While the main objective of the game is to beat the dealer by having a hand that is closer to 21 without going over, there are also several side bets that players can place to increase their chances of winning. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular side bets in blackjack, including Perfect Pairs and 21+3. We’ll explore how they work, the payouts and odds, and provide tips on how to play them effectively.

Perfect Pairs

Perfect Pairs is one of the most popular side bets in blackjack, offering players the chance to win big payouts if they are dealt a pair in their initial two cards. Here’s what you need to know about Perfect Pairs:

1. Definition and explanation Perfect Pairs is a side bet that pays out if a player’s initial two cards are a pair, i.e. two cards of the same rank and suit.
2. How it works and how to place the bet To place a Perfect Pairs bet, players must place their chips in the designated betting area on the table.
3. Payouts and odds The payouts for Perfect Pairs can vary depending on the casino, but typically they range from 6:1 to 30:1.
4. Tips for playing Perfect Pairs

Understand the payouts

Before placing a Perfect Pairs bet, it’s important to understand the payouts and the odds of winning. Be sure to check the paytable for the specific casino you are playing at.

Don’t rely on Perfect Pairs

While it can be tempting to focus solely on the Perfect Pairs bet, remember that the main objective of the game is to beat the dealer. Don’t let the side bet distract you from playing a solid blackjack strategy.

Manage your bankroll

Side bets like Perfect Pairs can be a fun way to increase your winnings, but they can also quickly deplete your bankroll. Set a budget for side bets and stick to it.

Overall, Perfect Pairs is a simple and exciting side bet that can add an extra layer of excitement to your blackjack game. While it should never be the sole focus of your strategy, a well-placed Perfect Pairs bet can be a nice bonus on top of your blackjack winnings.

21+3

21+3 is another popular form of side in blackjack. Here’s what you need to know about 21+3:

1. Definition and explanation 21+3 is a side bet that combines the player’s two initial cards with the dealer’s face-up card to form a three-card poker hand. The goal is to create a winning hand, such as a straight, flush, or three of a kind.
2. How it works and how to place the bet To place a 21+3 bet, players must place their chips in the designated betting area on the table.
3. Payouts and odds The payouts for 21+3 can vary depending on the casino, but typically they range from 5:1 to 100:1. The odds of winning a 21+3 bet depend on the specific hand, but the overall odds of getting a winning hand are around 9.6%.
4. Tips for playing 21+3

Understand the payouts

Before placing a 21+3 bet, it’s important to understand the payouts and the odds of winning. Be sure to check the paytable for the specific casino you are playing at.

Look for high-value hands

While any winning hand is a good thing, some hands are worth more than others. Look for hands like straight flushes and three of a kinds, which offer the highest payouts.

Don’t overdo it

Like with any side bet, it’s important to manage your bankroll and not go overboard with 21+3. Set a budget for side bets and stick to it.

Overall, 21+3 can be a fun and exciting side bet that adds a new dimension to your blackjack game. It requires a bit more strategy than Perfect Pairs, but can offer bigger payouts for players who are willing to take the risk. However, it’s important to remember that the main objective of the game is still to beat the dealer in blackjack, so don’t let side bets distract you from that goal.

Other Side Bets

In addition to Perfect Pairs and 21+3, there are several other side bets that are offered in blackjack. Here are a few other popular side bets to be aware of:

1. Insurance Bet The insurance bet is a side bet that players can make if the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. The bet is essentially a wager that the dealer’s face-down card is a 10-value card, which would give the dealer blackjack. The payout for an insurance bet is 2:1.
2. Over/Under 13 The over/under 13 bet is a side bet that allows players to wager on whether their initial two cards will add up to more than 13, less than 13, or exactly 13. The payout for this bet can vary, but it is typically 1:1 for hitting the under and over, and 10:1 for hitting exactly 13.
3. Bust It The payout for this bet can vary, but it is typically 1:1 for the dealer busting with three or four cards, and up to 250:1 for the dealer busting with eight or more cards.
4. Lucky Ladies That allows players to wager on whether their initial two cards will add up to 20. The bet offers different payouts based on the specific hand, with the highest payout being for a pair of Queen of Hearts, which offers a 1000:1 payout.

As with any side bet, it’s important to understand the payouts and the odds of winning before placing a bet. While side bets can offer a fun way to increase your winnings in blackjack, they can also quickly deplete your bankroll if you’re not careful.

Conclusion

Side bets can be a great addition to the game of blackjack, offering higher payouts and added excitement. Perfect Pairs and 21+3 are two popular side bets, but there are several other options available as well. It’s important to understand the odds and potential payouts of any side bet before placing a wager, and to set a budget for side bets to avoid going overboard.

While side bets can be a fun way to increase your winnings in blackjack, it’s also important to remember that they come with a higher level of risk and a higher house edge. Players who are looking to maximize their winnings may find that sticking to traditional blackjack offers the best chance of success. Ultimately, the decision to make a side bet or not should be based on personal preference and playing style. Whatever your decision, remember to always gamble responsibly and within your means.