In blackjack, the term “push” refers to a situation where the player and the dealer end up with hands of the same value. When a push occurs, neither the player nor the dealer wins or loses, and the player’s bet is returned to them.
A push can occur in any blackjack game; whether it’s played in a land-based casino or online. It can happen at any point during the game; after the initial deal or after additional cards have been drawn.
To understand how a push works, it’s important to understand the basics of blackjack. In the game, the player and the dealer are both dealt two cards, with the player’s cards being dealt face up and the dealer’s cards being dealt face down. The objective of the game is to have a hand that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21.
If the player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, or if the dealer busts (i.e., goes over 21), then the player wins the hand and receives a payout. If the dealer’s hand is closer to 21 than the player’s hand, or if the player busts, then the dealer wins the hand and the player loses their bet.
However, if the player and the dealer both have hands of the same value (i.e., a push), then the hand is considered a tie and the player’s bet is returned to them. This means that the player neither wins nor loses, and the game continues with the next hand.
While a push may seem like a disappointment for the player, it’s actually a favorable outcome compared to losing the hand. When a push occurs, the player gets their original bet back, which means that they have the opportunity to win on the next hand.
It’s important to note that different blackjack games may have different rules regarding pushes. For example, some games may allow the dealer to win ties, while others may require the player to win by a certain margin in order to avoid a push.
Additionally, some blackjack games may offer the option of a “push 22” bet. In these games, if the player and the dealer both have hands of the same value and the dealer’s hand is a 22, then the player wins the bet. This is a unique variation that can add an extra level of excitement to the game.
Overall, a push is a common occurrence in blackjack, and it’s important for players to understand how it works. While it may not result in a win for the player, it’s still a preferable outcome to losing the hand, and it gives the player the opportunity to try again on the next hand. By understanding the rules of a particular blackjack game and knowing how to make strategic decisions, players can increase their chances of winning and minimize the risk of losing to a push.
