original bet.

The dealer separates the two cards and draws a further card on each, placing one bet with each hand.

The player then plays out the two separate hands in turn, with some restrictions.

Occasionally, in the case of ten-valued cards, some casinos allow splitting only when the cards have the identical ranks ; for instance, a hand of T-T may be split, but not of T-K.

However, usually all ten-value cards are treated the same.

Doubling and further splitting of post-split hands may be restricted, and blackjacks after a split are counted as non-blackjack 21 when comparing against the dealer's hand.

Hitting split aces is usually not allowed.

Non-controlling players may follow the controlling player by putting down an additional bet, or decline to do so, instead associating their existing wager with one of the two post-split hands.

In that case they must choose which hand to play behind before the second cards are drawn.