Many people sitting at the blackjack table will come across a push. While it may sound confusing at first, a push is simply part of how hands are settled.
Understanding this point helps anyone follow what happens at the end of a round, whether playing in person or online. A push does not result in a win or a loss, and the original stake is returned.
This article explains what a push means in blackjack, how it differs from other results, when it happens, and how it works with splits, double downs and insurance. You will also find clear examples so everything feels easy to follow from start to finish.
What Is A Push In Blackjack?
A push is a tie between the player and the dealer. It happens when both finish a round with the same total.
When a push occurs, the player’s original stake is returned. There is no payout and no loss for that hand.
Pushes are common and handled automatically by casinos and online platforms. So, if you see a push, it simply means the round ends with your balance unchanged for that bet.
To place pushes in context, it helps to first set them alongside wins and losses.
How Does A Push Differ From A Win Or Loss?
In blackjack, every hand ends as a win, a loss or a push.
A win happens when the player’s total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s without going over. The usual result is the stake back plus winnings according to the table’s payout rules.
A loss occurs if the dealer has the better hand or the player goes over 21. In that case, the stake is taken.
A push is different from both. If totals are equal, neither side wins and the original stake is returned.
With that in mind, the next question is when a push is actually confirmed during play.
When Does A Push Happen During A Hand?
A push is settled at the end of a round, once both player and dealer totals are final. If those totals match, the hand is a tie and it becomes a push.
This can happen with any matching value, not just high totals. For instance, 18 against 18 or 21 against 21 both lead to a push.
It can also occur if both the player and the dealer have blackjack in the same round. In all of these cases, the stake is returned and the table moves on to the next hand.
Two particular tie scenarios are worth separating, because they are often talked about differently.
Push With Blackjack Versus A Regular 21
A push can arise in two familiar ways: both sides having blackjack, or both finishing on 21 with more than two cards.
Blackjack is an ace plus a ten-value card as the first two cards. If both the player and the dealer have blackjack, it is a push and the stake is returned. Although blackjack usually pays more than a standard win, that premium does not apply when the dealer also has blackjack.
A regular 21 is any 21 made with three or more cards. If both sides end on 21 this way, it is also a push, with the same stake return.
Knowing that the outcome is identical in both cases helps keep the rules simple when totals match at the top end.
How Is Your Stake Returned After A Push?
After a push, the original stake comes back in full.
In a land-based casino, chips are typically left in place and remain with the player for the next decision or can be collected. Online, balances update automatically and the returned amount appears in the account total.
There is nothing else for the player to do. If anything seems unclear, the table rules or on-site help pages explain how push settlements are displayed.
How Are Pushes Handled With Splits And Doubling Down?
Splits and double downs involve placing extra stakes, and pushes are handled on those extra amounts in exactly the same way as on a normal hand.
If a player splits, each hand is settled on its own. One split hand might win, another might lose, and a third could push. Any hand that pushes has its stake returned for that hand only.
For a double down, the total amount staked on that hand is treated as one unit. If the doubled hand ties the dealer, the full doubled stake is returned. For example, if £10 is doubled to £20 and the hand pushes, £20 comes back to the player.
This consistency makes it easier to keep track of outcomes when more than one stake is involved.
Does Insurance Affect Push Outcomes?
Insurance is a separate side bet that can be offered when the dealer shows an ace. It pays if the dealer’s hidden card completes blackjack and is settled independently of the main hand.
If both the player and the dealer have blackjack, the main hand pushes and the main stake is returned. The insurance bet, however, is still evaluated on whether the dealer has blackjack and typically pays 2:1 when it does.
Because the insurance bet stands on its own, a push on the main hand does not change the way insurance is paid or lost.
Common Misconceptions About Pushes
A frequent misunderstanding is that a push means a lost bet. It does not. The stake is returned and the round ends without a win or a loss.
Another misconception is that pushes only happen with 21. In reality, any matching total between dealer and player results in a push.
Some players assume side bets are also returned on a push. Most side bets, including insurance, are settled by their own rules regardless of the main hand.
Quick Examples Of Push Outcomes
Seeing how a push works in actual gameplay makes the idea clearer. Below are two common examples that show how a push outcome may play out at the blackjack table.
Example: Both Player And Dealer Have Blackjack
If both the player and the dealer are dealt a blackjack, the hand is a push. No winnings are paid and no losses are taken, and the player’s original stake is returned.
This applies to the main wager only. Any optional side bets or features are settled separately according to the stated table rules, which should be checked before playing.
Example: Push After Double Down
A player might double down, placing an extra stake for one more card. If, after this move, both the player and dealer have the same total, it is a push. The entire amount staked, including the doubled portion, is returned.
If you choose to play, set personal limits that suit your circumstances, keep it occasional, and take breaks so decisions stay clear. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early. Independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential help.
**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.