RULES AND ODDS OF BLACKJACK PUSH

Playing blackjack sometimes isn’t a matter of winning or losing. At times, another outcome pops up, putting you in a situation you didn’t expect to end up in when placing your original bet.

In this post, we’ll discuss the situation of a push in blackjack. We’ll explore the blackjack rules regarding pushes as well as provide you some tips and tricks to get the most out of a push in blackjack.

WHAT SITUATION IS CALLED PUSH IN BLACKJACK GAME

A push in a blackjack game happens when both the player hand and the dealer have the same value.

If the player’s hand and the dealer’s hand have the same point total, neither the player nor the dealer wins or loses; it’s a stand-off, and the player’s bet is refunded.

BLACKJACK PUSH, OR REFUND OF YOUR STAKE?

When a push occurs, players receive their original wager back, providing a sense of relief as it maintains their bankroll.

While not as thrilling as a win, it ensures that blackjack players don’t lose their wager, making it an essential element in the strategy of any seasoned player.

HOW TO PLAY BLACKJACK PUSH – MOST IMPORTANT RULES

Here are some considerations that you must make to be well-equipped for when a push in blackjack occurs:

• Understand Push Scenarios: Recognise when a push is likely to occur, such as when both the player and the dealer have the same total value in their hands.
• Bankroll Management: Since a push results in a refund, incorporate this factor into your overall bankroll management strategy.
• Insurance Consideration: Soft Hands Strategy: When holding a soft hand (an ace and another card), the risk of a push is lower due to the flexibility of the ace’s value. Consider doubling down or hitting based on the dealer’s upcard and the specific game rules.
• Hard Hands Strategy: For hard hands (those without an ace or with an ace valued at 1), carefully assess the risk of busting. Modify your strategy based on the dealer’s upcard, ensuring a balance between aggressive play and risk mitigation.
• Splitting Pairs Approach: When dealt a pair, the decision to split should consider the potential for a push. Understand the dynamics of splitting pairs based on the specific rules of the game and the likelihood of achieving a winning hand. Split aces and eights are very popular.
• Adapt from Basic Strategy: Adapt your basic strategy based on the specific blackjack table you are playing. Different blackjack tables include different rule sets which can significantly impact the frequency and dynamics of pushes.

BLACKJACK PUSH PROBABILITY

Comprehending the probability of a blackjack push is essential for making informed decisions during gameplay.

The likelihood of a push is influenced by the number of decks in play, specific game rules, and the strategy employed.

Generally, the probability of a push hovers around 8-9%, but this can vary based on the aforementioned factors. This probability isn’t specific to a single-deck game as it can depend on several other factors.

The biggest variables are the player and the dealer’s cards.

PUSH OPTION COMMON IN FREE BET BLACKJACK GAMES

Free Bet Blackjack introduces an intriguing twist to the standard blackjack experience. In this variant, players have the unique opportunity to split and double down for free in certain situations.

This means that even if these strategic moves do not result in a winning blackjack hand, the player doesn’t lose any additional funds.

The push option in Free Bet Blackjack adds an element of risk mitigation, allowing players to explore more aggressive strategies without the fear of losing additional chips.

This unique push option in Free Bet Blackjack not only influences individual hand outcomes but also contributes to the overall flow and excitement of the game.

WHEN TO DOUBLE YOUR CARDS?

Knowing when to double down is a key component of successful blackjack strategy. Doubling down can be advantageous in specific situations, such as when the player has a total of ten-value card or 11. In this situation, it is likely that the dealer busts.

However, when a player doubles down, the potential for a push must be considered, especially in games where doubling down is more prevalent.

WHEN TO SPLIT CARDS?

If you’ve ever played blackjack, especially Blackjack Switch, you’ll know that splitting cards can be a fundamental aspect of your gameplay.

The decision to split is contingent on the player’s initial hand of two cards, and it is primarily influenced by the dealer’s upcard. Here are some tips on when to split:

1. Pair of Aces (A-A): Always Split: A pair of Aces should always be split. By doing so, players have the opportunity to create two strong hands, each starting with an Ace, significantly improving the likelihood of achieving two blackjacks.
2. Pair of Eights (8-8): Always Split: A pair of Eights is another non-negotiable split. Together, they make a hard 16, considered one of the weakest hands in blackjack. Splitting provides the chance to improve each hand and avoid the difficult 16 altogether.
3. Pair of Sevens (7-7): Split Against Weak Dealer Upcards (2-7): When the dealer’s upcard is a 2 through 7, splitting Sevens is advisable. The rationale is to take advantage of the dealer’s potentially weaker starting hand and increase the odds of winning both split hands.
4. Pair of Sixes (6-6): Split Against Weak Dealer Upcards (2-6): Similar to Sevens, splitting Sixes is recommended when the dealer has a 2 through 6 as their upcard. It aims to capitalize on the dealer’s potential to bust and create two improved hands.

If you want a variant to practise some split hands, try Blackjack Switch. In this game, you’ll be dealt two hands, and you’ll get to switch the second card of each hand for the best chances of a win.

BLACKJACK PUSH AND OTHER SIMILAR SIDE BETS

In addition to the standard blackjack push scenario, there are various side bets and variations that incorporate the push concept. Examples include:

• Push 22: In some variants, if the dealer busts with a total of 22, it results in a push rather than a win to the player’s wager. A blackjack beats a total of 22, nevertheless.
• Push 2:1: A unique side bet where players can wager on the occurrence of a push paying 2:1 odds.

Understanding these variations is essential for players seeking a more diverse and challenging blackjack experience.

SOME TIPS FOR BLACKJACK PUSH

If you want to receive some blackjack pays, you must consider dealer pushes at all times. Here’s how you can avoid a player bust and bring home some wins:

• Evaluate Dealer Upcard: Consider the dealer’s upcard before making decisions. A push is more likely if the dealer’s upcard is low, potentially affecting strategy choices.
• Be Cautious with Side Bets: While side bets can add excitement, they often come with higher house edges. Approach them cautiously to maintain a sustainable bankroll.
• Adapt to Game Variations: Different blackjack variants may have unique rules regarding pushes. Familiarise yourself with these variations to adjust your strategy accordingly. Some rules dictate when the dealer will automatically stand and when dealer hits are a must. Make sure you know if the dealer stands on a soft 17.