If Both Players Get 21 in Blackjack: Who Wins?
Blackjack often sparks debate, especially about what happens when two players both reach 21. Does one take precedence, or does it depend on how the total was made?
This blog post will explore how those hands are settled, what differences arise if one hand is a natural blackjack, and what happens if the dealer also ends up with 21. You’ll also discover why rules can vary between tables and the key points to keep in mind to keep things straightforward.
By the end, you’ll understand how a 21 is treated, whether it comes from two cards or more.
What Happens If 2 Players Get 21 in Blackjack?
When two players both reach 21 in the same round, they are not directly compared to each other. Each player’s hand is measured only against the dealer’s total.
This means both could come out favourably, both could have no gain or loss, or one might benefit while the other does not, all depending on what the dealer ends up with. For instance, if the dealer finishes just below 21, then players with 21 generally fare better. If the dealer also reaches 21, the outcome depends on the exact circumstances, which we will look into shortly.
The takeaway here is that your hand’s fate is linked to the dealer’s hand rather than other players’ totals. But what does that comparison actually involve?
Understanding How Blackjack Hands Are Compared
Blackjack is played as individual contests against the dealer. The objective is to reach a higher total than the dealer without going beyond 21. If your total exceeds 21, your hand is automatically lost, regardless of how the dealer’s hand turns out later.
Once all players have finished their actions, the dealer reveals and completes their hand according to the house guidelines. If the dealer exceeds 21, any remaining hands win. If not, hands with totals above the dealer’s are successful, those below lose, and equal totals typically mean the original wager is returned.
To illustrate: if the dealer stops at 19, a player with 20 wins, 19 results in no gain or loss, and 18 loses. Importantly, these results are independent of what other players hold.
Now that we know how hands are matched, it’s worth examining whether it matters how that 21 was reached.
Does It Matter If One Player Has a Natural Blackjack?
A natural blackjack happens when the first two cards total 21—an ace paired with a 10-value card. This is often treated as the strongest possible starting hand.
The main difference comes in how these hands are rewarded, rather than in which one takes priority. Naturals typically receive a higher return when successful. By contrast, 21 made with more than two cards is usually paid out at a standard rate. For example, a £20 stake might earn £30 or £24 with a natural, depending on the table’s specific pay structure, while a 21 made from additional cards usually returns the initial stake plus an equal amount.
If the dealer also has a natural blackjack, the round often results in a no-gain/no-loss scenario. Some tables offer a special option when the dealer shows an ace, ensuring a fixed return on a natural regardless of what follows. This is just another way of handling outcomes.
What happens if the dealer’s 21 isn’t a natural? This situation can cause confusion and will be the focus of the next section.
What Happens If a Player and the Dealer Both Have 21?
When both you and the dealer finish with 21, the usual result is that your original stake is returned, without winning or losing.
An exception is when your 21 is a natural blackjack and the dealer’s total was made with three or more cards. In many places, the natural is still rewarded at the enhanced rate. If both have naturals, the result is typically a no gain/no loss.
It’s useful to note that some casinos have unique dealing methods, such as waiting to take the dealer’s second card in European-style games. Despite these differences, once the dealer’s hand is known, the way results are compared and paid remains consistent.
Why Blackjack Rules on Ties and Payouts Differ
Blackjack tables can vary significantly due to house rules, which explains why results and payouts aren’t always the same everywhere. The most noticeable difference is in how naturals are rewarded—traditional tables usually offer more than those paying smaller premiums.
Other factors influence how often specific outcomes occur, including whether the dealer hits or stands on certain totals, the number of decks used, and particular rule variants that can change what happens in tied situations. For example, some games treat a dealer’s total of 22 differently from others, which can affect the final results.
Most tables have these rules clearly displayed, either on the layout itself or in the game’s info section online. Taking a moment to review them can help understand how 21s and ties are managed in that particular game.
Key Things to Remember When Two Players Hit 21
When two players reach 21 at the same time, their results do not affect each other. Each hand is evaluated independently against the dealer’s final total, meaning both players could come out ahead, both could simply get their stake back, or one could do better than the other, depending on the dealer’s outcome.
The way a 21 is made influences the payout, but it does not change how the outcome is determined. A natural blackjack typically brings a higher return when successful, while a 21 made with more than two cards is settled at the usual rate. If the dealer also ends on 21, the typical result is that the stake is returned, unless specific table rules allow the natural to receive its enhanced payout.
Table rules matter a great deal in these situations. Variations in natural blackjack payouts, the dealer’s approach to completing their hand, and other special rules can all influence the final results. It’s always wise to familiarise yourself with the rules before you start, so you know exactly how 21s, naturals, and ties are handled.
In short, 21s are always compared against the dealer’s hand, naturals often pay more, and understanding the particular rules where you play will keep everything straightforward.
If you choose to play blackjack, always do so with responsible gambling practices in mind and never wager more than you are willing to lose.
**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.