Blackjack Push: What Does Push Mean & How Does it Work?
Ever sat at a blackjack table or played online and noticed the word “push” pop up, not quite sure what it means? Whether you’re brand new to cards or only play at family get-togethers, the term can seem a little confusing at first.
Blackjack has its own language, and “push” is a simple word that carries a very specific meaning in the game. If you’re curious about what happens when a push occurs and how it might affect what’s going on at the table, you’re in the right place.
Stick around as we break down exactly what a push is in blackjack, how it works, and why it could matter for anyone considering a flutter at the tables.
What Does Push Mean in Blackjack?
A push in blackjack happens if you and the dealer both end up with the same total at the end of a hand. This usually means your cards add up to the same value as the dealer’s, like when you both have 19 or both finish with 21.
In this situation, neither side wins or loses. When a push happens, your original stake is returned to you. For example, if you put £10 on a hand and there’s a push, you get your £10 back. You do not gain or lose money on that round.
Push results are a normal part of blackjack and can occur in both straight games and side bet scenarios. Rules can vary slightly between tables and game providers, so if you are playing somewhere new, it might help to skim the game details first.
If you do decide to try your hand at blackjack, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Does a Push Work in a Blackjack Hand?
A push comes into play at the end of a hand, when it is time to compare card totals. If you and the dealer both have the same total, say you both end up with 18, this is classed as a push.
In a push, your stake is not lost, but it also is not paid out as a win. If you bet £20 and your hand pushes, you get your £20 stake straight back. The round ends for you and your betting options open up again for the next hand.
No extra money is taken from, or added to, your balance during a push. It is a draw between you and the dealer, so you simply retain your original amount. Some tables or variants handle side elements differently, but the main wager is settled as neither a win nor a loss.
When Does a Push Happen at the Blackjack Table?
A push occurs if your final hand matches the dealer’s total exactly. For example, if you have a total of 17 and the dealer also ends up with 17, that is a push. This can happen with any matching hand value, not just 21.
Pushes are checked after all cards have been dealt and both you and the dealer finish taking your actions. If you both reach the same number, neither side wins or loses that round. Your original stake is then returned.
There are times when other outcomes are possible, such as if you go over 21, which is called a bust. In that situation, a push is not possible because the round is already finished for you. Most online and live games clearly show when a push has happened, and the info section usually explains any rule variations.
What Happens to Side Bets When There’s a Push?
Side bets in blackjack are extra wagers that sit alongside your main hand. These could be things like betting on whether your first two cards form a pair, or whether your cards and the dealer’s up card meet a specific condition. These bets are settled separately from the main result.
If your main hand ends in a push, it does not automatically affect side bets. Side bets follow their own rules. For example, if your main bet pushes but your side bet lands two cards of the same value, you would still be paid on that side bet. If the side bet conditions are not met, it is settled as a loss, even if your main hand is pushed.
Is a Push the Same as a Tie in Blackjack?
In blackjack, the word “push” is another way of saying “tie.” If you hear either term at a blackjack table, it refers to you and the dealer finishing with hands of equal value.
For example, if you both end the round with 20, there is no winner or loser for that round. Your original bet is simply returned to you. Some games use “draw” instead, but the outcome is the same.
Can a Push Affect Your Overall Blackjack Strategy?
Pushes occur during regular play and are treated as neutral outcomes on your main hand. Because your stake is returned, your balance neither increases nor decreases for that bet. Over time, this slightly affects the pace at which your chips move, but it does not shift the fundamentals of how blackjack is played.
Whether you follow basic strategy, use flat stakes, or prefer another approach, a push typically means you continue with the same balance you started the hand with. In the maths that sits behind blackjack, pushes are factored in as neutral events. Typical house edges, often around 0.5% to 1% depending on the exact rules and strategy in play, already include the effect of pushes.
Explore Blackjack Games Online at Red Casino
Red Casino has a range of online blackjack games for UK players. You can try classic tables, explore variations with side bets or simply get familiar with the rhythm of live and digital formats. Each game is easy to access, with clear rules and on-screen guides so you can get comfortable before choosing your stake.
All blackjack options at Red Casino are available on a secure, licensed site that follows strict standards for fairness, transparency and player safety. You will also find helpful account tools such as deposit limits and time-outs to keep play in check.
Take a moment to browse the library, compare table limits and find a version that suits how you like to play. If you are ready to get started, join Red Casino and take your seat at a blackjack table today, knowing exactly what a push means if it appears.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
