Blackjack is a well-known card game that can be found in many licensed casinos across the UK, both online and in person.
It’s played between you and the dealer, and the aim is to try and get as close as possible to a total of 21 points, without going over. Each card in the deck has a value, and these values are used to build your hand.
If you’ve never played blackjack before, you might be unfamiliar with terms like “push”. This blog will explain what a push means, how it works, and when it can occur. Understanding these basic concepts can help you follow what’s happening if you choose to play.
Blackjack Push Meaning
In a game of blackjack, a “push” means that your hand and the dealer’s hand have the same total points once all cards have been dealt, and no more decisions can be made.
Let’s break it down. After you place your initial bet, you’re dealt two cards. The dealer also gets two cards – usually one is face-up and the other face-down.
You then choose whether to take more cards (“hit”), stick with your current total (“stand”), or use other options, such as “double down” or “split,” depending on your cards and the game rules. The dealer follows a set of fixed rules and usually draws cards until reaching at least 17.
If, after all cards are revealed, your total is equal to the dealer’s, the game results in a push. You do not win any money, but you also do not lose your bet. Your original stake is returned to your balance.
For example, if you’re dealt a 10 and an 8, your total is 18. If the dealer ends up with the same total, that round is considered a push.
Pushes are not uncommon. Statistically, around 8% of hands in a standard blackjack game can result in a push, although this can vary slightly depending on the rules of the table. It’s a part of the game that simply results in a draw, and you move on to the next round without your bet being affected.
How Does a Push Work In Blackjack?
A push works differently to a potential win or a loss. When your hand ties with the dealer’s, your stake is returned, without any gain or loss.
Here’s an example: imagine your hand is made up of a 9 and a King, which adds up to 19. If the dealer’s final hand also totals 19, you don’t win, and the casino doesn’t win either. Your original stake – for example, £10 – goes straight back to you.
You might not see this outcome as exciting, but it does mean your balance stays exactly the same as it was before the round. For many players, this is simply a neutral outcome.
It’s also worth noting that blackjack involves an element of chance, and while some decisions are based on strategy, the cards that come next are randomly drawn. No outcome is certain, and results can’t be predicted or guaranteed.
Why 22 Is Always a Push In Blackjack?
In standard blackjack rules, if the dealer goes over 21, that’s known as a “bust”, and any players left with a total of 21 or below would normally win. However, some blackjack versions include a rule where a dealer total of 22 does not count as a bust. Instead, it results in a push.
This is sometimes referred to as the “Push 22” rule. It means if you’re still in the game with a valid hand, and the dealer reaches exactly 22, you don’t win – your bet is returned as a draw, just like any other push.
You may see this rule in some types of blackjack, such as Free Bet Blackjack, which is sometimes available at online casinos. The purpose of the rule is to give the dealer a small advantage over time. When the dealer reaches a total of 22, instead of losing the round, the game is treated as a draw. This gives the dealer an extra opportunity to avoid potentially losing, which slightly increases the casino’s edge in the long run.
In standard blackjack, the house edge – which is the average advantage the casino has over time – can be as low as 0.5% when using the best possible strategy. When additional rules like Push 22 are added, this house edge increases.
If you’re playing a version of blackjack that includes this type of rule, it has the potential to change the overall expected outcomes. For that reason, it may be worth checking the table rules before placing any bets.
King Value In Blackjack
In blackjack, understanding the value of each card helps you build your hand. Numbered cards are worth the value shown (e.g., a 6 is worth six points), while face cards – that’s the Jack, Queen, and King – are each worth 10 points.
The King doesn’t have a special or unique value on its own. It is simply one of the high-value cards in the game. If you’re dealt a King and a 7, your total is 17.
The other important card to understand is the Ace. Aces can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on which value might help your hand the most, without going over 21. A hand with a King and an Ace adds up to 21, which is called a “blackjack” – this is the best possible hand and usually pays out at higher odds, often 3:2, although some versions may pay 6:5, which gives the house a greater edge.
It’s important to remember that blackjack has many different variations, so players may want to read the casino and game rules before playing.
