What Happens If Both Player and Dealer Get Blackjack?

Blackjack might seem simple at first glance, but there are a few rare moments that can leave even the calmest players with questions. One example is when both the player and the dealer are dealt a blackjack right at the start.

It does not happen often, and when it does it can be confusing as to what comes next. If you are playing online, small rule differences between games can change how the round is settled.

Different tables can use slightly different rules, so it might be worth grasping the basics first. Read on to learn more.

What Happens When Both Hands Hit Blackjack?

If both you and the dealer are dealt a natural blackjack on the initial two-card deal (an Ace plus any ten-value card), the result is usually a push. A push is a draw: no one wins or loses the round, and your original stake is returned. There is no enhanced payout on either side.

This outcome is uncommon. The number of decks in use, whether the dealer peeks for blackjack, and the game format can all influence how often natural blackjacks occur, but it remains a rare event.

If a game offers side bets, those are settled according to their own paytables, separate from the main hand. If you see a feature you are not familiar with, checking the table information will usually explain how ties and naturals are handled in that variant.

If you do decide to try your hand at blackjack, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose. 

How Payouts Work When Player And Dealer Tie On Blackjack

On a push with blackjack, a player’s main wager is simply returned. You do not receive the normal blackjack payout, which on many tables is 3 to 2. So if you placed £10 and both hands are natural blackjack, your balance would typically return to its starting point with £10 refunded.

The only exceptions come from add-on features such as side bets or optional bonuses, each governed by its own settlement rules. These are independent of the main hand outcome and can win, lose, or push even when the primary result is a draw.

It might be worth keeping in mind that only a natural blackjack qualifies for enhanced odds. A total of 21 made with three or more cards is not a blackjack and is treated differently across all standard tables.

House Rules That Change What Happens In A Blackjack Push

Classic blackjack treats a tie in naturals as a push, but some variants include additional twists. You might see:

• Promotional rules that return a small bonus or offer a free hand on a push. These are uncommon, time-limited, and will be displayed clearly where offered. 
• Special game variants where blackjack payouts or push rules differ from the standard format. These are rare and always detailed in the game rules.

Other house rules, such as whether the dealer stands on soft 17, how many decks are used, or whether the dealer peeks for blackjack, do not change the fact that a tie in naturals is generally a push, but they can influence how often naturals occur. 

Variations In Online Blackjack Rules

Online blackjack typically follows standard settlement rules, but software providers often add features that are resolved separately from the main hand. Examples include side bets, progressive prizes or bonus triggers based on specific card combinations. These extras have their own paytables and are not linked to the push result on the primary hand.

Online games also differ in whether the dealer uses a peek rule. In some formats, the dealer checks for blackjack immediately when showing an Ace or ten-value card. In others, especially European-style online tables, the dealer does not take or reveal a second card until after players finish their actions, which can delay settlement of natural blackjacks.

All relevant information is usually available in the help or info panel. It sets out payouts, push rules, whether the dealer peeks, and any exceptions so you can pick a version that suits your preferences.

What Happens If One Hand Is A Natural And The Other Isn’t?

A natural blackjack is a total of 21 achieved with the first two cards; an Ace plus a ten-value card. If you have a natural and the dealer does not, the hand is normally settled immediately and pays the listed blackjack rate, often 3 to 2. On a £10 stake, that means £15 in winnings plus your £10 back, giving a £25 total return.

If the dealer has a natural and you do not, the round ends straight away and your stake is taken. If the table uses a dealer-peek rule, the dealer will check for blackjack when showing an Ace or ten-value card, which prevents unnecessary play when the result is already determined. On “no hole card” tables, blackjack may only be confirmed once the dealer draws their second card.

Payouts can vary. Some variants pay 6 to 5 instead of 3 to 2, and certain blackjack formats apply unique rules to naturals, ties or side bets. The table information will usually show the exact figures and conditions.

Play Blackjack Online

Slotzo offers a range of blackjack tables, from live dealer rooms to digital games, so you can choose the format and features you prefer. Each game displays its rules and paytable upfront, including how pushes and naturals are settled, whether the dealer peeks, and the table limits in place.

Licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Slotzo provides clear information so you can make informed choices. Feel free to browse the blackjack lobby, check the rules that apply, and pick a table when you are ready.

Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.

_{**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}

_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}