What to Expect If 2 Players Hit 21 in Blackjack
Blackjack is a widely played card game at both online and land-based casinos in the UK. Achieving a total of 21 is the best possible hand value, but what happens if more than one player reaches 21 in the same round?
This blog post outlines how such situations are generally resolved under typical game rules. It explains how the dealer’s hand determines the outcome, the difference between a natural Blackjack and a 21 made with more than two cards, and how house rules can influence results at UK-licensed tables.
Read on to learn more.
What Happens If 2 Players Get 21 in Blackjack?
If two players both reach a total of 21, this does not change the outcome of the round for either player. Blackjack is not a competitive game between players—each participant plays solely against the dealer.
For example:
- If two players each have 21 and the dealer finishes on 18, both players win
- If the dealer finishes on 21 using three or more cards, both players usually push (tie)
- If the dealer has a natural Blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card), both players lose unless they also have a natural Blackjack
In all cases, it is the comparison between each player and the dealer that determines the result—not how other players have performed.
How Is a Tie Between Players Treated?
A tie between players has no impact on gameplay, payouts, or decisions. There is no shared outcome, and each hand is evaluated independently against the dealer’s.
Two players may both have 21, yet receive different outcomes. For example:
- One player has a natural Blackjack (Ace + 10-value card)
- Another has 21 with three or more cards
- If the dealer also ends on 21 using multiple cards, the Blackjack hand usually wins, while the other hand typically pushes
Equal totals between players are coincidental—only the individual outcome against the dealer matters.
Does the Dealer’s Hand Change the Outcome?
Yes. The dealer’s final hand is the deciding factor in all outcomes.
- If the dealer makes 21 with three or more cards, players with 21 also made with three or more cards usually push. Players with lower totals lose.
- If the dealer has a natural Blackjack, any non-Blackjack hand loses—even if it also totals 21. A player with a natural Blackjack usually pushes unless specific table rules apply.
- If the dealer finishes below 21, any player on 21 wins.
- If the dealer busts (goes over 21), all remaining player hands that have not busted typically win.
These are the standard outcomes at most UK-licensed tables, though some game variants may apply alternative rules.
Blackjack Rules on Equal Hands Explained
When a player and the dealer have hands with the same total, it is known as a push. In this case, the player’s original bet is returned, and no winnings are paid.
Examples:
- Player 20 vs. Dealer 20 = Push
- Player 21 with three cards vs. Dealer 21 with three cards = Push
However, a natural Blackjack ranks higher than a 21 made with three or more cards. So:
- A player with a natural Blackjack beats a dealer with 21 made from three or more cards
- If both have natural Blackjacks, it is a push
Split hands are settled individually—each split hand is judged separately against the dealer’s hand.
Is a Player Blackjack the Same as Reaching 21?
No. A Blackjack refers specifically to a hand made up of the first two cards: an Ace and a 10-value card. It is usually the highest-ranking result and may be paid at a higher rate than other winning hands—typically 3:2, though some tables use 6:5 or even 1:1 payouts.
A total of 21 made with three or more cards is not considered a Blackjack.
This distinction affects outcomes:
- A player Blackjack beats a dealer 21 made with multiple cards
- A player 21 made with additional cards only pushes against that same dealer 21
- If both the dealer and player have Blackjacks, the round is usually a push
If you choose to play, always check the rules at the table, especially around payout rates and tie conditions.
House Rules That Might Affect the Result
While the basic structure of Blackjack tends to remain consistent from table to table, individual house rules can influence how hands play out and how much you stand to win. If you choose to play, it’s worth checking the specific rules of the table first, as these variations can subtly affect the overall experience and potential returns.
Here are some common rule differences you might come across:
- Blackjack payouts: The standard payout is often 3:2 if you win, but some tables offer 6:5 or even 1:1, which lowers your potential return on a winning hand.
- Dealer on soft 17: If the dealer hits on a soft 17 (such as an Ace + 6), it slightly increases the house edge compared to when they are required to stand.
- Dealer checks for Blackjack: In certain games, the dealer will peek at their cards when showing an Ace or 10-value card. If they have Blackjack, the round ends immediately, which can prevent you from making further decisions or increasing your bet.
- Dealer 22 results in a push: Some variations introduce a rule where if the dealer reaches 22, it’s a push against all active player hands—unless you have a natural Blackjack, which still wins.
- Splitting rules: These may vary depending on whether you’re allowed to re-split Aces or receive more than one card after splitting Aces, potentially affecting your approach.
- Surrender options: Some games offer the option to surrender your hand and recover part of your bet. Whether this is available—and when you’re allowed to use it—depends on the version you’re playing.
You’ll typically find these details in the game’s information section if you’re playing online, or displayed on signage at physical tables in a casino.
While Blackjack is a game of chance with a built-in house edge, understanding the rules can help you make more informed choices. That said, no strategy guarantees a win. If you choose to play, consider setting limits, taking regular breaks, and never chasing losses.
Play Blackjack Online at Ivy Casino
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At Ivy Casino, you’ll find a range of Blackjack tables to match different budgets and preferences. Game rules are shown upfront, so you can quickly decide which tables feel right for you. And if you ever need support—whether with account settings or our player wellbeing features—we’re here to help.
If you’d like to experience Blackjack with clearly explained rules and flexible tools to guide your play, Ivy Casino is ready when you are. You can set your limits before you begin and explore the tables at your own pace.
**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.