Tie

Tie

Definition

A tie (also known as a “push” or “stand-off”) occurs when the player and the dealer finish a hand with the same point total. Depending on the specific game rules, a tie either results in the player’s bet being returned or a specific payout if the player bet on the tie outcome.

In context

In Blackjack, if you have 20 and the dealer also has 20, the hand is a “push”—you don’t win any money, but you don’t lose your bet either. In Baccarat, if the Player and Banker hands both total 7, the main bets are returned, but anyone who placed a separate “Tie Bet” wins a payout of 8 to 1.

Why it matters

The tie rule is a major factor in the house edge. Games that treat a tie as a loss for the player have a significantly higher house edge than those that return the bet. Conversely, “Tie Bets” are often some of the worst bets in the casino due to their high house advantage.

In detail

In the world of gambling, a “tie” is rarely just a neutral event. While it feels like a “reset,” the way a casino handles ties is one of the most important ways they manipulate the odds in their favor.

The “Push” (Blackjack)

In most versions of Blackjack, a tie is a “push.” Neither side wins. The money stays in the betting circle, and you can either let it ride for the next hand or take it back. However, you must be careful of “charity” or “low-limit” games that have a rule saying “Dealer wins all ties.” This is a catastrophic rule for the player, as it adds nearly 9% to the house edge, making the game almost unbeatable.

The “Tie Bet” Trap (Baccarat)

Baccarat is famous for its Tie Bet. Because Baccarat has a very low house edge on the Banker (1.06%) and Player (1.24%) bets, the casino offers a “Tie Bet” with a tempting payout of 8:1 (or sometimes 9:1).

While an 8:1 payout sounds great, the actual mathematical probability of a tie is only about 9.5%. This means the house edge on the Baccarat Tie Bet is a staggering 14.36%. For a veteran casino manager, seeing a player consistently bet the Tie is a sign of a “sucker” or an inexperienced gambler. It is one of the most profitable bets for the casino.

Casino War: The Only “True” Tie Game

Casino War is the only game where a tie leads to more action. When a tie occurs, you have two choices:

Surrender: Give the house half your bet and walk away.
Go to War: You must double your bet. The dealer then burns three cards and deals you and the dealer one more card each. If you win, you only win a profit on your original bet; the “War” bet just pushes.

This is a classic example of how a tie is used to force the player into a mathematically disadvantageous position.

Summary

For a player, a tie should usually be viewed as a “sigh of relief”—it’s a hand you didn’t lose. However, you should almost never “bet” on the tie happening. The payouts offered for tie outcomes are rarely high enough to compensate for how infrequently they occur. If you want your money to last, stick to the main bets and treat the tie as a free pass to the next hand.