What is a natural blackjack and how is it paid?

In the card game of blackjack, a "natural" (also called a blackjack) is a hand that totals exactly 21 using only the first two cards dealt. This specific combination must consist of an ace paired with either a 10 or a face card.1

Regarding payouts, a player who is dealt a natural wins immediately unless the dealer is also showing an ace or a 10. If the dealer does not have a natural, the player's natural is typically paid off at one and a half times the original bet. If both the player and the dealer hold a natural, the result is a tie, known as a "push," and no money is exchanged.1