Standoff vs Push: What’s the Difference in Blackjack?
Blackjack looks relatively straightforward, yet a few terms can often trip people up. If you’ve seen “standoff” or “push” at the table and wondered what they mean, you’re not alone.
Different casinos and software providers sometimes use different words for the same outcome, which can be confusing at first glance.
In this blog, we’ll explain how these terms work in practice, so you can follow every round with confidence. Read on to learn more.
What Is a Standoff in Blackjack?
A standoff in blackjack is when your final hand total is the same as the dealer’s total at the end of the round. If you both finish on 18, for example, the result is a draw and your original stake is returned to you. There’s no payout and no loss.
Some games call this exact situation a “push.” The outcome is identical, and the only difference is the label you see on the table or on screen. If you’re unsure which term a game uses, a quick look at the table rules or paytable will usually tell you.
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 Is a Push in Blackjack?
A push means you and the dealer end the round with the same total. If you both finish on 20, the hand is tied and your stake is returned.
Online tables usually display “Push” clearly and credit your balance automatically. There’s nothing extra you need to do in that moment; you can simply decide whether to place a bet on the next hand. Whether the game calls it a standoff or a push, the settlement is the same.
Standoff vs Push: Key Differences Explained
“Standoff” and “push” describe the same outcome in blackjack: a tied hand where your stake comes back to you. The distinction is mainly down to wording. “Push” is the term you’ll see most often in the UK, while “standoff” sometimes appears in games with American-influenced terminology.
Either way, your potential bet is treated in the same way and no advantage is given or taken because of the term used. The on-screen message might vary by table, but the result does not.
When Do Standoffs Happen in Blackjack?
Standoffs happen whenever both active hands finish on the same total without either one busting. That can be 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21. It doesn’t matter how you reached that number, whether it was on the initial deal or after drawing extra cards.
There are a few points that help clarify what is and isn’t a standoff:
- A natural blackjack for both player and dealer is a standoff. If you have blackjack and the dealer reaches 21 with three or more cards, that is not a standoff because a natural blackjack beats a non-blackjack 21.
- If either hand busts, the round is settled as a loss for the busting hand; it cannot be a standoff.
- On split hands, each hand is resolved separately. One hand could push while the other wins or loses, depending on how each total compares to the dealer’s.
- Side bets are independent. They settle according to their own rules and are not affected by a standoff on the main hand.
House rules such as whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17 can influence how often ties appear, but they don’t change what a standoff is. You’ll see pushes regularly over time, though not to a predictable schedule because the order of the cards varies from round to round.
Play Blackjack Online
If you’re curious about exploring blackjack from your laptop, tablet or mobile, Dream Jackpot offers a straightforward way to try a range of tables. You’ll find classic formats alongside modern variations, including live dealer games and Random Number Generator (RNG) tables, with stakes that suit different budgets.
The site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and games are presented with clear rules so you know how each round is settled. You’ll also find practical tools such as deposit limits and time reminders, plus help pages and support if you need a hand understanding a feature.
If you’d like to get a feel for how “push” or “standoff” appears on different tables, feel free to browse the blackjack lobby and compare a few options. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
**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.
