In blackjack, a push occurs when both you and the dealer have the same hand value. This results in a tie, where your original wager is returned, and no money is won or lost. A push can happen when both hands total the same points between 17 and 21 or when both the player and dealer have a “blackjack” (Ace and a 10-value card).
While a push can be a bit frustrating, it’s crucial to understand its significance, especially when playing at PH444 Online Casino. Here’s everything you need to know about how pushes work in blackjack and how they can affect your strategy.
What Is a Push in Blackjack?
At PH444, blackjack follows the standard rule for pushes: it’s a tie, and your wager is returned. Whether you’re playing live blackjack or in an online game, the rules are the same.
Here’s an example of how a typical push might play out during a game of blackjack:
- You place a $20 bet.
- You’re dealt two cards—10 and 6—giving you a total hand value of 16.
- The dealer’s up card is a jack, so you decide to hit and receive a 2, bringing your total to 18.
- The dealer turns over their hidden card, a 4, and hits again with a 2, also ending up with 18.
- Since both you and the dealer have 18, the result is a push, and your $20 bet is returned.
In this case, you didn’t win, but you didn’t lose either—your wager was simply returned.
Can Other Bets Push in Blackjack?
Yes, if you split your hand during a game, each hand is evaluated separately. For example, if you split two 8s at PH444, you play two hands. One could result in a push while the other wins or loses.
The same applies to gratuity bets you place for the dealer—these bets follow the result of your main hand, whether it wins, loses, or pushes. However, side bets work differently, either winning or losing independently of your main bet.
How to Act with a Natural Blackjack
In blackjack at PH444, not all 21s are treated equally. If you’re dealt an Ace and a 10-value card, that’s known as a natural blackjack. A natural automatically wins unless the dealer also has a natural, which results in a push.
For instance, if you get dealt a natural and the dealer’s up card is 2 through 9, you’ll immediately win with a 3:2 payout, giving you $75 on a $50 bet. But if the dealer also has a natural, it’s a frustrating push, and you don’t get a chance to hit and try to improve your hand.
Dealer’s Ace in the Hole
When the dealer shows an Ace as their up card at PH444, there’s a chance they may have a natural blackjack. In such cases, the dealer will offer you an “even money” payout if you have a natural blackjack, which means you can take a 1:1 payout immediately rather than risking a push.
If you decline this offer and the dealer turns over a 10-value card, it results in a natural blackjack push. Otherwise, you win at 3:2 odds.
Blackjack Push Probabilities at PH444
Pushes are part of the game, and while they don’t happen often, they are not rare either. Here’s a quick breakdown of the probabilities of a push occurring during blackjack at PH444:
- A player and dealer both getting a natural: 0.23% (about once every 429 hands).
- Both player and dealer drawing to 21: 2.3%.
- Both player and dealer drawing 20: 2.5%.
- Both drawing 19: 1.5%.
- Both drawing 18: 0.7%.
- Both drawing 17: 0.5%.
These probabilities depend on several factors, including the number of decks and the dealer’s rules on hitting soft 17.
How to Handle a Push at PH444
When a push happens, it’s easy to feel disappointed since you didn’t win, but remember—you also didn’t lose. In a game of blackjack at PH444, pushes are a normal part of the game, and understanding how they work can help you plan your strategy better.
In fact, by staying calm and focusing on your overall strategy, you’ll be better equipped to make the right decisions in future hands. And with these tips, you’re now better prepared to face a push and improve your chances of winning at blackjack at PH444 Online Casino.