Splitting pairs

(1) Where the initial two cards to a player are identical in value, the player may elect to split the hand into two separate hands provided that he makes a wager on the second hand so formed in an amount equal to his original wager. (2) Where a player splits pairs, the dealer shall deal a second card to the first of the hands so formed and shall complete the players’ decisions with respect to that hand before proceeding to deal any cards to the second hand. (3) After a second card is dealt to a split pair, the dealer shall announce the point total of such hand and the player shall indicate his decision to stand, draw or double down with respect thereto except that– (i) a player splitting aces shall only have one card dealt to each ace and may not elect to receive additional cards; (ii) a player may not split pairs again if the second card dealt is identical in value to a card of the split pair. (4) Where a dealer obtains blackjack after a player splits pairs, the dealer shall only collect the amount of the original wager of each player and shall not collect the additional amount wagered in splitting pairs.