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21+3 Blackjack Explained

October 3, 2024

Strategic decision-making and excellent card counting explain the standard blackjack gameplay. But players can enjoy two games in one with the exciting 21+3 side bet. Besides staking on the blackjack hand, gamers make a side wager based on a three-card poker hand. This presents an opportunity to bag even more lucrative payouts to lucky winners. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty!

How to Play the 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet

Traditional blackjack is among the most popular table games in casinos globally. Despite the widespread appeal, the game can get repetitive. Players can enjoy a breath of freshness by opting for the 21+3 side bet. However, to play the 21+3 side bet, players still need to begin by placing the standard blackjack wager. After the mandatory initial wager is placed, gamers can make an additional side bet based on 3-card poker rules.

This side wager revolves around the combination of two dealt cards and the dealer’s face-up card. Players win the bet if the three played cards form one of the following poker hands:

Flush: All cards from the same suit (e.g. 3 of Hearts, 7 of Hearts, Jack of Hearts). This hand boasts 292,896 combinations with odds of 0.058424. While a Flush isn’t difficult to hit, it offers a rewarding payout of 5:1.

Straight: The cards appear in sequential order. For instance, the two cards dealt to the player plus the dealer’s card are 4 of Spades, 5 of Clubs, and 6 of Hearts. This hand doesn’t factor in card suits and features up to 155520 combinations at odds of 0.031021. Even better, the payout ratio of 10:1 is rather fulfilling.

Three of a Kind: All the cards share the same rank; for example, Queen of Hearts, Queen of Spades, and Queen of Clubs. This is among the rarer hands in the game, with the odds of 0.005041 and an impressive payout ratio of 30:1.

Straight Flush: The cards are of the same suit in sequence (e.g. Queen of Clubs, King of Clubs, Ace of Clubs). This hand pays out at an exceptional 40:1 at odds of 0.002068.

Suited Three of a Kind: This is the most rewarding and rarest hand, with three cards of the same suit and rank; for instance, 9 of Clubs, 9 of Clubs, 9 Clubs. Here, players can bag a staggering 100:1 at 0.000207 odds.

After the side bet is resolved, the game continues as a regular hand of blackjack. Gamers still aim to beat the dealer by having a hand total closest to 21 without busting. The side wager simply adds an extra layer of excitement, blending elements of poker into the classic blackjack gameplay.

Variations of the 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet

Typically, players get the standard 21+3 blackjack game in most online casinos, but some operators provide various renditions to crank up the fun. The standard game pays a 9:1 ratio for each winning hand, regardless of the card ranking. So, players get the same for a Flush as they would get for Three of a Kind. In more inventive casinos, gamers get enhanced gaming sessions with the sliding pay scale. Here, the cashout depends on the hand, with rarer ones landing bigger rewards.

Can Players Win with the 21+3 Side Bet?

There are no specific strategies for striking the coveted wins in this blackjack side wager. However, like the standard blackjack game, players who are sharp with numbers have an edge when paying the side bet. So, it would help if gamers hone their maths and counting skills before sitting at a 21+3 blackjack table. Another tip that can go a long way in improving your chances is understanding the odds of landing a winning hand and payout ratios.

Players should remember that the 21+3 side bet is a fun and simple enhancement to the classic blackjack gameplay. So, the responsible gambling measures also apply here, and they should only place blackjack side wagers with money they can afford to lose.