A hard fork occurs when a blockchain deviates into different chains that operate under different rules than the existing chains. A hard fork typically requires users to choose between continuing an existing chain or starting a new one.

This was true for Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash, and thus for Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin SV. When the Bitcoin Cash fork was created, Bitcoin holders received one “free” BCH (Bitcoin Cash) for each BTC (Bitcoin) they owned. However, not every fork results in "free coins" for cryptocurrency owners.

Learn more about <blockchain forks> and the two types that exist.