What is a Push in Blackjack? Pushes and Ties Explained

Blackjack is a fun casino game with plenty of strategic considerations and outcomes. Those new to the game may be wondering “What does push mean in blackjack?” How does this affect your play in a casino?

This article will answer everything a player might want to know about a push and what it means for the player.

What does a Push Mean in Blackjack?

Close-up view of a blackjack table with a player's hand showing a King of hearts and a King of diamonds, with chips and the dealer's hand in the background, illustrating a game in progress.

A push is basically a tie in blackjack. This is when the dealer’s hand and the player’s had have the same value. This can be a common occurrence when playing at the tables – whether at a live casino or when playing at an online casino like Lucky Block – because players generally are trying to get as close to 21 without going over while also beating the dealer. In this situation, push in blackjack means you will keep your initial bet without losing anything.

When Does a Push Happen in Blackjack?

A push happens when a player and the dealer’s cards have the same value. For example, a player may be dealt 12 and draws a 6 after hitting. The dealer’s hand has a 10-value upcard and reveals an 8 underneath. The two hands have the same value, so this is a push.

An unfortunate moment for the player may be receiving a blackjack, with a hand like A-K, while the dealer may also have blackjack, such as A-Q. Under blackjack push rules, both have the same hand value so you won’t lose your initial bet.

How a Blackjack Push Affects Your Game

What does push mean in blackjack for your overall time at the tables? Here’s a look at a few concepts to answer that question.

Bet Returns

A push in blackjack is a term that means you won’t lose any chips but won’t win any chips. The dealer will usually tap the table in front of your chips and say “push” (because his hand is equal to your) when paying out winning bets and collecting losing bets.

Impact on Strategy

There are no major effects on blackjack strategy from a tie in blackjack. A push means you won’t win though with what might have been a strong hand. A push on a double down or favorable splits can be frustrating on some promising win opportunities. But players should continue following basic strategy for the best mathematical play and the best chance to win in the long run. This may also help avoid a push in a situation where you may have won.

Dealer Rules

If the dealer’s hand is the same as the player’s hand, this is a tie in blackjack and the dealer cannot collect your bet. Instead he will usually tap the table in front of your wager, indicating that the hand is a push and there is no win or loss on the wager.

Examples of a Push in Blackjack

Hands that push will be values that are higher when players try to get closer to 21. For example, a player wouldn’t push when doubling down on a hand like A-4 because the dealer must draw to at least 17.

Therefore a a push occurs with hands over 17. This could be your two cards against the dealer’s hand where he must draw to reach 17 or higher. A tie blackjack means you have the same value hand as the dealer

Strategies for Dealing with a Push in Blackjack

Blackjack table scene with multiple players holding cards, chips on the table, and a dealer in action, capturing the dynamic environment of a live casino game.

A push is a regular part of playing blackjack and happens about 8.5% of the time. One should expect to experience this aspect of the game at some point when playing. Here’s a look at a few strategy considerations.

Bankroll Management

This may not have a huge impact on your bankroll in blackjack. You won’t win any money on a blackjack push, but you also won’t lose any money. It’s important only to play with money that you can afford to lose, so always make use or responsible gaming practices. Don’t go over your limit and take a break when hitting a losing streak.

Adapting Your Strategy

There is no real strategy adjustment to make when experiencing a push. It is part of blackjack and the hand just happens to play out where your hand is equal to the dealer’s hand. When you play and count cards in blackjack, this may be frustrating at times when the count is heavy in your favor. Learn adn stick to basic strategy for the best chance to win in blackjack.

Psychological Impact

It’s important not to let a blackjack push affect your overall game. The great thing is that you didn’t lose any chips. While blackjack is a game with a low house edge, the casino still has an advantage and not losing money on any hand is always good. Try to simply move on and hopefully that next hand is a winner.

Conclusion

A blackjack tie with the dealer is known as a push and means the dealer’s hand is equal to the player’s hand. This is a normal part of the game found at values of 17 or higher as the dealer must at least draw to 17. The tie means a player doesn’t win any money, but also doesn’t lose any money.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my bet in a push?

You won’t lose any chips but also won’t win any. A push is a tie in blackjack.

Does a push mean I lose money?

No, your bet is returned, and you either play another hand at the same stakes, add to your bet, place a side bet, or remove your bet and leave the table.

How common is a push in blackjack?

A push is fairly common and occurs almost 8.5% of the hands you play. This can be a positive overall if you consider you won’t lose any chips in a game that already has a small house edge but in which casinos still have an advantage.

Can I avoid a push in blackjack?

Make sure you know and use basic strategy. Some players may draw cards when they should have stayed (or even doubled) and end up with a push instead of a possible win. Basic strategy gives you the best play to make against the dealer’s hand for the best chance to win in the long run – and avoid the occasional push sometimes.

What should I do after a push?

Just move on to the next hand and don’t let it frustrate you if this negated the chance to win with a solid hand. You can decide whether you want to continue at the same stakes (often a good idea or play at a higher level.