Blackjack 21+3 Side Bet: A Comprehensive Guide

The 21+3 Blackjack side bet is a popular addition to the standard game of blackjack that combines elements of poker and blackjack. This side bet revolves around the player's two initial cards and the dealer's face-up card, creating various poker hands like flushes and straights.

Introduced in the early 2000s in land based casinos, 21+3 blackjack aimed to add excitement to the classic blackjack experience. Players have the chance for very high odds and payouts based on the strength of their hand combinations, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Introduction to Blackjack 21 3 side bet

The 21+3 bet is an exciting addition to the standard game of blackjack and it combines the thrill of poker original version of blackjack. In this side bet, you're essentially betting on the poker value of your initial two cards and the dealer's face-up card. If these cards form a poker hand like a flush, straight, or three-of-a-kind, you will get additional payout.

The Evolution and Popularity of the 21+3 Side Bets

The 21+3 bet has become increasingly popular in Las Vegas land based casinos and in the online casinos. It combines traditional blackjack with three card poker elements, allowing players to bet on the combination of their two cards and the dealer's face-up card to form a three card hand. This innovative twist has added excitement to the game and attracted a wider audience, spreading to many online casinos. Its evolution reflects the industry's constant pursuit of novel ways to engage players and boost revenue.

Understanding the 21+3 Side Bet

The 21+3 bet combines elements of three card poker with traditional blackjack gameplay. In this bet, players wager on the combination of their first two cards and the face-up card to create a winning hand. For example, if a player's first two cards are a 7 of hearts and a 9 of hearts, and the dealer's face-up card is a 10 of spades, the player would win if they form a flush with the three cards.

The Combination of Blackjack and Three Card Poker

In this hybrid casino game, blackjack players place a wager on their initial two cards and the face-up card to form a poker hand. Winning poker hands can include flushes, straights, three-of-a-kind, straight flush, etc. offering additional opportunities for players to win alongside their blackjack game.

The Role of the Dealer's Up-Card

In the 21+3 side bets, the dealer's up-card plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of the bet.

The dealer's up-card serves as the third card in the three card poker. For instance, if a player has a 7 of hearts and a 9 of diamonds as their initial cards, and the dealer gets one card face up which is a 10 of spades, the resulting poker hand would be a flush (three cards of the same suit), consisting of the 7 of hearts, 9 of diamonds, and 10 of spades.

The dealer's up-card influences whether a player's 21+3 blackjack bet wins or loses, making it an essential element in this popular blackjack side bet.

How to Play the 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet

Playing the 21+3 blackjack is a blackjack variation:

Place Your Stake - Begin by placing your standard blackjack bet. This is your main wager for the blackjack hand.

Optional Side Bets - Once your blackjack wager is placed, you have the option to make a 21+3 side wager. This is a separate wager that you can place alongside your main wager.

Combining Cards - Here first player's cards and the up-card of the dealer are combined to form a poker hand. Winning poker hands include flushes, straights, three-of-a-kind, and more.

Winning or Losing - If your combined cards create a winning poker hand based on the pay table of the casino, you win the 21+3 side wager. If not, you lose your side wager but continue with the main blackjack hand.

Placing the Side Bet: The 21+3 Box on the Blackjack Tables

The 21+3 blackjack side bet is typically placed in a designated area on the blackjack table known as the "21+3 box". Here's how it works:

Identify the 21+3 Box - Look for a specific section on the blackjack table marked as the "21+3" or "Poker" box. This box is separate from the main betting area for the blackjack game.

Place Your Chips - Once you've located the 21+3 box, you can place your chips or wager in that designated area on the table. The amount you bet on the side bet is independent of your main blackjack wager.

Wait for the Dealer - After placing your 21+3 side bet, the dealer will proceed with the blackjack hand as usual. They will then reveal the poker hand formed by your first two cards and their own face-up card.

Determine the Outcome - Based on the poker hand created by these three cards, the dealer will determine do you have the winning hand. When player wins the hand, they will receive your winnings accordingly to pay table in that casino.

Winning Combinations: From Flush to Suited Three of a Kind

In the 21+3 bets, winning combinations are formed from the player's two initial blackjack cards and the face-up card. The possible winning hands, ranked from highest to lowest, include:

Suited Three of a Kind Hand

Three cards of the same kind suited are forming this hand.

Straight Flush

Three cards of consecutive values and the same suit.

Three of a Kind

Three cards of the same value or the same face cards but not necessarily the same suit.

Straight

Three cards with consecutive values of any suit are forming a straight.

Flush

Three same kind suited cards.

Any Other Winning Combination

Various rankings of pairs or high-card combinations.

Each combination offers different payouts odds depending on the rules for this game in casinos.

Payouts and Odds in 21+3 Blackjack

The 21+3 bets always has attractive odds but pay tables can be slightly different in each casino. Here's a typical example:

Suited Three of a Kind - Payout odds 100:1

Straight Flush - Odds are 40:1

Three of a Kind - Payout is 30:1

Straight - Odds are 10:1

Flush - Pays 5:1

Any Other Winning Combination - Usually pays even money (1:1)

Keep in mind that different odds will be offered in each online casino, and it's essential to check the payout table of the casino before placing your 21+3 side bet.

Best Hands in 21+3 : Suited Three of a Kind and Straight Flush

In 21+3, the best paying hands are:

Suited Three of a Kind - This is the highest-ranking hand, comprising three cards of the same value and suit, like three 7s of hearts.

Straight Flush - The second-best hand consists of three consecutive cards of the same suit, such as 6, 7, and 8 of spades.

The Influence of Deck Numbers on House Edge

The number of decks in blackjack game directly impacts the house edge. Fewer decks, such as in single deck shoe blackjack, tend to favor players with a lower house edge of around 0.5%. However, as the number of decks increases, like in six deck shoe, the house edge rises, often exceeding 1%. Some say that 8 deck game even reaches the edge of 2%.