In the world of blackjack, sometimes, both the player and dealer end up with a hand total of 21, also known as a blackjack. This scenario can lead to a range of possible outcomes, depending on the specific rules of the game you’re playing.
This Casino Beasts blog will delve into what usually transpires if both the player and dealer obtain a blackjack and explore the possible strategies for handling these situations.
Understanding Blackjack
Before we delve into the specifics, let’s briefly recap what blackjack entails. Blackjack, or ’21’, is a popular casino game with a straightforward objective: to acquire a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer’s, without exceeding 21. The best hand a player can get is a blackjack, which comprises an Ace and a 10-value card.
It’s worth noting, however, that certain blackjack rules can vary depending on the variation and casino, so it may be best to check these before playing.
Who Wins If Both The Player and Dealer Have Blackjack?
In the event of both the dealer and the player landing a blackjack, the term used to describe this situation is a ‘push’ or a ‘standoff’. In a push, neither party wins or loses, and your wager is returned to you.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that the primary objective of the game is to try and beat the dealer, not just to get a blackjack. Therefore, even in a push situation, the game can still be considered a potentially strategic win for the player, as they have successfully avoided a loss.
Blackjack Standoff/Push Explained
In Blackjack, a “Push” or “Standoff” occurs if both the player and the dealer end the hand with the same total point value, without exceeding 21. In the UK, as in most other places where blackjack is played, this results in a tie, meaning the player neither wins nor loses their bet.
The player’s chips stay in the betting box, and the hand ends with the player’s stake being returned to them. This can happen in several scenarios, such as both the player and the dealer having a blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card), or both having the same total, such as 20.
Even Money Side Bet – Should You Take Even Money?
If both the player and dealer have blackjack, the player is often presented with an ‘even money’ option, depending on the game. Even money means the player receives a 1:1 payout on their wager instead of the standard 3:2 payout for a blackjack win.
At first glance, it may seem like a tempting offer. After all, it guarantees you receive something. However, accepting even money has the potential to negatively impact your expected value (EV) in the long run.
The 3:2 payout on a blackjack offers a higher EV than the 1:1 payout on even money. Therefore, the choice to take even money should be carefully considered and depends on your strategic prowess and how well you trust your hand.
What Happens If You and The Dealer Bust?
In blackjack, if both the player and the dealer bust (exceed a total of 21), the player loses. This rule applies in the UK as well as in most other places where blackjack is played. The rationale behind this rule is that the player acts first and if they bust, they lose immediately, regardless of whether the dealer busts later in the hand.
Here’s an example scenario where both the player and the dealer bust in blackjack:
- The player is dealt an 8 and a 6, giving them a total of 14.
- The player decides to hit (take another card) and receives a 10, which brings their total to 24. This means the player busts because their total exceeds 21.
- Now, it’s the dealer’s turn. The dealer has a 9 and a 5, totaling 14.
- The dealer’s rules require them to hit on 16 or less, so they take another card and get a 9, bringing their total to 23.
- Both the player and the dealer have busted. However, since the player busted first, they lose their bet to the house.
Play Blackjack Online
To play Blackjack online, start by selecting a reputable online casino platform, such as those recommended by Casino Beasts for the best UK casino sites. Once you’ve chosen a site, create an account, deposit funds, and navigate to the Blackjack section.
Online Blackjack follows the same basic rules as traditional Blackjack: aim to beat the dealer by having a hand total closer to 21 without going over. You’ll be dealt two cards to start, and you can choose to “hit” (take another card), “stand” (keep your current hand), “double down” (double your bet for one additional card), or “split” (if you have two of the same card, you can split them into two hands).
Remember, strategies and rules may vary slightly between sites, so it may be a good idea to check the specific rules of the game you’re playing.
