Push

A push in blackjack is one of the most straightforward terms, but it’s often misunderstood by beginners. A push occurs when both the player and the dealer end up with hands of equal value, usually totaling between 17 and 21. When this happens, the round is a tie: you don’t win, but you also don’t lose your bet. Your original wager is returned, and the hand is essentially a draw.

In an online casino, understanding pushes is an important part of blackjack strategy, as it helps players manage their bankroll and set realistic expectations. Unlike many casino games where a tie results in a loss, blackjack pushes are fair, they don’t favor the house, but they don’t benefit the player either, simply stalling the outcome.

Key Details of the Push in Blackjack

A push occurs when your hand value equals the dealer’s at the end of the round. The game treats it as a tie, returning your original bet without additional winnings.

A push pays 1:1 — meaning you get your original bet back, but no profit.
The house edge isn’t affected by a push directly, but frequent pushes can blunt your win streaks.
Pushes are most common with totals like 18, 19, 20, or even blackjack (21), especially when the dealer also hits those values.
Blackjack pushes are frustrating when you hit 21 but the dealer does too — in most games, that still results in a push unless your blackjack is a natural (Ace + 10) and theirs isn’t.

How to Bet the Push in Blackjack

You don’t actively bet on a push. A push is a result, not a wager. You place your normal bet, and if the dealer’s hand matches yours in total value, the game results in a push. You neither win nor lose; your original stake is simply returned to you.

How Does the Push Work?

Here’s how a push works in practice:

You’re dealt a hand totaling 20.
The dealer reveals a hand also totaling 20.
Because both totals are equal and under or equal to 21, it’s a push.
Your bet stays on the table (or is returned to your balance, depending on the casino software).
The next hand begins — you haven’t lost anything, but you haven’t gained anything either.

Examples of the Push in Action

Example 1:

Your Hand: Queen + King = 20
Dealer’s Hand: 10 + Queen = 20
Outcome: Push
Your $50 bet is returned to you. No profit, no loss.

Example 2:

Your Hand: Ace + 10 = Blackjack
Dealer’s Hand: Ace + 10 = Blackjack
Outcome: Push
Even though both are blackjacks, you do not win. Your $100 stake is returned.

Tips for Managing Pushes in Blackjack

While you can’t control when a push happens, there are ways to be prepared:

Play solid basic strategy: A correct approach will reduce how often you tie with the dealer on hands you could have won with better decisions.
Don’t chase losses after a push: It’s not a loss — your bankroll hasn’t changed.
Use it to reassess your position: Pushes can be a chance to slow the pace and think ahead to the next hand.
Recognize game types with higher push rates: Games like single-deck blackjack may lead to more pushes depending on rule variants.