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Blackjack 21+3 Side Bet Explained | LeoVegas

Blackjack 21+3 Side Bet

Blackjack 21+3 is a popular side bet that can be placed alongside blackjack variation an initial bet in an online or land-based casino. It offers attractive odds by mixing blackjack and three-card poker. Let’s explore the blackjack 21+3 side bet below.

What is the 21+3 Side Bet?

Players use the 21+3 blackjack side bet to wager on whether the first two cards of their hand and the dealer’s face-up card will combine to create one of the different three-card poker hands.

Players will place their side wager just before the cards are dealt by the dealer. Most casino blackjack tables have a 21+3 box. Players can place their wagers inside the box. The side bet wins if the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s face-up card create a three-card poker hand. The payout depends on which three-card hand the player gets. Each hand pays out differently.

If your first two cards plus the dealer’s up-card combine to form one of the five winning hands here, then you win your 21+3 blackjack bet. If not, you lose your side bet stake.

You must get one of the following three-card poker hands to win the blackjack 21+3 side bet:

  1. Flush – Three cards of the same suit
  2. Straight – Three cards in sequential order
  3. Three of a kind – Three cards of the same value
  4. Straight flush – Three cards in sequential order and all of the same suit
  5. Suited three of a kind – Three cards of the same value and same suit

Simplicity is one of the reasons behind the popularity of 21+3. It is an easy side bet compared to alternative blackjack side bets. It simply adds a poker twist to playing a popular blackjack side bet. You should have a basic knowledge of poker before making a 21+3 side bet.

Different Variations of the 21+3 Side Bet

Different ables will offer variations to the 21+3 side bet. The standard version of the side bet pays out 9:1 regardless of the hand. Some tables offer a sliding payout scale, depending on initial cards and on the three-card poker combination. Blackjack 21+3 is one version of the side bet with a sliding pay scale.

It is important to read the rules of the game when playing at an online casino. Rules and payouts differ per gaming provider. Online casinos have taken the basic idea of standard game of blackjack 21+3 and expanded on it. Some tables award a progressive jackpot when a specific three-card poker hand is achieved.

In addition to the 21+3 side bet, blackjack has alternative side bets. Side bets include perfect pairs, easy match, royal match, over/under 13, lucky ladies, pair square, super sevens, and lucky lucky. One of the issues that blackjack players can have with side bets is they can eat up their bankroll. Players need to exercise strong bankroll management to prevent them from using up their money by making side bets.

21+3 Odds and Payouts

The house edge for blackjack 21+3 is approximately 13.39%. The casino may alter the house edge, making it higher or lower based on the payouts. Depending on the pay tables and the version of the game, players can expect a return of more than 95%. The return makes 21+3 an attractive game to players.

The traditional game of blackjack 21+3 pays out at 9:1 – a great payout for players willing to take the side bet. As online casinos attempted to attract new players, they altered the payouts for 21+3.

Some online casinos pay out a sliding scale of:

  • Suited Three of a Kind: 100 to 1
  • Straight Flush:35 to 1
  • Three of a Kind:33 to 1
  • Straight: 10 to 1
  • Flush:5 to 1

While some online casinos employ the above ratios, others tweak them slightly. Altering the payout ratios is one way for online casinos to attract new customers interested in making 21+3 bets on blackjack.

Pros and Cons of the 21+3 Side Bet

The more favourable payout for winning hand two than alternative blackjack side bets is one of the pros of the 21+3 side bet. A successful 21+3 side bet can add profit to a winning blackjack bet. A player could win both bets and rake in the winnings. Compared to insurance, the payout for winning a 21+3 bet is higher, but it has a lower payout compared to a royal match side bet.

Alternatively, a winning 21+3 bet can offset the losses from blackjack. Moreover, the 21+3 bet offers a balance between risk and reward. In addition, the 21+3 bets increase the excitement of playing blackjack. Instead of one blackjack wager, players add a second wager to the game.

Blackjack side bets are typically less favourable to players. This increases the house’s edge. Plus, a losing side bet can shrink your bankroll rapidly. It’s also possible that a side bet affects and alters your basic blackjack strategy. You may lose focus on the blackjack game, worrying more about the side bet.

Players should set wagering limits before starting their blackjack game. This is good practice for bankroll management.

Blackjack 21+3 Side Bet FAQ

Is the 21+3 Side Bet Worth It?

With sufficient knowledge of the different odds and payouts per winning poker hand, the 21+3 side bet can be worth the gamble. Without a strong grasp of the blackjack 21+3 side bet, players can burn through their bankroll quickly. Not only that, the 21+3 side bet can distract players from their blackjack strategy. The utmost concentration is needed to play blackjack and place a side bet.

What is 21+3 Side Bet house edge?

The house edge for the blackjack 21+3 side is approximately 13.39%. Due to the low house edge, the 21+3 side bet is a better option than blackjack insurance.

What are the other side bets in blackjack?

There are several blackjack side bets available, including perfect pairs, easy match, royal match, over/under 13, lucky ladies, pair square, super sevens, and lucky lucky. Players can choose a various kind suited side bet when playing blackjack to increase their chances of making a profit. Side bets have the potential to squander players’ bankroll rapidly.

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