EN 
DE Push
A “push” is casino speak for a tie. It happens when you and the dealer finish with the exact same hand total (e.g., you hold King-Queen for 20, and the dealer holds Jack-King for 20). Nobody wins, nobody loses.
The mechanic is simple: the dealer taps the table, signaling the hand is over, and leaves your chips in the betting circle. You don’t get extra money, but you don’t lose your stake. You can then pull those chips back or leave them for the next hand.
If you bust (go over 21), you lose immediately. Even if the dealer busts on the very next card, your money is already gone. The house always takes the first bite.
When a Tie is Not a Tie
Not all 21s are created equal. This is the most common argument at the table. If you have a Natural Blackjack (Ace \+ 10-value card) and the dealer has a “regular” 21 (like 7+8+6), you win. This is not a push. A Natural always outranks a multi-card 21\.
A push strictly happens when:
- Both have a Natural Blackjack.
- Both have the exact same point total (e.g., 19 vs. 19).
The “Dealer 22” Trap
In standard blackjack, if the dealer hits 22, they bust, and everyone left in the hand wins. But modern casinos are sneaky.
In variants like Free Bet Blackjack or Blackjack Switch, a dealer total of 22 is sometimes treated as a push, depending on the table rules. This rule massively increases the house edge because it erases a winning scenario for the player. Always check the felt layout for the text “Dealer 22 Pushes” before you sit down.
Strategic Impact
Professional players don’t celebrate a push, but they respect it. It is a “bankroll preservative.” If you’re counting cards and the count is negative (favoring the dealer) and you manage to scrape a 17 against a dealer’s strong face card to earn a push, that is a victory. You survived a losing situation without financial damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do side bets push if the main hand pushes?
No. Side bets (like 21+3 or Perfect Pairs) are independent. You can push your main hand but still lose your side bet. Conversely, you can lose your main hand but win the side bet.
Does a push break my winning streak?
Technically, no. You didn’t lose. However, many progressive betting systems (like the Martingale) treat a push as a “pause.” You typically repeat the same bet amount on the next hand rather than doubling or resetting.
Does a push count towards online bonus wagering?
Rarely. To clear a casino bonus, you must “turn over” a specific amount of money. Since a push returns your bet without a win or loss, most online casinos do not count it toward your playthrough requirements. It is effectively a “dead” hand for bonus clearing.
What happens if I Double Down and then Push?
You get everything back. If you bet $10, doubled down to $20, and then tied the dealer, the casino returns the full $20. A push refunds all chips committed to the main hand, including splits and doubles.
