Blackjack is a popular casino game that involves both luck and strategy. There are many terms used in blackjack, and one of the most important terms is ‘push.’
A push is a term used when the player and the dealer have the same total value of cards in their hand. In this article, we will discuss what does a push mean in blackjack.
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Understanding Blackjack
Before we dive deep into understanding what a push means in blackjack, let’s first understand how to play blackjack. In blackjack, the player’s objective is to have a hand value of 21 or closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand value without going over 21. The game starts with the player placing a bet and receiving two cards face up, while the dealer receives one card face up and one card face down.
How to Calculate Hand Value
In order to understand what a push means in blackjack, it is important to know how to calculate hand value. Each card has its own point value.
Cards numbered 2 through 10 are worth their face value, while face cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are worth 10 points each. An ace can be worth either 1 or 11 points.
For example, if you have an ace and a seven in your hand, your total hand value would be either eight or eighteen depending on whether you decide to count your ace as one or eleven.
What Does Push Mean?
Now that we have understood how to calculate hand values let’s move on to understanding what does push mean in blackjack. A push occurs when both you and the dealer have the same total hand value. When this happens, neither you nor the dealer wins or loses any money.
For example, if you have a total hand value of 19 (a ten-value card plus a nine), and the dealer also has a total hand value of 19, then it’s a push. In this scenario, you neither win nor lose any money.
How Push Affects Your Gameplay
A push may not be the desired outcome for players as it does not contribute to their winnings. However, it is still an important part of the game as it helps in maintaining the fairness and integrity of the game.
In addition, a push can also affect your gameplay strategy. If you are in a situation where you are close to 21 and the dealer has a weak hand, you may choose to stand instead of hitting because if you hit and go over 21, then you will lose your bet even if the dealer also busts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding what does push mean in blackjack is crucial for players who want to play and succeed at blackjack. Although it may not be an ideal outcome for players, it is still an important aspect of the game that contributes to its fairness and integrity. By knowing how to calculate hand values and understanding the concept of a push, players can make informed decisions when playing blackjack.
