How can you tell if the 21+3 side bet is an option at a blackjack table?

All blackjack games offering the 21+3 side bet will have a 21+3 logo or symbol on the table. There will also be a small circle next to the rectangular playing area where the bet is placed. Your side bet must be placed within this circle before the cards are dealt if you want to play it.

Can 21+3 be beaten by using card counting strategies?

With a favourable pay table, it is possible to gain an edge in 21+3 by using card counting strategies. Players can track the appearance of different suits throughout the game, making bets when a particular suit has been under-represented; this means those suits are more likely to appear at the end of the shoe, making it more likely a player makes a flush.

21+3 Blackjack Side Bet Explained

Q: Is 21+3 a good side bet in blackjack?

21+3 is one of the best side bets available at the blackjack table. Depending on the pay table used, the casino's edge is only 3-4%, and many pay tables offer large returns for players who make the strongest hands. However, the casino edge in blackjack is significantly lower than any of the side bets on offer, so we recommend sticking to the main game to give yourself the best chance of winning in the short term.

Author: Dmitry Rogalchuk

Updated:25.07.2024

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Blackjack stands out as a favored card game in casinos where the objective is to defeat the dealer by achieving a hand value as near to 21 as possible, without exceeding it. Its widespread appeal makes it one of the most beloved games in gambling establishments worldwide. online casino in Canada Apart from the fundamental game, numerous blackjack variations provide the option for side bets, allowing players the potential for winning even when their primary wager does not succeed. This adds an exciting layer of gameplay by presenting additional winning avenues. Undoubtedly, one of the most sought-after side bets in blackjack is known as '21+3.' In this guide, we'll delve into the mechanics of the bet, expected payouts, and various other insights!

What is the Blackjack 21+3 Side Bet?

The 21+3 side bet in blackjack is an optional wager available at the table, integrating elements of both blackjack and poker. This innovative bet utilizes the player’s initial two cards alongside the dealer's face-up card to form three-card poker hands such as flushes, straights, and three-of-a-kinds, with payouts determined by the hand's strength.

The 21+3 side bet has gained popularity among players due to its relatively low house advantage , meaning players don't need to have a successful hand to win, while also offering the chance for substantial payouts. This sideline bet is intricately linked to 3-card poker, which draws the interest of both blackjack and poker enthusiasts.

HOW TO MAKE A 21+3 SIDE BET

Whether you're engaging in classic blackjack at an online casino or at a physical one, you'll probably encounter a table that features the 21+3 bet. Placing this wager is straightforward, and to assist you in getting started, we've put together a comprehensive guide that you can refer to for online blackjack or in-person play. live dealer blackjack .

Pick your preferred 21+3 game and click on the icon to begin your gameplay.
Adjust your betting amount using the options located at the bottom of the game interface and make your primary wager (this bet must be placed alongside your blackjack wager).
Make your 21+3 side bet by positioning it in the designated area; this bet is typically found above the standard rectangular betting zone for blackjack.
When you're set, hit the Deal button, or wait until the next round commences.
Once the cards are dealt, you'll instantly discover if your bet is a winning one, as the outcome is calculated and paid before you make additional choices.

Odds and Payouts of 21+3

The rules and payouts associated with this bet can fluctuate from one casino to another, so it's advisable to review the specific rules before placing a 21+3 side bet. To give you an indication of the average payouts for 21+3, we've prepared the table below, which outlines the necessary hands to win the 21+3 side bet and the payouts you might receive for successful bets.

Blackjack Odds and Payouts Table
Combination	Cards	Odds	Payouts
Flush	Three cards of the same suit (e.g. Kd9d6d)	73:117	5 to 1
Straight	Three sequential cards (e.g., 3, 4, 5)	31:969	10 to 1
Three of a kind	Three cards of the same rank (e.g. 7s7d7c)	1:199	20 to 1
Straight flush	A straight flush with cards of the same suit (e.g., 4♣5♣6♣)	1:499	30 to 1
Three of a Kind Flush	Three identical cards in rank and suit (e.g., J♥J♥J♥)	1:4999	100 to 1

House Edge of 21+3

One reason players favor the 21+3 bet is that the chances of winning this wager are greater compared to many other bets in the casino. Assuming a typical six-deck blackjack game with a diverse payout table (i.e., different hands yielding different payouts), the house edge is approximately 4.14% . While this may seem steep relative to the main blackjack game, it's considerably lower than many other side bets, such as Perfect Pairs.

The house edge for the 21+3 bet can change based on how many decks are involved and the payout structure implemented. When playing 21+3 blackjack, games with fixed payout tables (i.e., consistent payouts for all side bets) typically have a higher house edge compared to those with varied payout tables. Therefore, we suggest placing bets only in blackjack games that feature varied payout options. Moreover, games that utilize a greater number of decks can reduce the casino's edge in 21+3 compared to those with fewer decks.

Are There Any 21+3 Blackjack Strategies?

Given the inherent house edge, consistently winning at 21+3 blackjack over time is virtually unattainable. Nevertheless, players can adopt specific strategies to increase their winning chances or at least reduce losses while engaging with the 21+3 side bet in blackjack. any casino game Here are some essential strategies to consider when playing the 21+3 blackjack side bet:

Before you place any bets, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the odds for each possible hand combination in 21+3. This knowledge can enable you to make smarter choices and mitigate risks.

Learn the 21+3 blackjack odds

The 21+3 bet is an optional wager that offers another way to win, but it shouldn't divert your attention from your primary blackjack hand. Therefore, after the cards are dealt, maintain your focus and adhere to your fundamental blackjack strategy, even if you've successfully wagered on the 21+3.
Don't lose focus

The odds for the 21+3 side bet can vary significantly from one casino to another, with some establishments adopting a fixed payout scheme while others employ a variable system. We recommend making side bets only in games that utilize a variable payout table since they typically provide better rewards for stronger hands like straight flushes and a significantly lower house edge.
Check the paytable

While it's tempting to get caught up in the excitement of certain hand combinations, it's essential to remain grounded. Always gamble responsibly and only wager amounts you can afford to part with.
Don't chase big payouts

While the 21+3 blackjack side bet offers enticing payouts The 21+3 side bet is a wager based on 3-card poker that can be played concurrently with blackjack. Its popularity among casino goers stems from the fact that it provides additional opportunities to win while engaging in blackjack , along with the promise of higher payouts. Although the game comes with an inherent advantage for the casino, that advantage is less significant than in many other games, sitting at just 4.14% . Different venues may offer varying odds, but we recommend participating in games with a variable payout table, as they ensure the best returns for players.

Overview of the 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet

How can you identify whether the 21+3 side bet is available at a blackjack table?

Blackjack 21+3 FAQ

Any blackjack game that includes the 21+3 side bet will have a specific logo or symbol indicating its presence on the table. Additionally, there will be a small circle next to the main betting area where this side bet can be placed. To qualify for the side bet, it must be positioned within this circle before the shuffling of cards begins.

The 21+3 side bet ranks among the best options at a blackjack table. Depending on the payout structure, the house edge is a mere 3-4%, and many payout tables offer significant returns for players holding strong hands. However, since the house edge in standard blackjack remains much lower compared to any side bets available, we recommend prioritizing the core game to maximize your chances of winning in the short term.

Is 21+3 a good side bet in blackjack?

Can players gain an advantage in 21+3 with card counting techniques?

Utilizing a favorable payout structure, players can potentially gain an edge in 21+3 by implementing card counting strategies. By monitoring the frequency of different suits during the game, individuals can place their bets when a specific suit has been less common; this increases the probability that those suits will emerge later in the shoe, thereby enhancing the likelihood of forming a flush.

With over five years of expertise in the iGaming industry, Dmitry Rogalchuk heads a content team at Cheapnbajerseyshornets, ensuring that every article published on their platform is both informative and engaging for readers.