Blackjack is an enjoyable combination of chance and strategy, yet players should understand its rules and odds before beginning play. Push blackjack is an integral aspect of this game; when both player and dealer possess hands with equal point values (i.e. ties), then neither wins or loses; instead their wager is returned back to them instead of either one being declared the victor.
Blackjack players with unbroken unbusted hands totalling 21 or higher are considered “blackjack,” and immediately win when their unbusted hand totals 21 or greater – this hand will then become a tie and no one wins immediately. A blackjack can beat all other unbusted hands not totalling 21 but can still be defeated via double down, split, and other strategies such as insurance or dealer match bet. Depending on the type of blackjack game being played, additional side bets such as insurance may also be offered as side bets such as insurance or dealer match bet.
Before anyone plays their hands, the dealer must first check his/her hole card to see if they possess a blackjack. If this occurs, all bets on the table will be collected with exception to player blackjacks which will push. Furthermore, should their be any secret cards with blackjack value present then this could change the outcome of any hand played against them.
Push blackjack occurs when both dealer and player hold hands of 21 or less. If the dealer possesses a blackjack, however, the player loses; but if his or her unbusted hand exceeds that of the dealer it counts as a push and they retain their bet; otherwise it is paid out at 1 to 1.
Free Bet Blackjack, an alternate push blackjack variant, operates similarly to regular blackjack but without requiring dealers to provide extra bets when splitting or doubling, enabling players to double down on soft hands against 5 and allow doubling down against soft hands against 5, while increasing house edge significantly over regular blackjack. Therefore it should be avoided.
If you wish to double down in push blackjack, the easiest way to signal it would be by placing an additional stack of chips alongside your initial bet. If this is not feasible, use your fingers to point at your hand and indicate you would like a second card. Some casinos have specific rules regarding how you should signal this before sitting down to play. If the dealer is confused by your message, they can ask for clarification before dealing your cards. As long as the dealer correctly reads your hand, doubling down can give you confidence to increase your odds of victory and not misjudge it. Be cautious not to do it on weak hands as doubling down can only increase the odds of your lose. But doubling down can increase chances of victory – particularly if your hand is weak but the dealer holds strong cards!