In blackjack, it's not uncommon for both the player and dealer to receive a hand totalling 21; this is known as a tie. If you are wondering what the outcome of the hand may be in such a case, then you are at the right place.
In this Wizard Slots online post, we will explore what happens if the player and dealer both get blackjack and the best strategies for handling these situations.
Even Money - Yes or No?
One option presented to the player if both the player and dealer have blackjack is "even money." Even money means the player receives a 1:1 payout on their wager instead of the standard 3:2 payout for a blackjack win.
For example, if a dealer has an Ace as an upcard, you can say yes to even money before they raise their downcard. Then you receive an amount equal to your stake (1:1). But if you say no to even money and the dealer does not have a blackjack, you receive a payout worth 1.5x your bet (3:2).
In some instances, it may seem like taking even money is the best option, as it guarantees you receive something. However, taking even money negatively affects 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. Please note that not all pay by mobile casinos offer even money, as some don't allow it in some situations.
So, whether or not you should take even money depends on your strategic prowess and how well you trust your hand. However, if playing in an online casino that allows late surrender, it is generally recommended to surrender your hand, if allowed, and take even money if the casino rules don't include the surrender option. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
Who Wins In Blackjack If You Tie With The Dealer?
You receive an automatic win if your first two cards are a blackjack - an Ace and a 10. In most cases, if you and the dealer have the same blackjack hand, it is considered a push, and your wager is returned to you.
In this case, no one loses or wins. This result can be disappointing if you were hoping to win a big payout, but it's important to remember that the game's primary goal is to beat the dealer, not just to get a blackjack and win big.
However, there are some variations of the game where a tie may result in a loss for the player. For example, some variations of the game have a "push 22" rule, which means that if both you as the player and the dealer have blackjack and you have additional cards in your hand, the hand is considered a push and your wager is returned.
In some variations of the casino game, you may also have the option to "take a push," which means you can choose to forfeit half of your wager in order to push the dealer's hand.
This option is usually offered if you have a hand that is less than a blackjack, such as a 20, and is not considered a good option as it results in a net loss to you.
Another aspect to consider is the insurance strategy, which is a side bet offering you the option to bet on the dealer having a blackjack. If their hand is a blackjack, the insurance bet pays 2:1, and you can recoup part of the initial bet.
What Happens If You And The Dealer Bust?
Another situation that can occur in blackjack is if both you and the dealer bust. That means both you and the dealer have exceeded 21, and your hands are worthless.
In this case, the dealer wins, and you lose your original bet. However, this outcome is relatively rare, as it typically happens when you both have bad starting hands and make poor decisions, like hitting on hands that are already at 19 or 20 points, for example.
Additionally, the dealer does not get to keep your bet in this situation. Instead, the bet is simply lost, and the game proceeds as normal. As a player, it's important to remember that the objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer, not to get a blackjack or to have the highest hand possible.
By keeping this in mind, you may be able to minimise the likelihood of getting into situations where the outcome is not clear-cut. However, these situations are not entirely avoidable, as blackjack is still a game of chance.
In conclusion, the outcome of blackjack can be somewhat complex in certain scenarios, like when the player and dealer have a push or when they both bust. Knowing the rules and basic strategy of the game may help you make informed decisions and adjust your gameplay accordingly.
However, it's important to understand that real money blackjack is a game of chance and that you can never fully predict the outcome.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to this slot game are subject to change at any time.