What Does 22 Push Mean in Blackjack?

When playing blackjack, there are several terms and phrases that every player should know. One of the most common phrases heard at the blackjack table is “22 Push.”

This phrase refers to a specific scenario in which the dealer and the player both have a hand totaling 22. In this article, we will explore what 22 Push means in blackjack and how it affects the game.

To understand what 22 Push means, it is essential to first understand the basic rules of blackjack. Blackjack is a card game played with one or more decks of cards. The goal of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand by having a hand that totals closer to 21 without going over.

In blackjack, each card has a value assigned to it. Number cards are worth their face value, while face cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are worth ten points each. The ace can be worth either one or eleven points, depending on which value would be more advantageous for the player.

When playing blackjack, both the player and the dealer are dealt two cards each. The player’s cards are dealt face up, while one of the dealer’s cards is dealt face down (the hole card). The player then has several options: they can hit (take another card), stand (keep their current hand), double down (double their initial bet and take one more card), or split (split their hand into two separate hands).

If a player’s hand exceeds 21 points after hitting or splitting, they lose automatically – this is known as busting. If both the player and dealer have hands that total less than 21 points, then whoever has the higher total wins.

Now back to our main topic – what does 22 Push mean? As mentioned earlier, 22 Push refers to a situation where both the dealer and player have hands that total exactly 22 points. In this case, neither party wins nor loses – instead, it is a push, which means the player’s bet is returned to them.

It is important to note that 22 Push only occurs in some variations of blackjack. In traditional blackjack, a dealer’s hand that totals 22 would be considered a bust, and the player would win. However, in some versions of the game (such as Spanish 21), a dealer’s hand totaling 22 is not considered a bust and instead results in a push.

In conclusion, understanding what 22 Push means in blackjack is an essential part of playing the game. While it may seem like an insignificant phrase, knowing when this scenario can occur can help players make better decisions at the table and potentially save them from losing their bets. As with any casino game, it is crucial to understand the rules before playing to increase your chances of winning.