A stand off is a tie-like table-game result where neither side wins the wager and the original bet is usually returned. Players more often hear the word “push,” but stand off still appears in some rules, older documents, training language, and formal casino wording.
Plain Talk
In plain English, stand off means “nobody won that wager.” The bet normally comes back to the player, and the hand moves on. It is not a win. It is not a loss. It is a no-decision result for that specific wager.
| Term | Plain-English meaning | Where it appears | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stand off | Tie-like no-decision result | Blackjack, baccarat, poker-style games, rule documents | Bet may be returned |
| Push | Common player-facing word for the same idea | Table games | Easier modern wording |
| Tie | Equal result or tied hand | Baccarat, blackjack, poker games | May be a separate bet in some games |
| Payout | Money paid on a winning wager | All games | A stand off is usually not paid as a win |
This glossary page defines the term. For full game rules, read Blackjack, Baccarat, Carnival Games, and the Glossary.
Where You See It
You may see stand off in older blackjack wording, formal rule documents, dealer training language, and regulatory text. Modern casino floors usually say “push” because it is shorter and familiar to players.
Regulatory language still uses the idea.
Why It Matters
Stand off matters because “not losing” is not the same as winning. A player may feel relieved when the bet returns, but the hand did not produce profit. In games with several betting spots, one wager can stand off while another wager wins or loses.
The wording also matters in disputes. A dealer, floor supervisor, or rule card may use formal language that sounds unfamiliar, but the payout effect is usually simple: return the original wager if the rule says it stands off.
Example
In blackjack, a player has 20 and the dealer also finishes with 20. The main wager is usually a push, also called a stand off. The player receives the original bet back but does not receive winnings.
From the Casino Side:
From the casino side, a stand off is a settlement category. The dealer must return the correct wager, avoid paying a win, and move the game forward cleanly. Surveillance and floor staff may review whether a disputed hand was a win, loss, or stand off because each category changes the rack and table result.
In multi-wager games, staff also need to know which betting spots stand off and which do not. A tie on one wager does not automatically freeze every wager on the layout.
Common Misunderstanding
The common misunderstanding is thinking a stand off is a small win because the player “got the money back.” It is not. Your bankroll is unchanged for that wager, but time and exposure continue. Another mistake is assuming every tie is a stand off. Baccarat Tie bets, for example, are separate wagers with their own payout rules.
Hard Truth
A stand off feels better than losing because the chips come back. But returned money is not profit. It is only the casino saying that wager had no winner.
Related Terms
| Term | Difference | Best page to read next |
|---|---|---|
| Push | Modern common term for no-decision result | Push |
| Tie | Equal result; sometimes also a separate baccarat wager | Tie |
| Hand | The cards or round being resolved | Hand |
| Payout Odds | Posted return on a winning wager | Payout Odds |
| Dealer Qualifies | Can cause certain wagers to push | Dealer Qualifies |
| Table Game Procedure | How results are handled on the floor | Table Game Procedure |
FAQ
Is stand off the same as push?
In most casino contexts, yes. Stand off is a more formal or older term. Push is the word most players hear on the floor.
Do you win money on a stand off?
Usually no. The original wager is returned, but no profit is paid.
Can one bet stand off while another loses?
Yes. In games with multiple wagers, each betting spot may resolve differently.
Is a blackjack tie a stand off?
Usually yes for the main bet, unless a specific rule says otherwise.
Is a baccarat Tie bet a stand off?
No. A baccarat Tie bet is a separate wager. A tied banker/player result may push Banker and Player bets, while the Tie bet pays if it was placed.
Deeper Insight
Formula / Calculation
| Metric | Formula | Plain-English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Stand off result | Original Bet Returned | You get the stake back |
| Net result on wager | Amount Returned - Original Bet | Usually zero profit and zero loss |
| Profit on stand off | $0 | A stand off is not a paid win |
Formula Explanation in Plain English
If you bet $25 and the result is a stand off, the dealer returns your $25. Your net result on that wager is $0 because you received back exactly what you risked. That is why a stand off can protect the bankroll from a loss but does not grow it.
For game-specific tie rules, compare Push, Tie, Baccarat, and Blackjack.
Related Reading
Read Blackjack for common push examples and Baccarat for the difference between a tied outcome and the Tie bet. Related glossary pages include Push, Tie, Hand, and Dealer Qualifies. For casino-side handling, read Casino Operations and Table Game Procedure.