21+3 Blackjack Side Bet Explained: Boost Your Game with Poker-Style Payouts
Ready to add some real punch to your blackjack strategy? The 21+3 blackjack side bet ups the stakes by blending classic blackjack gameplay with a poker-style challenge. It’s not just about beating the dealer anymore—it’s your shot at landing hands like a straight flush or three of a kind for serious payouts.
This guide cuts through the noise and shows you exactly how the bet works, what the odds look like, and whether it’s worth your chips. Let’s get straight to it.
What Is the 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet?
The 21+3 blackjack side bet is a side bet in blackjack that gives you a shot at extra payouts before the main game begins. It’s simple: combine your first two cards with the dealer’s face-up card to form a three-card poker hand. If you hit a qualifying hand—like a flush, straight, or three of a kind—you win the side bet.
This bet doesn’t change the core of blackjack—you’re still aiming to beat the dealer—but it adds an extra layer of action with the potential for big wins right from the deal.
How the 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet Works
The 21+3 side bet is a simple yet exciting way to boost your potential winnings during a game of blackjack. It runs alongside your main game—so while you’re still aiming to beat the dealer, this extra wager gives you a shot at a separate payout based on poker-style card combinations.
Here’s the gist:
- Add a side bet to your regular blackjack wager.
- Once the dealer deals your two cards and reveals their face-up card, those three cards combine to form a potential poker hand.
- If the hand qualifies—think flush, straight, or three of a kind—you win a bonus payout.
It’s a quick-fire bet settled before you even start playing your main blackjack hand, adding extra action to each round without changing the flow of the game.
Winning Hands for 21+3 Blackjack
To win a 21+3 bet, your two cards plus the dealer’s up-card must form one of these hands:
- Flush - Three cards of the same suit. (Payout: 5/1)
- Straight -Three cards in sequence, any suit. (Payout: 10/1)
- Three of a Kind - Three cards of the same rank. (Payout: 40/1)
- Straight Flush -Three cards in sequence, same suit. (Payout: 30/1)
- Suited Three of a Kind -Three cards of the same rank and suit. (Payout: 100/1)
These hands are possible because most blackjack games use multiple decks, typically six to eight.
21+3 Odds and House Edge
While the 21+3 side bet offers thrilling potential payouts, the odds aren’t in your favour:
| Result | Odds | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Flush | 0.0584 | 5/1 |
| Straight | 0.0310 | 10/1 |
| Straight Flush | 0.0021 | 30/1 |
| Three of a Kind | 0.0050 | 40/1 |
| Suited Three of a Kind | 0.0002 | 100/1 |
The house edge on a standard 21+3 bet is about 13.39%—much higher than the main blackjack game. Some variations offer flat payouts, typically 9/1, for any winning hand. Interestingly, this can reduce the house edge to around 3.24% depending on the casino’s rules.
Real-Game Scenario
Let’s bring this to life with an example. Say you place a $5 21+3 side bet alongside your usual blackjack wager. You’re dealt the Queen of Spades and Jack of Spades, and the dealer flips over the 10 of Spades. That’s a straight flush—three consecutive cards of the same suit. With a 30/1 payout, your $5 side bet just turned into $150. And the best part? You haven’t even played your main hand yet.
Deck Count Impact on House Edge
The house edge also shifts depending on how many decks are in play:
- Four Decks - Approximately 8.78%
- Five Decks- Approximately 7.81%
- Six Decks - Approximately 7.14%
- Seven Decks- Approximately 6.29%
Fewer decks usually mean better odds for players.
How to Place and Win 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to set up your 21+3 blackjack side bet the right way—and maximise your chances of success:
- Place Your Main Wager – Start by placing your standard blackjack bet as you normally would.
- Add the 21+3 Side Bet – Decide how much extra you’re willing to risk for the side bet. Remember, this is separate from your main hand.
- Check the Pay Table – Before you commit, review the game’s pay table for payout odds and deck count—it can affect your potential returns.
- Watch the Cards Fall – After the dealer deals your two cards and flips their up-card, see if you’ve landed a winning poker hand.
- Manage Your Bankroll – Set clear limits for side bets since the house edge is higher here than the main game.
Win or lose the side bet, you’ll still play out your regular blackjack hand as usual. The key is balancing the thrill of those bonus payouts with smart, responsible gameplay.
Pay Table Variations
Not all casinos play by the same rules. Before you bet, check the pay table—some games tweak the payouts or change how hands are valued.
Is There a Strategy for 21+3?
Unlike basic blackjack, where strategy can lower the house edge, there’s no way to influence the outcome of a 21+3 blackjack bet. It’s purely luck-based. But we do have a few tricks up our sleeves...
Key Tips to Keep in Mind
- Only bet what you can afford to lose. The high house edge means wins are rare.
- Use bonuses wisely. Promotions can help stretch your bankroll when trying side bets.
- Explore other side bets. Options like Perfect Pairs often have better odds.
Variations of the 21+3 Side Bet
While the classic 21+3 side bet offers plenty of excitement on its own, some casinos feature variations that raise the stakes even higher. These versions build on the standard 21+3 format, offering bigger payouts and new ways to win.
Should You Try the 21+3 Side Bet?
The 21+3 blackjack side bet adds an extra layer of fun for players who enjoy mixing poker hands into their blackjack experience. Just remember:
- The potential payouts are high, but so is the house edge.
- Consider progressive versions if you’re after huge jackpots, but be aware of the higher risks.
As always, gamble responsibly and stay within your limits—after all, the fun is in the play, not just the payout!
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Conclusion
The 21+3 blackjack side bet is a thrilling way to spice up your blackjack sessions, offering a poker-inspired twist that can lead to some serious payouts. While the odds are steep and the house edge is higher than standard blackjack, the excitement of hitting a rare hand makes it a fun, fast-paced addition for those who enjoy a little extra risk.
If you’re looking for a way to break the usual routine and add more layers to your gameplay, 21+3 could be the perfect bet. Just remember—it's all about balance. Enjoy the thrill of the chase, play responsibly, and keep the fun front and centre. Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: playing smart and having a great time.
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