When it comes to playing blackjack, many people are familiar with the standard rules of the game. They know that the goal is to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21, and they understand the basic strategy for hitting, standing, splitting pairs, and doubling down.
But what about side bets Are there additional wagers that can be made in blackjack The answer is yes, and in this article we’ll explore some of the most common side bets in the game.
Exclusive BlackJack Casino Offers:
Perfect Pairs
One of the most popular side bets in blackjack is Perfect Pairs. This bet allows players to wager on whether their first two cards will be a pair (two cards of the same rank) or not.
The payout for a winning Perfect Pairs bet varies depending on how rare the pair is. For example:
- A perfect pair (two identical cards) pays 30:1
- A colored pair (two cards of the same rank and color) pays 10:1
- A mixed pair (two cards of the same rank but different colors) pays 5:1
- No pair results in a loss for this side bet.
21+3
Another popular side bet in blackjack is 21+3. This bet combines the player’s two initial cards with the dealer’s upcard to form a three-card poker hand. If that hand forms a flush, straight, three-of-a-kind, or straight flush, then the player wins according to a paytable similar to Perfect Pairs:
- A suited three-of-a-kind pays 100:1
- A straight flush pays 40:1
- A three-of-a-kind pays 30:1
- A straight pays 10:1
- A flush pays 5:1
- No poker hand results in a loss for this side bet.
Bust It
Another side bet option is Bust It. This bet allows players to wager on whether the dealer will bust (go over 21) with a specific number of cards. The payout for a winning Bust It bet varies depending on how many cards the dealer busts with:
- Dealer busts with three cards pays 3:1
- Dealer busts with four cards pays 8:1
- Dealer busts with five cards pays 10:1
- Dealer busts with six cards pays 50:1
The Bottom Line
While side bets can add an extra layer of excitement to blackjack, it’s important to remember that they are purely optional and can often have higher house edges than the main game. Players should always consider their bankroll and the potential risks before placing any side bets, and it’s always a good idea to read up on the specific rules and payouts for each type of side bet before playing.
