Ever sat at a blackjack table or played online and heard the term “push” but weren’t quite sure what it meant? You’re not alone, this is a question many people ask when they first try the game.
Different terms like “push” can make blackjack seem a bit confusing, especially if you’re new. Knowing what these terms mean could help you feel more at ease during any future play.
Game rules can vary a little from one casino to the next, so it might be useful to understand the basics. This article breaks down exactly what a push bet means in blackjack. Read on to learn more.
How Does a Push Occur in Blackjack?
A push in blackjack happens when your final hand total is exactly the same as the dealer’s once all cards are revealed. If you both finish on 18, for example, that round is a push. No one wins, no one loses.
Your original stake is returned to you. It is not paid out as a win and it is not collected by the house, which is why a push sits apart from the usual win-or-lose results.
It can occur with any total, not just higher numbers. It also applies in common situations such as both player and dealer having blackjack with their first two cards. If the dealer has blackjack and you have 21 using more than two cards, that is not a push in most games, since a dealer blackjack ranks higher than a non-blackjack 21.
Side bets, such as insurance, are separate. They are settled on their own terms and are not made even by a push on the main hand. 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.
What Happens to Your Bet During a Push?
If a hand pushes, your stake on that hand is simply returned. Your balance ends up exactly where it was before the round started, with no gain and no loss.
Online, the result usually appears as “push” or “draw” on your screen, and your funds update automatically. At a live table, the dealer will leave your chips in place or move them back to you, then play moves on to the next round.
If you have played multiple hands after a split, each hand is treated on its own. A pushed hand returns that hand’s stake, while any other hands are settled as wins or losses. The same applies to doubled bets, where a push returns the full amount you put into that hand.
Is a Push the Same as a Tie in Blackjack?
In blackjack, “push” is the standard term for a tied result. Your total matches the dealer’s, the round ends, and your stake comes back to you.
You may see “draw” used in some game screens or help menus, especially online, but it describes the same outcome. Knowing the language used at the table helps everything feel more straightforward, particularly if you switch between different games or providers.
Can the Dealer Cause a Push?
Yes. A push is essentially a result shared between you and the dealer. If you have 20 and the dealer finishes on 20, the hand pushes. The same is true at any matching total, provided neither outcome is overruled by a specific house rule, such as the dealer’s blackjack ranking higher than a player’s 21 made with more than two cards.
The dealer’s decisions are fixed by the table rules. For instance, whether the dealer stands or hits on a soft 17 can change how often certain totals appear, which in turn affects how often you see a push. You do not need to track every detail, but being aware that the dealer follows a set pattern explains why pushes crop up when totals line up.
How Do Push Bets Differ in Online and Live Blackjack?
In online blackjack, the software resolves a push and returns your potential stake to your balance within seconds. You will usually see a clear on-screen notice before the next hand is offered.
At a live table, in a casino or in streamed live dealer games, the dealer handles the push in view. Chips are left in the betting spot or moved back, and the game continues at its usual pace. Many live dealer platforms also display the result on screen, so you can follow it easily.
Presentation can vary slightly between games, which is why the rules panel or paytable might be a useful quick read before you start. The underlying outcome is the same in both formats, your original stake is returned when totals match.
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**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.