Most blackjack hands end with either the player or the dealer winning. Occasionally, however, neither side comes out ahead. When both the player and the dealer finish with hands of equal value, the result is known as a push. Instead of winning or losing, the player's original wager is simply returned.
Pushes are a normal part of blackjack and occur in both land-based and online casinos. Although they may feel less exciting than a win, understanding how pushes work is an important part of learning the game. At Gambling Zone, we explain what a blackjack push is, when it occurs, and how it affects the outcome of a hand.
What Is a Push in Blackjack?
A push occurs when the player and the dealer finish the hand with the same total without either side busting. Since neither hand is stronger, the result is considered a tie.
When a push happens, the casino returns the player's original stake, and the hand ends without either party winning or losing money. No additional payout is awarded, but no loss is recorded either.
This rule applies regardless of whether the game is played in a traditional casino, online, or through a live dealer platform.
When Does a Push Happen?
A push can occur in several different situations, provided both the player and dealer finish with matching hand values.
Some common examples include:
- Both the player and dealer finish with 18.
- Both finish with 20.
- Both have 17 after drawing additional cards.
- Both receive a natural blackjack, depending on the table rules.
In each of these situations, the result is a tie, and the player's wager is returned rather than paid out or collected by the casino.
What Happens to Your Bet?
What Happens to Your Bet
Unlike a winning hand, a push does not generate any profit. Instead, the original wager is simply returned to the player once the hand has concluded.
This means:
- You do not lose your stake.
- You do not receive any winnings.
- The hand is treated as a tie before the next round begins.
Many players view a push as a neutral outcome because it allows them to continue playing without reducing their bankroll.
Does a Push Affect Basic Strategy?
Basic blackjack strategy is based on making the mathematically best decision for every possible situation. Although a push is one possible outcome, players should not alter their strategy simply to avoid tied hands.
The objective of basic strategy is to maximise long-term expected value rather than focusing on the result of any single hand. Sometimes the correct mathematical decision will still lead to a push, just as it may occasionally result in a loss despite being the best available play.
Understanding this helps players focus on sound decision-making instead of short-term outcomes.
Do All Blackjack Games Use the Same Push Rules?
The rules surrounding pushes are generally consistent across most blackjack variants, but casinos may differ in how they handle specific situations involving natural blackjacks or side bets.
Players should always review the game rules before joining a table, particularly when playing new blackjack variations. While the standard treatment of tied hands rarely changes, other rule differences may influence payouts or optional wagers.
Reading the table rules can help players better understand how each blackjack variant operates.
A Push Is Simply Part of the Game
A Push Is Simply Part of the Game
Pushes are a normal outcome in blackjack and occur whenever neither the player nor the dealer has a stronger hand. Although they do not produce a profit, they also prevent players from losing their original wager, making them a neutral result rather than a setback.
Understanding how pushes work helps beginners follow the flow of the game more confidently and avoid confusion when tied hands occur. Alongside concepts such as basic strategy and the house edge, learning about pushes forms part of building a solid understanding of blackjack. Gambling Zone continues to provide clear, impartial casino guides that explain the rules and terminology behind one of the world's most popular table games.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a push in blackjack?
A push is a tied hand where both the player and dealer finish with the same total, resulting in the player's original bet being returned.
Do I lose money if there is a push?
No. During a push, your original wager is returned, so you neither win nor lose the hand.
Can both the player and dealer have blackjack?
Yes. If both receive a natural blackjack under the game's rules, the hand is usually declared a push and the player's stake is returned.
Are pushes common in blackjack?
Yes. Pushes occur regularly whenever the player and dealer finish with identical hand values, making them a normal part of blackjack gameplay.
