What Is Push In Blackjack?

If you’ve ever sat down for a game of blackjack, you might have heard the term “push” pop up during play. But what does it actually mean?

In this blog post, we’ll explain what a push is and why it matters in blackjack. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or someone looking to brush up on your knowledge, the information here can hopefully help you approach this topic with confidence in the future.

What Is a Push In Blackjack?

In blackjack, a “push” happens when both the player and the dealer end up with the same hand value. This means neither party wins or loses the round.

Imagine a player has a hand totalling 18, and the dealer also finishes with 18. Since both totals are the same, the round results in a push.

When a push occurs, the player’s original bet is returned to them. It’s like the round never happened in terms of a player’s balance. The player neither gains nor loses money from their wager.

If you choose to play, getting to grips with what a push means may be useful, as it may help you make sense of the flow of the game. Understanding this may help you anticipate possible outcomes during the game.

Push In Blackjack Example

Let’s take a closer look at how a push might play out in a game of blackjack.

Imagine a player is sitting at the table with a starting hand of a 10 and an 8, giving them a total of 18. They decide to stick with this hand.

The dealer reveals their cards: they have a 7 and a 9 showing and then draw another card, which ends up being a 2, resulting in a total hand value of 18.

In this situation, both the player and the dealer have the same hand value. This means it’s a push. Since neither side has a higher total, the player’s bet is returned to them.

It’s important to remember that during a push, the player does not win any additional money. Their initial bet simply goes back to them as if the round did not change their balance.

Knowing this may help keep gameplay clear, allowing a player to focus on their next move at the table.

What Happens When a Push Occurs?

When a push occurs in a game of blackjack, it means that both the player and the dealer have ended the round with the same hand value. This results in a tie between the player and the dealer.

In this situation, the player’s initial bet is returned to them. There are no changes to their balance because they neither win nor lose any money.

A push is essentially seen as a draw, so the round has no impact on a player’s balance.

After a push, the game proceeds to the next round. A player may choose to place a new bet and continue playing, knowing that the previous round didn’t affect their chips.

What Does Push 22 Mean?

“Push 22” is a specific rule you might come across in certain variations of blackjack. If you choose to play, it may be beneficial to know what it means before you enter a game.

In these variations, if the dealer’s hand totals 22, the round ends in a push for all players who haven’t busted. This is the case even if a player’s hand value is less than 22. Normally, a dealer hand over 21 would be a bust, but with “Push 22,” it’s treated differently.

This rule is generally included in games to offer an additional twist and might affect the usual payout structure.

Understanding “Push 22” may change how a player might approach their strategy during the game. Knowing this rule may help a player make more informed decisions while playing.

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*The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.