Whether you're completely new to blackjack or have played a few hands already, it's important to understand the terms you might hear at the table or in an online game.
One term that often comes up is "push". Understanding what a push is – and how it can potentially affect your game – can help you feel more confident and in control when you play.
In this blog post, you’ll find a simple explanation of what a push means in blackjack, when it happens and why it matters to you as a player. If you're ready to learn something new and useful about blackjack, keep reading.
Blackjack Push Meaning
In blackjack, you'll come across the term "push" when both you and the dealer end up with the same number of points at the end of a round. It's like a draw, where no one has a winning hand.
When such a situation occurs, the round is considered a tie. The amount of money you originally bet is given back to you, which means there's no impact on your total balance. A push in blackjack provides you with the opportunity to place your bet again in the next hand.
Pushes play an important role in keeping the game of blackjack fair and balanced. They safeguard your betting amount, allowing for a more controlled gaming experience. While you won't see a profit from a push, you also won't incur a loss.
While knowing about pushes won't necessarily increase your chances of winning, it certainly helps you manage your gameplay more effectively.
How Does a Push Work in Blackjack?
In blackjack, a push occurs when both you and the dealer end the round with an identical hand total. This situation is similar to a stalemate, where neither side claims a victory, and it's an everyday occurrence that you should be comfortable with as you play.
Imagine this: both you and the dealer have hands totalling 20 points. In this case, neither of you has a hand with a higher total - it's simply a push. When this happens, the game recognises that neither has an advantage, resulting in a neutral outcome.
You may wonder what this means for your bet. In the event of a push, the casino returns your original stake to you, meaning your balance remains unchanged.
Is 22 Always a Push in Blackjack?
In blackjack, the goal is to have a hand as close to 21 as you can get without going over. When your hand total reaches 22, unfortunately, you're not in a favourable position. Instead of being considered a push, reaching 22 is actually known as going bust.
A busted hand is not valid for winning, as it exceeds the maximum point total allowed in the game. Once your hand goes over 21, it automatically means you’ve lost that round. You'll find that your bet is surrendered, and this round ends for you immediately, regardless of what the dealer might have.
It's critical to focus on maintaining a hand that sits at or below 21. Since your hand being within this range is what keeps you in the round, learning to strategically hit or stand is a vital part of gameplay.
Remember that hitting on cards when you’re already close to 21 carries a risk of busting, and knowing when to stop is just as essential as knowing when to go all in.
What Is The Value Of King In Blackjack?
If you're new to blackjack, one of the first things to learn is what each card is worth. This helps you work out the total value of your hand and decide what to do next.
The king is what’s known as a face card, along with the queen and the jack. In blackjack, all face cards are worth 10 points, making it easy to add up your hand when one of these cards is involved.
If you are dealt a king and a 7, your hand adds up to 17. That total is important, as it can help you decide whether to take another card (called hitting), keep your hand as it is (called standing), or, in some cases, double your bet and take one more card (called doubling down).
Knowing that a king is worth 10 points gives you a good base to build your understanding of the game. It’s a common card, and it often plays a big part in how a round turns out.
Always remember to gamble responsibly for an enjoyable blackjack experience. Ensure your blackjack experience remains safe and entertaining by setting limits to your playing time, sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game 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.