Ties in Blackjack

Blackjack is an interesting game of chance, strategy, and probability, and many a time, certain unexpected situations arise in the course of the game. Blackjack ties are one among such situations and it is discussed in detail here so you know what happens when there is a blackjack tie with the dealer.

Ties in Standard Blackjack

A blackjack tie, or blackjack push, is when both the player and the dealer have the same hand value. When a tie or push takes place, the player neither wins nor loses his bet. A tie can occur when the dealer finishes their blackjack hand with the exact same point total that the player holds.

This point total should not be lower than 17 because that would necessitate the dealer to draw another card. It should neither be higher than 21 because that would mean either the player or the dealer would bust.

It is important to note here that if both the dealer and the player bust while having a tie, it is always the dealer who wins and takes the wager as soon as the player busts. On the other hand, if neither the player nor the dealer busts and both end up having the same hand total, the hand is a push and the player's wager is returned to him. There is no loss or gain in this situation. Even if a player has doubled down in the course of the game, he will get his extra wager back when there is a tie without busting.

Also, regarding blackjack ties, players must remember that a total of 21 with just two cards comprising an Ace and a ten beats a 21 that culminates as a total of three or more cards. This rule holds true for both the player and the dealer. It is a push again if both the player and the dealer have a blackjack.

Probability of a Blackjack Tie

For an average player, the probability of a tie is 8% of the total hands he plays. While using the blackjack strategy can lower the house edge of the casino to less than 1%, the situation becomes a bit tricky when it comes to the blackjack ties probability.

An example would be good in understanding the situation.

For instance, a player has a hand of 12 against a two-up. The basic strategy would be to hit though some players will stand. Accordingly, it will be expected of the player to lose roughly $0.29 on the dollar that is 29% by standing, and $0.25 on the dollar that is 25% by hitting.

Blackjack Tie Side Bet

The Blackjack Tie Win variant or side bet is a type of blackjack where the player wins 1:2 in case the player and the dealer have a tie. One important rule of this variant is that the size of the bet should not be more than 50% of the original bet. Also, players can only Hit or Stand. No doubling down, splitting or re-splitting is allowed. The winning blackjack pays even money.

In the Blackjack Tie Wins variant, the probability of the player getting a tie is about 8.75% of the total hands he plays. With its deviation from the standard blackjack, it poses both advantages and disadvantages for the players. The inability to double, split brings about 2% probable loss for the players while the winning of 1:2 on ties contribute to a probable gain of 4.37% for the player.

The basic strategy for winning the blackjack tie side bet, when the dealer stands on soft 17 is to hit with hands, 4 to 11, and stand on 14 to 21. For the soft hands, hitting on 12 to 17 and standing on 18-21, with a few exceptions, is the basic strategy that players should follow to win the side bet.

Blackjack Ties: FAQ

Here are some of the common questions about blackjack ties answered in brief.

So, this sums up everything that blackjack players need to know about blackjack ties or push and the odds and probabilities involved when the situation arises.