What Are the Two Side Bets in Blackjack?

In blackjack, a side bet is an optional bet that can be made in addition to the standard bet. Side bets are usually made on the player’s first two cards, and they typically offer odds that are much higher than the standard blackjack bet.

There are two common side bets in blackjack: insurance and Perfect Pairs.

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Insurance is a side bet that is available when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. Insurance pays 2-to-1 if the dealer has a blackjack, and it is a way to protect your hand if you think the dealer might have a blackjack.

PRO TIP:When playing blackjack, there are two additional side bets you can make to increase your potential winnings. One is called ‘insurance’ which pays out 2-1 if the dealer’s face up card is an Ace. The other side bet is ‘even money’, which pays out 1-1 if the dealer has blackjack. Be aware that both of these side bets have a high house edge, so only take them when you have a good chance of winning.

Insurance is a bad bet because the odds of the dealer having a blackjack are only about 9%, so you are better off taking your chances and not making the insurance bet.

Perfect Pairs is a side bet that pays off if your first two cards are a pair. If you are dealt a pair of Aces, for example, you would win a Perfect Pairs payout even if you lost your hand to the dealer.

The odds of being dealt a Perfect Pairs hand are about 3%, so this is not a very good bet either. However, some players like to make Perfect Pairs bets because they offer the chance to win a big payout for a small investment.