Blackjack Side Bets Explained: Types, Strategy and Best Picks

If you’ve loaded up an online casino recently, you’ll know that blackjack is all the rage. Blackjack tables are as abundant as casino bonuses, if perhaps more original. One way game providers are keeping blackjack games original will be discussed in this post: side bets.

In blackjack, side bets are a staple for many players who are bored of standard blackjack tables. If you’re sharing the sentiment, get ready to unlock a new world of blackjack!

A Brief Introduction to Blackjack Side Bets

Blackjack, the classic casino card game, has evolved over the years to offer players more ways to engage and potentially win. One such evolution is the introduction of side wagers. These side bets add an additional layer of excitement and strategy to the traditional blackjack experience.

Side bets are simply additional bets that often offer the biggest payouts. Keep in mind that you don’t have to place blackjack side bets if you don’t want to.

You can choose to use them as you wish; you can either make a small wager on a side bet every now and then, or try various combinations of side bets regularly.

Popular Blackjack Side Bets

Explained below are the most common side bets you can find at most blackjack tables. The best online casinos make it a point to offer some interesting blackjack variants apart from the standard game. With interesting variants come equally interesting blackjack side bets!

Perfect Pairs

The blackjack Perfect Pairs side bet taps into the excitement of finding pairs in your initial two cards. The goal is to have your first two cards form a pair, either in rank (e.g., two 6s) or in colour (e.g., a 9 of hearts and a 9 of diamonds). The possible outcomes include:

• Perfect Pair: An exact match of rank and suit (e.g., two 7 of hearts).
• Coloured Pair: Cards of the same colour and rank but different suit (e.g., a 3 of clubs and a 3 of spades).
• Mixed Pair: Cards of the same rank but not the same suit (e.g., a 10 of diamonds and a 10 of clubs make a Mixed Pair. It’s important to note that the colour of the suits must be different.

The potential payout varies based on the type of pair achieved. While Perfect Pairs can offer enticing odds, it’s essential to remember that hitting a pair is statistically less likely than drawing different cards.

21+3

The 21+3 side bet combines the principles of blackjack and poker, creating a unique wager that adds a layer of variety to the game.

When placing this bet, you’re betting on the possibility of forming a three-card poker hand using your two initial cards and the dealer’s up-card. The poker hands that trigger payouts typically include:

• Straight: Three consecutive cards of any suit (e.g., 5-6-7 of various suits).
• Flush: Three cards of the same suit (e.g., 2, 8, and Queen of hearts).
• Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank (e.g., three 9s of different suits).

The 21+3 side bet introduces an intriguing element of poker strategy into the blackjack game, appealing to players who enjoy two of the best games out there: poker and blackjack!

Lucky Ladies

Lucky Ladies is a side bet that centres around achieving a total of 20 points from your initial two cards. The higher the total, the more substantial the potential payout.

The standout feature of this bet is the “Lucky Ladies” hand, which involves receiving two Queen of Hearts.

This rare combination can result in a significant payout, making it an exciting option for players who appreciate the thrill of chasing big wins.

Super Sevens

The goal is to create various combinations of 7s and potentially trigger payouts. Here are some possible outcomes:

• One 7: If one of your initial cards is a 7, you receive a payout.
• Two Unsuited 7s: If both your initial cards are 7s but of different suits, you receive a higher payout.
• Two Suited 7s: The highest payout is triggered when your initial two cards are both 7s of the same suit.

Comparing Blackjack Side Bets: Which Ones Are Worth It?

When it comes to blackjack side bet options, making informed choices is crucial. The allure of potentially high payouts can be enticing, but evaluating the odds, house edge, and overall impact on your gameplay is essential.

Not all side bets are created equal, and some can offer better value than others, be it though different odds and a lower house edge than the rest. Let’s delve into a comparison of different blackjack side bets to help you determine which ones are worth considering:

• Understanding the house edge: The house edge is vital in assessing the value of side bets. It represents the casino’s statistical advantage over the players. Generally, the higher the house edge, the more the casino is expected to win over the long term. Side bets with lower house edges tend to offer better odds for players.
• Understanding how side bets work: Some bets involve additional poker elements or specific card combinations, adding layers of intricacy to the game. While this can enhance excitement, it also requires a solid understanding of the rules and potential outcomes. If you’re a beginner, opting for simpler side bets might be a more suitable choice.
• Personal preference: Your playing style and preferences play a role in determining which side bets are worth it. If you enjoy added anticipation and excitement, side bets with higher payouts might align with your gaming objectives. On the other hand, if you value strategic play and optimising your chances, side bets with lower house edges and straightforward odds might be more appealing.

Side Bets Odds: Chances and Payouts

The most eye-catching aspect of side bets for blackjack players is their odds and payouts. Knowing how much money you’ll get if your side bet wins shouldn’t be the most important factor to consider, but it’s always good to know.

Perfect Pairs

• Perfect Pair (same rank and suit): 25:1
• Coloured Pair (same rank, different coloured-suit): 12:1
• Mixed Pair (same rank, different suits): 6:1

21+3

• Suited Three of a Kind: 100:1
• Straight Flush: 40:1
• Three of a Kind: 30:1
• Straight: 10:1
• Flush: 5:1

Super Sevens

• Suited 7-7-7 (same suit): 500:1
• Unsuited 7-7-7 (different suits): 250:1
• Suited 7-7 (same suit): 50:1
• Unsuited 7-7 (different suits): 25:1
• One 7: 3:1

Royal Match

• Suited King and Queen: 25:1
• Suited King and Queen of Hearts: 50:1

Lucky Lady side bets

• Lucky Lady (Queen of Hearts pair): 200:1
• Suited 20 (two cards of identical rank and suit totalling 20): 25:1
• Any 20 (two cards totaling 20): 4:1
• 19 (two cards totaling 19): 2:1
• 12-18 (two cards totalling 12 to 18): 1:1

Pros and Cons of Blackjack Side Bets

As is the case with practically everything in life, there aren’t pros without cons.

Advantages

Here are some advantages of placing blackjack side bets:

1. Enhanced Excitement: Side bets add more anticipation to each hand, making the game more thrilling.
2. Variety: Side wagers diversify gameplay, appealing to players with different preferences.
3. Potential for High Payouts: Some side wagers offer substantial payouts for rare combinations.

Disadvantages

Now come the disadvantages of side bets in blackjack.

1. Higher House Edge: Many side bets have higher house edges, increasing the casino’s advantage.
2. Risk of Losses: Engaging in side bets can lead to quicker losses if not approached strategically.
3. Distraction from Basic Strategy: Focusing too much on side bets might divert attention from optimal blackjack strategy.

Unveiling the Mystery of Insurance Bet

While not your traditional side bet, the insurance side bet is a well-known option in blackjack. It’s offered when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, giving you the opportunity to protect yourself against the dealer having a blackjack. To place this bet, you wager half of your original bet.

If the dealer’s face-up card indeed leads to a blackjack, this bet pays out at 2:1, helping to offset your losses on the main bet.

It’s important to note that while insurance bets offer a sense of security, their odds and potential payouts need careful consideration. In most scenarios, basic strategy suggests that this bet isn’t the most optimal choice, as it tends to have a higher house edge.

Blackjack Side Bet vs. Traditional Play

Choosing between traditional blackjack play and incorporating side wagers depends on your preferences and goals. If you value the traditional game’s strategic depth, focusing on basic blackjack strategy might be your best approach.

However, if you seek added excitement when you play blackjack and are willing to accept higher risks, exploring well-chosen side wagers can spice up your gaming experience.

For what it’s worth, there are no blackjack side bets worth splurging your bankroll on. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing at a land-based casino floor or online, most casinos feature blackjack games with side wagers as a means to crank up the house edge.

Some players might argue that you’re better off focusing on obtaining the winning hand instead of pursuing side wagers.