Blackjack Push Rules Explained – What Happens in a Tie?

A blackjack push occurs when both the player and the dealer finish a round with the same hand value. It doesn’t matter how each hand is made up—if the totals match, it’s a tie.

Here’s what happens in a push:

• Your original bet is returned.
• The round is recorded as neither a win nor a loss.
• The game moves into the next round.

Pushes are part of the standard rules at most blackjack casinos. However, be cautious when playing online—some variants give the house the win in push scenarios. Avoid those games, as they increase the house edge unfairly.

Understanding a Push in Blackjack – Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s look at a typical blackjack push situation under standard rules:

1. Place your bet to start the round.
2. The dealer and player each receive two cards.
3. You draw a 7 and a Queen, giving you 17.
4. The dealer reveals 17, matching your hand.
5. Since both totals are equal, the round results in a push.

Even if one of the 21s is a natural blackjack and the other is made with multiple cards, it’s still a tie—unless your 21 is natural and the dealer’s is not. In that case, you win.

Blackjack Push Probabilities and Strategy Tips

The odds of a push in blackjack vary depending on the hand:

• Push with 21: 2.3%
• Push with 20: 2.5%
• Push with 19: 1.5%
• Push with 18: 0.7%
• Push with 17: 0.5%
• Two naturals (blackjacks): 0.23%

The most common push occurs when both player and dealer land a total of 20.

Several factors affect push probabilities:

• Number of decks: Fewer decks slightly raise push odds.
• Dealer hitting on soft 17: This increases chances of ties.
• Using basic strategy: Knowing when to hit or stand can reduce your odds of pushing.

Push on 21 vs Push on 22 – What’s the Difference?

There’s a big difference between a push on 21 and a push on 22.

• Push on 21: You and the dealer both hit 21, resulting in a tie.
• Push on 22: Found in games like Free Bet Blackjack, this rule says that if the dealer busts with 22, it’s a push—not a win for you.

Push-on-22 rules are bad for players and can raise the house edge by over 6.9%. Always check the game’s rules before you play.

How to Handle a Blackjack Push – Practical Tips

Pushes are unavoidable, but you can manage them with smart decisions:

• Avoid unnecessary risks: If you’re close to 21, don’t always hit—aim to keep your bet safe.
• Control your bankroll: A push means your money stays intact, so don’t treat it like a win.
• Be mindful of the cards: Even without counting cards, paying attention to what’s been played can help you predict push chances.

The more you understand push dynamics, the better you’ll manage your bets and avoid losing rounds where you should be breaking even.