If you’ve ever sat down at a blackjack table, you might have wondered what happens if both you and the dealer start with blackjack. It is not an everyday sight, but it does pop up often enough to be worth understanding. The odds of receiving a blackjack on the initial deal are about 4.8% per hand.
Newer players sometimes find the outcome a bit unclear, especially online where the result appears instantly. The good news is that the principle is simple once you know it.
In Britain, casino games follow clear rules that are designed for fairness, so once you learn how this outcome works, you can read the table with more confidence. Read on to learn more.
Understanding A Blackjack Tie From The Start
In blackjack, a tie is called a push. That is when your hand and the dealer’s hand finish with the same value. When both hands start as blackjack, you each have an ace and a ten-value card in the first two cards.
In standard games, a push means your stake is returned and the round ends with no win or loss. Some games may use slightly different wording on screen, such as tie, but the effect is the same. Online, the rules for each table are usually shown in the game info, so it is easy to check how ties are handled if you want a quick refresher.
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 If The Player And Dealer Both Get Blackjack?
When both hands are dealt blackjack at the start, the round is treated as a push. Your original bet goes back to you, and there is no payout for either side. It can feel strange because blackjack is the strongest starting hand, but with both hands identical, there is no advantage to settle.
The result is usually displayed on the table or screen, then the game moves on to the next round. There is nothing extra to claim or decide, since no further action is needed once a push has been declared.
Is It Always A Push When Both Have Blackjack?
In regular UK games, a tie on blackjack is almost always a push. That consistency helps keep the game easy to follow. The only times you might see something different are in specific variants that introduce optional side bets or bonus features. Those features have their own rules and can settle independently of the main hand.
Because online lobbies can include several versions of blackjack, it is worth glancing at the rules tab for a new table. It confirms how that version treats ties and whether any extras are in play, so there are no surprises.
How Are Bets Settled When Both Have Blackjack?
In a push, your stake is returned to your balance and the hand ends. At a physical table, the dealer will leave your chips in place or return them to you. Online, you will see a message such as Push and your balance will update to reflect the returned stake. The round then resets for the next deal.
A common point of confusion is insurance. If the dealer shows an ace and offers insurance, the main hand and the insurance bet are settled separately:
- If both you and the dealer have blackjack, the main hand pushes. The insurance bet, if taken, usually pays because the dealer had blackjack, then the table moves on.
- If only the dealer has blackjack, the main hand loses and the insurance bet pays according to the insurance payout stated in the rules.
You do not need to take any extra steps. The game handles each part according to the table rules, and the on-screen log or chip movements make the outcome clear.
Do Blackjack Payout Rules Change In This Situation?
The standard blackjack payout, such as 3:2, applies when the player wins with blackjack. It does not apply when both sides have blackjack. In a push, there is no payout at all on the main hand because there is no win to pay.
If you are playing a table that uses a different blackjack payout, for example 6:5, the same principle holds. The ratio only matters on a winning hand. Side bets, if offered, are separate and will pay or lose under their own rules, regardless of the push on the main hand.
Play Casino Games Online
At Clover Casino, you will find tables and slots with straightforward game info, so you can see how each title works before you consider playing.
Everything on site is licensed and operated under UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regulations, and the rules for each game are easy to find. If you are curious, feel free to browse the lobby, open a game’s info panel, and get a feel for the features that suit you.
Our support team is here to help with any questions, and account tools such as deposit limits are available if you want them. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
*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.
**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.