Playing blackjack for a period of time will inevitably lead to a blackjack tie, where both the player and the dealer have the same value. What happens, then? And what does mean blackjack push? Are the two questions correlated?
Whether you’re a fan of standard blackjack tables or other feature-heavy blackjack variants, it is important to know what happens in the case of a tie.
WHAT IS A PUSH IN BLACKJACK?
A ‘push‘ in blackjack happens when both the player and the dealer exact same point total; that is, the same hand value. In this case, neither the player nor the dealer wins the blackjack hand; therefore, the round is declared a tie.
For example, if both the dealer and the player hold a hand value of 20, the round would be considered a push, whereby neither the player nor the dealer is the winner of the round. The player’s bet is therefore returned to them.
Although such an eventuality is extremely rare, it can definitely happen when playing blackjack games — you might well be one of the few blackjack players it happens to!
HOW TO PLAY BLACKJACK USING BLACKJACK PUSH?
Playing blackjack using the push rule is the same as playing traditional blackjack, as the push rule only comes into effect when there is a tie between the player and the dealer; therefore, the basic rules apply.
Here are the basic steps to play blackjack with the push rule:
- Place your bet: To start, you need to place your initial bet on the blackjack table. You will receive your first two cards face up, while the dealer deals themselves two cards, one face up and one face down (hole card).
- Determine your hand value: Your hand value is the total of the point values of your cards. Cards 2 to 10 are worth their face value, while every face card (Jacks, Queens and Kings) is worth 10 points. Aces are worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value would be more advantageous for your hand.
- Choose whether to hit or stand: After receiving your first two cards, you have the option to either “hit” and receive another card or “stand” and keep your current hand. The objective is to get as close to 21 points as possible without going over.
- The dealer’s card facing down is revealed: After all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals their face-down card. In most games, the dealer hits until their hand value is at least 17 points, whereas the dealer stands if their value is higher than 17.
- Determine the winner: If you make a blackjack, you win — blackjack pays 3:2 in most games. If your hand value is higher than the dealer’s hand value and does not exceed 21, you win the hand and receive a payout equal to your initial wager. If the dealer’s hand value is higher than yours and does not exceed 21, you immediately lose your bet. If the dealer keeps hitting until they exceed 21, that means that the dealer busts, so you win. If both your and the dealer’s hand values are the same, it is a push, and the player’s wager is returned.
- The game continues with each player placing a new bet and receiving a new hand of cards. The game ends when the player decides to stop playing or runs out of chips.
Remember, the push rule only comes into effect when there is a tie between the player and the dealer. In all other situations, the regular rules of blackjack apply.
BLACKJACK RULES: PUSH
Here are some important rules to keep in mind regarding pushes in conventional blackjack:
- Pushes occur when both the player and the dealer have the same hand value, including when both have a natural blackjack (a two-card hand that adds up to 21).
- A push results in a tie or draw, and neither the player nor the dealer wins the hand.
- In the event of a push, the player’s original bet is returned to them, and the hand is considered over.
- A push does not affect the player’s running total of wins and losses, as the hand is considered neither a win nor a loss.
It’s important to understand the rules of blackjack, including the push rule, before playing the game. By understanding the rules, you can make informed decisions about when to hit, stand, split, or double down, which can increase your chances of winning.
BASIC STRATEGY FOR BLACKJACK PUSH
Is there a blackjack strategy that you can use to beat the dealer more frequently; therefore, upping your blackjack game? There definitely is. However, there isn’t anything you can do when a dealer pushes except for accepting the draw and moving on.
Here are some general pointers when playing a blackjack game or other casino games:
- Stick to basic strategy: Following basic blackjack strategy can help you make the best decisions for your initial hand in each situation, regardless of whether a push occurs. By making optimal decisions, you can improve your overall odds of winning.
- Avoid taking unnecessary risks: If you have a hand value close to 21 but are unsure if you should hit or stand, it may be tempting to take a risk. However, in the event of a push, taking unnecessary risks could cost you more in the long run. Stick to the basic strategy and make the most conservative decision.
- Manage your bankroll: In the event of a push, you’ll get your original wager back, but you won’t win anything. To ensure that you have enough money to keep playing, it’s important to manage your bankroll and avoid betting more than you can afford to lose.
- Keep track of the cards: Keeping track of the cards that have already been played can give you an idea of what cards are left in the deck. This is especially the case when playing a single-deck game — it is possible in a double-deck game as well, albeit slightly harder. This can help you make better decisions for your hand, especially when a push is possible.
Overall, by following basic strategy, avoiding unnecessary risks, managing your bankroll, and keeping track of the cards, you can increase your chances of winning in future hands.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PUSH 21 AND 22 IN BLACKJACK?
In blackjack, a push 21 and a push 22 are two different scenarios.
A push 21 occurs when both the dealer and the player have a hand value of 21. This can happen if the player has a natural blackjack (an ace and a ten-value card) and the dealer also has a natural blackjack, or if both the player and the dealer draw cards that add up to 21. In this case, the hand is considered a tie, and the player’s bet is returned to them.
A push 22, on the other hand, occurs when the dealer busts (goes over 21) with a total hand value of 22, and the player’s hand is still in play. This is a special rule that is sometimes used in certain blackjack variants, such as Spanish 21. In this scenario, the player’s hand must still be under 21 in order to push. If the player also busts, they lose their bet, regardless of the dealer’s cards.
In summary, a push 21 occurs when both the player and the dealer have a hand value of 21, while a push 22 occurs when the dealer busts with a hand value of 22, and the player’s hand is still in play and under 21.
BLACKJACK PUSH SIDE BET
Among the blackjack side bets, the blackjack side bet is one of the least common bets you can find. Although it cannot be found in most casinos, this side bet is sometimes enjoyed by some players who like to shake things up.
A push side bet is a separate wager that can be placed on the possibility of a push outcome occurring. The payout for this type of bet is typically higher than even money, but it varies depending on the casino and the specific rules of the game.
The push side bet is separate from the main blackjack round, and players can place it at the beginning of the hand. If both side’s hand result in a push, the player wins the push side bet. However, if either the player or the dealer wins the hand, the push side bet is lost.
WHAT IS THE PROBABILITY OF A PUSH IN BLACKJACK?
The probability of a push in blackjack depends on the rule variations of the game being played and the number of decks used in the shoe. Assuming a standard game with six decks of cards, the probability of a push is approximately 8.48%.
CONCLUSION
Although you aren’t likely to see a push in blackjack too often, it is good to know what happens in that case — the dealer pays your original wager back and a new round begins. Owing to its low likelihood of occurring, we wouldn’t recommend placing side bets on a push too often.
FAQ
✅ Can I play blackjack at LV BET Casino?
Yes, you can play blackjack along with several other casino games at LV BET. Apart from standard blackjack, you can also play live variants such as Free Bet Blackjack.
✅ How to win at push blackjack?
There is no quickfire way of winning blackjack hands. Your best bet is using strategy to make wiser decisions and extend your bankroll for as long as possible.
✅ How does the house edge affect push in blackjack?
The house edge in blackjack affects the probability of a push and can increase or decrease the likelihood of this outcome. The house edge represents the casino’s advantage over the player, and it varies depending on the specific rules of the game being played.
In general, the higher the house edge, the lower the probability of a push, since the game is designed to favour the casino. For example, if the dealer must hit on a soft 17, the house edge increases, making it less likely that the player will tie the dealer and result in fewer pushes.
✅ Is a blackjack push bet always returned?
In most blackjack games, a push bet is always returned to the player. A push occurs when the player and the dealer have the same point total (equal value), and neither wins or loses the hand.