Blackjack has several different versions and ways that you can bet here in Australia and around the world. While the core game is familiar to most punters, many players are curious about the side bets that pop up and one of the most common being asked to the team here at Joe Fortune is what’s the 21+3 bet?
This optional wager adds something of a poker-style twist to the blackjack table, offering bigger potential payouts based on the first three cards dealt. So, let’s unpack what 21+3 means, how it works, the odds involved, and whether it’s a smart bet for players looking to spice up their blackjack experience.
What Does It Mean?
The 21+3 side bet is based on a player’s two initial cards and the dealer’s face-up card. Instead of focusing solely on getting as close to 21 as possible, this wager evaluates those three cards together using poker-style hand rankings. In essence, the 21+3 bet is like playing a mini three-card poker game on the side. If your two cards plus the dealer’s upcard form a qualifying combo, you win. These hands could include flushes, straights, three of a kind, and so on. It’s separate from the outcome of the main blackjack hand which means you could win the 21+3 bet even if you lose the round, or vice versa.
What Are the Rules for 21+3?
The 21+3 bet is offered before any cards are dealt. Once you place your regular blackjack bet, you then also have the option to also place a separate wager on the 21+3 side bet. Most tables have a different betting circle to enable you to place your chips down.
After the initial cards are dealt, which is two to each player and one face-up to the dealer, the game checks whether these three cards make up one of the following poker-style hands:
- Flush: All three cards are the same suit, for example spades.
- Straight: The three cards are all in a sequence regardless of suit, say 4,5 and 6.
- Three of a Kind: All three cards are the same value such as Jack, Jack and Jack.
- Straight Flush: Cards are in sequence and the same suit 7,8, and 9 all of diamonds.
- Suited Three of a Kind: All three cards are the same value and same suit; this is very much the rarest combo and pays handsomely!
If your hand hits one of the above, you get paid according to the payout table. If not, you lose the 21+3 bet, regardless of how you go with the rest of the blackjack round.
Odds and Payouts
Payouts can vary slightly between casinos, but here’s an estimated idea of what you can expect with the 21+3 side bet:
- Flush: Pays 5 to 1
- Straight: Pays 10 to 1
- Three of a Kind: Pays 30 to 1
- Straight Flush: Pays 40 to 1
- Suited Three of a Kind: Pays 100 to 1
As you’d expect, the rarer the hand, the bigger the payout. When it comes to odds, the chances of landing each type of hand are relatively low. This means the house edge on the 21+3 side bet is typically higher than on standard blackjack bets. It often sits somewhere between 3% and 7% depending on the rules and number of decks used.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Adds excitement: The 21+3 bet certainly spices up each round, giving you more to look forward to than just the usual blackjack result.
- Quick results: You find out right away whether your side bet wins or loses, which can be more instantly satisfying.
- Big payout potential: For a small side wager, you could score a decent return even if you don’t win with your blackjack hand!
Cons:
- Higher house edge: Compared to main blackjack play, this bet favours the house.
- Lower odds of winning: Most 21+3 hands are rare, so just to level with you, a player is more likely to lose this bet than win it.
- Risk of distraction: Chasing side bets can take your focus off basic blackjack strategy, leading to potential mistakes when playing the main game.
Ultimately, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword. While it can be fun and profitable in short bursts, it’s not the sort of bet you want to rely on for long-term gains.
Is 21+3 a Good Bet?
That depends on your goals at the table. If you’re playing for fun, don’t mind a little risk, and enjoy the thrill of a high-payout side bet, then 21+3 can be a great addition to your game. However, if your main aim is to play blackjack with the best possible odds, the 21+3 bet is not your best friend and is not only a distraction, but the higher house edge means that over time, the casino is more likely to come out on top. Most seasoned players avoid it altogether, while others enjoy throwing a few chips on it now and then for a change of pace. Just like with pokies or roulette, it comes down to balancing entertainment with smart play.
Are Side Bets in Blackjack Worth It?
Side bets in blackjack, including 21+3, Insurance, Perfect Pairs, and others, all come with higher house edges than the core game. Whilst they’re designed to offer excitement and bigger wins and are popular to play, they do come at a cost.
Here’s a general guide to their value:
- 21+3: Probably the most popular of the above, reasonable odds of winning small payouts, and occasional big hits.
- Insurance: Often considered the worst value, as it’s a losing proposition in most cases.
- Perfect Pairs: Fun, but quite rare. Can offer massive payouts if you hit a perfect pair, which for clarity is the same value, suit, and colour.
In short, side bets are more about fun than part of a winning strategy. If you’re playing a tight, maths-based blackjack game aimed at reducing the house edge, it’s best to skip them. But if you’re playing for entertainment and want a bit of variety, they can certainly add to the experience.
Blackjack Games with 21+3
Not every blackjack table offers the 21+3 side bet, but it’s becoming more and more popular and common particularly at Joe Fortune online casino. Here are a few games we suggest you check out if you are interested:
Classic blackjack featuring both 21+3 and Perfect Pairs side bets.
Includes free splits and doubles on certain hands. T
A blackjack variant with a pirate theme and unique rules.
Players can zap hands totalling 15, 16, or 17 for new cards.
Allows players to discard one initial card for a new one.
If you head to a land-based casino and are keen to try out 21+3 whilst playing Blackjack, you should see it clearly labelled on the table with the rules. Don’t forget you can ask the dealer if you need any more info.
Final Thoughts
The 21+3 side bet in blackjack is fun and can be a rewarding way to shake things up whilst at the blackjack table. It brings in a mix of poker-style hands and offers the chance to win a big payout from a small wager. But like any side bet, it comes with extra risk and isn’t ideal if you’re playing with long-term profits in mind.
For casual players who enjoy the entertainment factor, 21+3 can dead set be worth a go. Just keep your bets modest, don’t rely on it as your main winning strategy, and make sure you’re still playing solid blackjack on the main hand. After all, blackjack is still a game of skill at its core and the best way to walk away a winner is to know when to play smart, and when to play for fun.