What is a Push in Blackjack? The Basics
In the game of blackjack, the primary goal is to beat the dealer. But what happens when you don’t win, but you also don’t lose? This scenario is called a push, and it’s a fundamental rule every player must understand. Simply put, a push is a tie between the player and the dealer.
Imagine this: you’re dealt a hand totaling 19. You stand, feeling confident. The dealer then plays out their hand and also ends with a total of 19. This is a classic push. The outcome is neutral; your original bet is returned to you, and the game moves on to the next hand. No money is won or lost. It’s essentially a do-over.
Key Blackjack Rule Variations Explained
While the standard push is straightforward, modern blackjack has introduced variations that can dramatically alter the game’s outcome and the house edge. Understanding these differences is crucial before you place your first bet.
The Standard Push: When Your Hand Ties the Dealer
This is the most common rule found in Classic Blackjack. A push occurs when your final hand total is equal to the dealer’s, for any score between 17 and 21.
- If you have 20 and the dealer has 20, it’s a push.
- If you have 18 and the dealer has 18, it’s a push.
- If you both get a natural blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card), it’s also a push.
Crucial Note: A player’s natural blackjack almost always beats a dealer’s 21 that was made with three or more cards. For example, if you have Ace-King and the dealer has 7-7-7, you win! This is not a push.
The “Push 22” Rule: A Modern Twist
This is a significant rule change found in popular variations like Free Bet Blackjack and Blackjack Switch. It works entirely in the casino’s favor and is something you must be aware of.
Here’s how it works: If the dealer busts with a hand total of exactly 22, any player hands that haven’t already busted result in a push. In a standard game, a dealer bust means all remaining players win. With the Push 22 rule, you simply get your bet back. This single rule adds approximately 1.39% to the house edge, which is a massive jump.
Blackjack Dealer Rules: How They Lead to a Push
It’s a common misconception that dealer rules are “push rules.” In reality, they are fixed procedures that determine the dealer’s final hand. A push is simply a result of that hand matching yours. Dealers do not make decisions; they follow a strict script.
- Hit on 16 or less: The dealer must always take another card if their total is 16 or lower.
- Stand on 17 or more: The dealer must always stop taking cards on any total of 17 or higher.
- H17 vs. S17: Look for tables marked “H17” (Hit on Soft 17) or “S17” (Stand on Soft 17). S17 rules are slightly more favorable to the player.
Blackjack Insurance Rules: A Side Bet, Not a Push
When the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, you’ll be offered “insurance.” This is often misunderstood as a way to protect your hand from a dealer blackjack. In reality, it’s a separate side bet with very poor odds.
- The Offer: You can wager half your original bet that the dealer’s face-down card is a 10.
- The Payout: If the dealer has blackjack, the insurance bet pays 2:1. Your original bet is lost.
- The Verdict: Basic strategy players should never take insurance. The house edge on this bet is around 7.4%. The odds of the dealer having a 10 are only about 30.8%, but a 2:1 payout requires odds of 33.3% just to break even.
Quick Facts: Blackjack Rules & Odds
Understanding the numbers behind the game is the first step to playing smarter. This table breaks down the essential odds and player impact for a standard game.
| Feature | Details | Player Impact |
|---|---|---|
| House Edge (Std.) | ~0.5% (with Basic Strategy) | Very Favorable |
| RTP (Std.) | ~99.5% | Very High |
| House Edge (Push 22) | Increases by ~1.39% | Unfavorable |
| Blackjack Payout | 3:2 (Good) or 6:5 (Bad) | Critical |
| Insurance Edge | ~7.4% | Very Unfavorable |
| Probability of a Push | ~8.5% | Neutral Outcome |
How to Play Blackjack: A Step-by-Step Guide
New to the game? Follow these simple steps to get started on your first hand.
- Place Your Bet: Before any cards are dealt, place your chips in the betting circle in front of you. Be mindful of the table’s minimum and maximum bet limits.
- Cards Are Dealt: You and the dealer will each receive two cards. Your cards are usually face up, while the dealer will have one card face up (the upcard) and one face down.
- Make Your Decision: Based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard, you choose your action: Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split, or Surrender (if available).
- The Dealer Plays: Once all players have completed their turns, the dealer reveals their face-down card and must hit or stand according to the fixed table rules.
- Payouts Are Made: If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, or if the dealer busts, you win. If your hand ties the dealer, it’s a push. If you bust or your hand is lower than the dealer’s, you lose your bet.
Blackjack Push Strategy: How to Approach a Tie
There is no secret strategy to cause a push. Your goal should always be to play each hand in the most mathematically profitable way. A push is simply a neutral consequence of correct play. Here is the only “push strategy” you need:
- Follow Basic Strategy Perfectly: This is non-negotiable. A basic strategy chart tells you the optimal play for every possible hand combination. Following it minimizes the house edge and maximizes your chances of winning. A push is an acceptable secondary outcome.
- Know Your Table Rules: Before playing, confirm if it’s a “Push 22” game or has other unusual rules. This can slightly alter basic strategy decisions.
- Always Reject Insurance: As we’ve covered, this is a losing proposition long-term. Don’t let the fear of a dealer blackjack tempt you into a bad bet.
- Accept the Push as a Reset: View a push as a “no-decision.” You didn’t lose, you didn’t win. It’s a chance to reset and apply perfect strategy to the very next hand without any loss to your bankroll.
Payouts and Betting Options
Knowing your options and what they pay is essential. Here are two tables summarizing the core actions and outcomes in blackjack.
Standard Payouts
| Outcome | Payout | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Player Win | 1:1 | You win an amount equal to what you bet. |
| Player Blackjack | 3:2 or 6:5 | The best outcome. A 3:2 table is far superior. |
| Push / Tie | Bet Returned | No money is won or lost on the hand. |
| Insurance Win | 2:1 | Paid only on the separate insurance wager. |
Player Betting Actions
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Hit | Take another card to improve your hand. |
| Stand | Keep your current hand and end your turn. |
| Double Down | Double your initial bet in exchange for one final card. |
| Split | If dealt a pair, you can split them into two separate hands. |
| Surrender | If offered, you can forfeit your hand and lose half your bet. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned players can fall into bad habits. Avoiding these common errors will protect your bankroll and improve your results.
- Playing at 6:5 Tables: This is the biggest mistake. A 6:5 payout for blackjack instead of 3:2 increases the house edge by nearly 1.4%. Always seek out 3:2 games.
- Splitting 10s: A hand of 20 is a winner over 90% of the time. Splitting it turns one great hand into two potentially weaker ones.
- Not Doubling on 11: You should always double down with a hand of 11, unless the dealer is showing an Ace.
- Ignoring the Dealer’s Upcard: Your strategy must change based on what the dealer is showing. A hard 16 against a dealer’s 6 is a stand, but against a 7 it is a hit.
- Taking Insurance: It bears repeating—this is a high-risk side bet that basic strategy advises against.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are quick answers to the most common questions about the push in blackjack.
What is a push in blackjack?
A push is a tie. It happens when both the player and the dealer have the same hand total (from 17 to 21). When a push occurs, the player’s original bet is returned. No money changes hands.
Does a dealer win on a push?
No. In a push, neither the dealer nor the player wins. It is a stalemate. The house does not collect the bet, and the player does not receive any winnings.
What is a 22 push in blackjack?
This is a specific, less common rule. In games with a “Push 22” rule, if the dealer busts with a total of exactly 22, all active player hands result in a push. This is unfavorable for the player, as a dealer bust would normally be a win.
What is a $4 push at a casino?
This simply describes the result of a hand where the bet was $4. The amount is irrelevant to the rule. A “$4 push” means the player who bet $4 on the hand tied with the dealer and had their $4 in chips returned to them.
What is the 777 rule in blackjack?
The 777 rule is not a standard part of blackjack but a common bonus or side bet. It offers a premium payout if a player’s hand consists of three sevens (totaling 21). Payouts vary, and some casinos even offer progressive jackpots for three sevens of the same suit.
Remember to always gamble responsibly. Set limits for yourself, never chase losses, and ensure you are playing for fun. If you feel you may have a gambling problem, please seek help from a professional organization.
