How Often Do Pushes Happen in Blackjack?

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games around the world. It is a game of skill and luck that has been enjoyed by players for centuries.

One of the most common questions that players ask when playing blackjack is, “How often do pushes happen in blackjack?” In this article, we will explore this question in depth and provide you with all the information you need to know about pushes in blackjack.

First and foremost, let us define what a push is. In blackjack, a push occurs when both the player and dealer have hands with the same value. For example, if the player has a hand with a total value of 18 and the dealer also has a hand with a total value of 18, then it is considered a push.

Pushes are an important part of blackjack because they can affect your overall strategy for playing the game. If you know how often pushes happen, then you can adjust your betting strategy accordingly to maximize your chances of winning.

So, how often do pushes happen in blackjack? The answer to this question depends on several factors such as the number of decks being used, the specific rules being followed by the casino, and whether or not players are allowed to surrender their hands.

Generally speaking, if you are playing single-deck blackjack where players cannot surrender their hands, then pushes will occur more frequently compared to multi-deck games where surrender is allowed. This is because single-deck games have fewer cards in play which increases the likelihood of both player and dealer having similar hands.

However, it’s important to note that different casinos have different rules regarding when pushes occur. Some casinos may consider certain situations like natural blackjacks (an ace and ten-point card) as wins for either party rather than a push. Additionally, some casinos may offer bonuses or payouts for certain types of ties (like suited 7-7-7), which can affect how often pushes occur.

To give you a rough idea of how often pushes happen in blackjack, let’s take a look at the probabilities. The probability of a push occurring in a single-deck game where surrender is not allowed is around 8.5%. In contrast, the probability of a push occurring in an 8-deck game where surrender is allowed is around 4.7%.

It’s worth noting that while pushes may occur less frequently in multi-deck games with surrender allowed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that these games are easier to win. In fact, the opposite may be true as multi-deck games tend to have more complex rules and strategies that players need to be aware of.

In conclusion, when it comes to how often pushes happen in blackjack, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer as it depends on various factors such as the number of decks being used and the specific rules being followed by the casino. However, understanding the probabilities can help you adjust your betting strategy accordingly and make more informed decisions when playing blackjack.

If you’re new to blackjack or looking to improve your skills, it’s always a good idea to practice playing different variations of the game online or with friends before hitting up the casino floor. And remember, while winning is always nice, enjoying yourself should be your top priority when gambling.

Good luck and happy playing!