To split a pair in blackjack simply means that when you receive any pair on your first two cards, you can split them into two separate hands. You then play each hand as individual hands. The important thing to know is which pairs should you split.
Knowing which pairs to split in blackjack can help turn a very weak hand such as 8-8 ( a weak 16) into two better hands of 8. Knowing when to split pairs in blackjack also allows you to double your money when you have an advantage against the house.
The charts below show you when to split your pairs. The first chart covers both single and multiple deck games. Note the two differences in the chart between a multiple deck game and single deck game.
Blackjack Splitting Pairs Chart
for
Single and Multiple Deck Tables
Splitting Pairs - Do Not Split 44, 55, 10's. Always split AA and 88.
Blackjack Splitting Pairs Chart
when
You Can Double Down After Splitting
Pairs are split more aggressively to take advantage of doubling situations that may come up because of a split. Do Not Split 55, 10's. Always split AA and 88.