What Is a Push in Blackjack? Meaning & Examples
Blackjack might appear straightforward, but once you start playing, terms like push, split, and double down can seem confusing.
A push is one of the simplest outcomes in the game, yet it often leaves many players unsure about what happens to their bet.
This guide explains what a push means, when it can happen, and how it affects your stake. By the end, you’ll better understand how equal hands are settled, why the outcome isn’t a win or a loss, and how it fits into the basic structure of a blackjack round.
Whether you play online or in a land-based UK casino, these details may make the game easier to follow and the rules clearer.
What Does Push Mean in Blackjack?
In blackjack, a push occurs when you and the dealer finish a round with the same total hand value, without either going over 21.
In a push, you do not win or lose. Your original bet is refunded, returning your balance to where it was before the hand began.
For example, if you placed a £10 bet and both you and the dealer ended with 19, the game would “push” and your £10 would go back into your account.
If both you and the dealer are dealt a blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card as the first two cards), this is also usually considered a push in standard UK and European blackjack rules. However, some game variants may apply different outcomes for tied blackjacks, so it can be worth checking the table’s rule information before playing.
How Does a Push Happen in Blackjack?
A push occurs after all players have completed their turns and the dealer draws cards according to the table rules. In most UK and European blackjack games, the dealer draws until reaching at least 17.
Once all actions are complete, your total is compared with the dealer’s. If both hands have the same total—say, 18 versus 18—it’s declared a push.
A few situations where pushes can occur include:
- You stand on a total, and the dealer ends on the same value.
- You double down (increase your initial bet after receiving your first two cards) and both totals match.
- You split your hand into two separate hands, and one of them ties with the dealer.
In each case, the specific hand that ties results in a push, and only that bet is returned.
What Happens to Your Bet When There’s a Push?
When a round ends in a push, your stake is returned in full. If you bet £20 and the round pushes, £20 goes back to your balance. There are no winnings added and no deductions made.
Side bets, such as Perfect Pairs or 21+3, are handled separately from the main game. These are optional wagers on combinations or outcomes beyond the main hand.
For example, a Perfect Pairs side bet might pay if your first two cards form a pair. Even if your main hand pushes, the side bet could still win or lose depending on its conditions.
If you took insurance (a separate wager protecting against a potential dealer blackjack) and the dealer does not have blackjack, the insurance bet is lost—even if the main hand pushes later. Each wager is settled independently, and the main push only affects your original stake.
Is a Push the Same as a Tie in Blackjack?
Yes, the term push means the same as a tie in blackjack. Both describe an outcome where your final hand total equals the dealer’s total. The term “push” is simply more common on digital tables and casino displays, while “tie” can often be used in casual conversation.
This neutral outcome means the round effectively cancels itself out—no profit, no loss.
Do Pushes Affect the House Edge?
Pushes do not directly change the house edge. The house edge is a mathematical measure showing the long-term percentage advantage the casino holds over players.
In a standard six-deck blackjack game, with rules such as the dealer standing on soft 17 and blackjack paying 3:2, the house edge has the potential to be around 0.5% if played with optimal basic strategy.
Because pushes simply return your stake, they don’t affect this calculation. What can change the house edge are the game’s specific rules—such as:
- Whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17.
- Whether doubling after a split is permitted.
- The number of decks in play.
- How much a blackjack pays (3:2 or 6:5).
If you want to better understand a particular blackjack game, check the paytable and game rules displayed in the information section before you start.
Can You Lose Money on a Push in Blackjack?
You won’t lose your main bet on a push, as it’s refunded in full. However, your overall result for the round could still be negative if other wagers lose.
For example, if you place a £5 21+3 side bet and £10 on the main hand, and the hand pushes, but the side bet loses, your total balance decreases by £5.
Similarly, insurance bets are separate. If you buy insurance against a dealer blackjack and the dealer doesn’t have one, the insurance amount is lost regardless of whether the main hand pushes.
Each hand or side bet is settled individually, so a push only applies to the main wager that tied the dealer’s hand.
Understanding Push Rules in Different Blackjack Variants
Different blackjack versions may use slightly different rules for pushes:
- Classic Blackjack (UK/European rules): Equal totals between you and the dealer result in a push, and your stake is returned.
- Blackjack Switch: If the dealer finishes on 22, all remaining active hands (except blackjacks) push instead of winning.
- Pontoon: This British variant does not use the word “push” because ties are settled in favour of the dealer.
- Spanish 21: Player blackjacks and certain 21 totals automatically beat the dealer’s 21, making pushes rare.
- Live Dealer Blackjack: Usually follows standard push rules, but can offer special side bets or dealer 22 rules, depending on the game.
These variations show why reading the rules panel is essential before placing any wager. Small differences can change how ties are handled.
Play Blackjack Online at Dream Jackpot
Dream Jackpot is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). You can explore a large library of casino games, including a wide selection of blackjack tables alongside live dealer options and popular slots.
The site layout is designed to make finding games straightforward. Whether you are logging in or joining Dream Jackpot for the first time, you can pick tables and formats that suit how you like to play.
Set limits and only stake what you can afford.
Now that you know what a push means and how it is settled, you can choose a blackjack table at Dream Jackpot with a better understanding.
*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.
