Standoff

A standoff in blackjack—also known as a push—occurs when both the player and the dealer end up with the same hand total, typically without busting. The most common standoff is when both finish with 20 or 21, though it can happen with any equal total between 17 and 21. When this happens, your bet is returned to you, and the hand is considered a tie. You don’t win or lose anything on that wager.

Standoffs are important to understand because they help reduce losses over time. While you don’t gain anything from a push, you also don’t lose your stake, which can help stretch your bankroll in the long run.

Key Details of a Blackjack Standoff

A standoff doesn’t affect the game’s house edge directly, but knowing how it works is part of understanding optimal blackjack play. Here's what you need to know:

Occurs When: Player and dealer finish with the same total (e.g., both have 18)
Outcome: Player's original bet is returned, no win or loss
Payout: 1:1 (returned bet)
Effect on House Edge: Neutral, no change
Does Not Apply: If player busts, dealer wins regardless of their final total

How to Bet a Standoff in Blackjack

You don’t bet on a standoff, it’s not a wagerable outcome like some side bets in blackjack. Instead, a standoff is just a result that can occur during regular gameplay.

When you make your initial bet and play your hand, a standoff may happen naturally if you and the dealer end with the same total. You neither win nor lose. There’s no extra action needed on your part.

How Does a Standoff Work?

Let’s say you’re dealt a 10 and an 8, and the dealer’s upcard is a 7. You stand on 18. The dealer then draws another card and ends up with a total of 18 as well. This is a standoff.

At this point, the dealer will not collect your chips, nor will they pay out winnings. Instead, your bet is “pushed” back to you. The hand is over, and you start fresh with the next deal.

It’s worth noting that blackjack standoffs differ from other casino game ties. For example, in baccarat, a tie often pays out if you bet on it. In blackjack, it just means no result—purely neutral.

Examples of a Blackjack Standoff in Action

Example 1:

Your hand: A♠ + 9♦ = 20
Dealer’s hand: 10♥ + Q♠ = 20
Result: Standoff
Your $50 bet is returned, no gain or loss

Example 2:

Your hand: 10♥ + 6♥ + 2♣ = 18
Dealer shows 7♦, draws a K♠ = 17
You win – this is not a standoff
But if the dealer had drawn an Ace instead of the King (total 18), it would’ve been a standoff

Tips for Dealing with Standoffs

Don’t panic: A standoff isn’t a loss. It can feel frustrating, especially if you were hoping for a win, but it’s a neutral result.
Take it as a win (kind of): Compared to a loss, keeping your bet is a positive.
Standoffs help bankroll management: Particularly in long sessions, pushes reduce the frequency of losses.
Stick to strategy: Don’t try to avoid pushes—they’re part of natural blackjack variance.
Don’t chase payouts after a push: Treat it like a fresh slate rather than a chance to double down next hand.

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