Is There Such a Thing As a Tie in Blackjack?
Blackjack isn’t the most complex game when it boils down to it. It is especially simple when compared to some other table games that can have infinite possibilities. Compare it to a game like chess or even the amazing Chinese game Go and it is easy to see that this is not one of the more complicated games.
The rules still take a bit of learning though and some people have questions such as what happens in the event of a tie. In sporting terms (tie is not the term used in blackjack) a tie would simply mean both dealer and player getting the same score.
A tied score can happen in blackjack and is referred to as a push. It is not a tie in the same respect as some other definitions of this word.
Different Rules For Different Variations
A push in blackjack occurs when both the player and the dealer end up with the same hand value. This is typically 17 through 21.
If a player finishes with a hand value of 18 and the dealer also ends up with 18 then the game results in a push. Neither the player nor the dealer wins or loses in this situation and the player’s original bet is returned without any additional payout. The push is not uncommon and is one of the few outcomes in blackjack beyond simply winning or losing.
Different online casino brands may have slightly different variations of the game so this means that the rules of what happens in the event of a push can vary somewhat. There are more types and variations of blackjack being added and while the classic rules are still those played by most people there are some other games with little tweaks.
Blackjack can only be changed in so many ways but other games at casinos may have varieties. The game has been on quite an interesting journey anyway and this means people in some parts of the world may have their own blackjack rules and similar games that are just slightly different in their mechanics.
Side bets are also something that people may get involved with in blackjack. These are further bets about what cards may come out and some casinos offer this option within the mechanic of their blackjack interface.
Anyone considering playing needs to note that a push can only occur if both hands are non-bust. If a player busts by exceeding 21 then the dealer automatically wins even if the dealer also goes over 21. But if both parties stay within the safe zone then a so-called tie is possible.
The Three Outcomes
Blackjack only really has three different outcomes of the game:
- Win. A player wins by having a higher hand value than the dealer without exceeding 21. The best possible hand is a natural blackjack, which consists of an Ace and a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King) for a total of 21. A player who hits blackjack is paid out at 3:2 odds in most casinos.
- Loss. A player loses if their hand value is lower than the dealer’s or they go bust. This means the score has gone over 21 which is not a valid score. Busting is something players need to be wary of and if hitting on high numbers it becomes quite likely.
- Push. The push occurs when the player and the dealer have the same hand value and this means the return of the player’s original bet in most varieties of blackjack.
While a push results in neither winning nor losing it is fair to say that most players would prefer to win rather than settle for a tie. Using a basic strategy can help reduce the chances of a push by improving hand outcomes for some players. Basic strategy involves making the mathematically optimal move in any given situation based on the player’s hand and the dealer’s visible card.
If the player has a hand totaling 16 and the dealer is showing a 7, one of the options for strategy would advise hitting as the dealer is likely to have a stronger hand. By following this strategy players may be able to influence their chances.
Conclusion
The online gambling industry is still growing quickly and this is one of the reasons why so many people are asking questions about blackjack and what happens in different scenarios. Modern gaming still has room for a game that has been around for hundreds of years.
A tie is one of the possible outcomes (of course) and this is always referred to as a “push”. A lot of players just think of this as a do-over and the hand starting again after the money has been returned. Players should check the rules for any varieties and different forms of blackjack.
By GamesAndCasino