Blackjack side bets are optional bets that the player may make in addition to his or her base bet before any cards are dealt. These types of bets are independent of the outcome of the base blackjack game and typically focus on specific card combinations or outcomes.
Although they don't influence the result of the main hand, blackjack side bets give additional chances to win with considerably higher jackpots. They're loved so much because of the excitement that they bring and the chance to win large amounts of money from relatively small wagers.
How Does a Side Bet Work in Blackjack?
A side bet is placed before the first cards are received and has to be placed at the same time as the main blackjack wager. There are rules for every side bet, which are usually the first two cards of the player and, in certain cases, the dealer's upcard. If the individual terms of the side bet are met, then the player is paid out according to predetermined odds.
For example, in the Perfect Pairs side bet, the player is a winner if the first two cards they are dealt are a pair. The money won depends on the kind of pair: mixed color, same color, or same cards. Side bets are resolved immediately after the initial deal, so players win or lose the side bet regardless of whether the main blackjack hand wins or loses.
Common Types of Blackjack Side Bets
There are various side bets available, each with a pay scheme and odds. Some of the most favorite ones are:
1. Perfect Pairs
This side bet is a winner if the player's first two cards are a pair:
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Mixed Pair (e.g., 7♠ and 7♦): Lower pay
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Colored Pair (e.g., 7♠ and 7♣): Medium pay
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Perfect Pair (e.g., 7♠ and 7♠): Highest pay
2. 21+3
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This bet combines the player's two cards and the upcard of the dealer in a three-card poker hand. Payoffs are made based on poker hand rank:
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Flush
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Straight
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Three of a Kind
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Straight Flush
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Suited Three of a Kind
3. Lucky Lucky
This is another favorite side bet that pays based on the matching of the player's two cards and the upcard of the dealer, similar to 21+3. The highest payoffs are awarded for specific suited combinations summing to 21:
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7-7-7 same suit: highest payout
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6-7-8 suited: high payment
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Other 21, 20, or 19 combinations: lower payments
4. Insurance
While not formally considered a side bet, insurance is an optional wager made when the dealer's up card is an Ace. Insurance pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack, but it is a high-house-edge bet.
5. Royal Match
This bet will win when the player's first two cards are of matching suit, with the highest return for a suited King and Queen.
Why Blackjack Side Bets Are So Well-Liked
Blackjack side bets have been increasing in popularity due to several reasons:
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High Return Potential: Most side bets return anywhere from 5:1 to 100:1 or higher, depending on the bet and hand landed.
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Rapid Payouts: The players understand the result of most side bets immediately after the initial deal, which gives an instant rush.
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Fun Variety: Side bets introduce variety and suspense, especially for those accustomed to standard blackjack play.
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Small Bet, Big Prize: Side bets usually have a small bet value, so the players can walk away with a big prize without needing to increase their initial bet size.
What Are the Best Side Bets in Blackjack?
Determining the "best" side bet is a question of what the player deems most vital: entertainment, odds, or potential for payout. From purely mathematical considerations, most side bets in blackjack contain a significantly larger house edge than the underlying game. Nevertheless, some are exceptions:
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21+3: Pays fairly well with better odds than some other side bets.
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Lucky Lucky: Unique in that it has excellent payout potential on some combinations of 19, 20, or 21.
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Perfect Pairs: Easy to understand and easily accessible, but payments vary by pair type.
Among these, Lucky Lucky is often one of the best because of the thrill plus reachable high return it offers.
Are Blackjack Side Bets Worth Playing?
Mathematically, blackjack side bets will have a larger house edge than the underlying game. For example:
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Perfect Pairs: House edge roughly 6% to 11%, depending on the casino.
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21+3: Normally, 3% to 10% house edge.
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Lucky Lucky: Ordinarily 3% to 6%.
They are riskier than the standard blackjack, where less than a 1% house edge can be achieved while playing at a high level of strategy. But for those wanting more excitement or the chance to win big money, they might be worth it. They need to be looked at as only entertainment and not a long-term approach to earning money.
Understanding the Odds: Why Side Bets Are Not Always the Best Option
Side bets with big payouts are designed by casinos to make up for their low probability of occurrence. For example:
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A Perfect Pair occurs in about 3.9% of hands.
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A suited 21 in Lucky Lucky happens much less often, about 0.01%.
Because of these odds, side bets are variance bets. Though they make for excitement and the possibility of a large win, they quickly drain a bankroll if used excessively.
Players who wish to be informed about how blackjack payouts influence house edge also need to know about 6 to 5 blackjack, which greatly skews odds away from players compared to standard 3 to 2 payouts.
Blackjack side bets add a touch of variety and excitement to the regular game. Even though they play with higher house edges and greater volatility, they remain favorites for players who like chasing a big score from a small investment.
Understanding how these bets function and their odds is crucial in making intelligent table decisions. Whether it's for a fun bet or in pursuit of a side bet jackpot, knowing what the side bets for blackjack are about provides for an enhanced gaming experience.
FAQ
1. How Do Side Bets Work in Blackjack?
A side bet is a separate bet placed in addition to the basic blackjack bet. It is focused on specific card outcomes, such as pairs or poker-type hands, and is usually resolved after the first deal.
2. Are Blackjack Side Bets Worth Playing?
Side bets are entertaining and pay big, but they usually offer a higher house edge. Side bets should only be used as entertainment enhancers rather than an effective strategy in beating blackjack.
3. What Is a Lucky Lucky Side Bet in Blackjack?
Lucky Lucky is a side wager based on the player's two cards and the dealer's visible card. It is settled for counts like 19, 20, or 21, with bonus payouts for sequential or suited combos like 6-7-8 or three 7s.
