Are you looking for a way to add an extra layer of excitement and potential rewards to your blackjack game? The 21+3 side bet may be just what you’re looking for!
This simple yet exciting wager adds another dimension to the classic game of blackjack, giving players a chance to get more significant returns than the standard game.
The 21+3 bet is like a mini-game of 3-card poker. By combining two cards from their own hand with the dealer’s up card, players can form strong three-card hands that can pay out significant amounts of money.
In this guide, we’ll give you all the information you need about how the 21+3 side bet works, as well as provide some helpful tips on increasing your chances of success when playing it. So read on and get ready to take your blackjack experience up a notch!
What is the Blackjack 21+3 Side Bet?
The 21+3 bet is a popular side bet in blackjack that gives players the chance to win extra money based on a combination of the cards in their own hand and the dealer’s up card.
This mini 3-card hand is checked against the game’s paytable and is paid automatically if the hand is a winner.
Depending on the strength of the 3-card hand, players can win payouts ranging from 3:1 to 100:1 with some games also having a progressive jackpot option.
The 21+3 side bet is not available at all casinos, but it’s becoming increasingly popular as an online blackjack variation. Evolution Gaming and IGT are two commonly used software providers that currently have online versions available.
How to Play the 21+3 Side Bet
Playing the 21+3 side bet is simple: all you need to do is make a wager by placing your chips on the side bet circle before any cards are dealt.
Table limits will apply, and in a brick-and-mortar casino you can expect a minimum stake of at least $5, but if you play online blackjack the wager will be available for as little as $1.
When your two starting cards are dealt along with the dealer’s up card, you can form a three-card poker hand.
Depending on the strength of your hand and the payout table that is in effect at your game, you will be paid out according to whether you have a winning hand or not.
The hands that are available in 21+3 and their corresponding payouts vary from casino to casino. Generally, they follow the same pattern as 3-card poker hands and typically range from 5:1 for a flush up to 100:1 for a suited trip (a three-of-a-kind with all cards of the same suit).
We’ll discuss the different types of hands and their corresponding payouts in the next section.
Payout Table for 21+3 Side Bet
The payout table for the 21+3 side bet varies from casino to casino, so it’s important to check what payouts are being offered at your game before you place any wagers. Generally speaking, however, the hands and their corresponding payouts are as follows:
- Flush: 5:1
- Straight: 10:1
- Three of a Kind: 33:1
- Straight Flush: 35:1
- Suited Trips (Three of a kind with all cards of the same suit): 100:1
These are the most common payouts for 21+3 side bets. However, as mentioned before, some casinos and software providers may offer slightly different payouts depending on the rules of their particular game.
Progressive 21+3 Games
Some casinos also offer a progressive blackjack version of the 21+3 side bet.
This variation of the game is similar to a progressive slot machine, in that a small portion of each wager goes into a pooled jackpot which can be won by players who are lucky enough to get certain strong hands (such as 3 suited Aces).
The progressive jackpot can often reach significant amounts, and although the odds are against you winning, someone has to do so eventually!
Tips for Playing 21+3 Side Bet
Since this is a fixed wager with no decision-making involved, there is no particular 21+3 strategy you can follow.
However, there are a few tips you can follow to make the overall experience smoother, more profitable, and more enjoyable.
- Familiarize yourself with the payout table. Make sure you understand what hands are available and the corresponding payouts for each hand. This is especially relevant if playing at a real-world casino (if you are playing online you will be paid automatically).
- Avoid making too many wagers on the side bet. It has a higher house edge than the standard blackjack game, and you don’t want to get carried away and end up spending more money than you can afford.
- Don’t play at tables that have unfavorable payout tables. As mentioned before, the payouts for 21+3 side bets vary from casino to casino, so make sure you’re playing at a table that offers generous payouts.
- If you are playing progressive 21+3 you can try waiting until the jackpot has built up to a larger amount before you play. That way you’ll be sure of getting a favorable return if you do get lucky.
Should I Play this Wager?
The 21+3 side bet can be a great way to add some fun and excitement to your blackjack game. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a fixed wager and there is no skill involved, so the house edge will always remain the same and it is higher than standard blackjack (assuming you are using basic strategy).
With that in mind, if you’re looking for a way to add some extra excitement and potential rewards to your blackjack game, the 21+3 side bet could be a great option, but if you’re looking to get the highest possible RTP then side bets are not the way to beat the house.
Last Updated on July 27, 2023
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