21+3 Blackjack Secrets: How to Win Big on Side Bets
The 21-plus-3 blackjack bet — stylized as 21/3 and 21+3 — is one of the most popular in the game. It’s a simple wager that offers sizeable payouts and can enrich your online blackjack gambling experience. But what exactly is it, how does it work, and is there any way to increase your profitability when making this wager?
What is the 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet?
The blackjack 21 3 side bet turns the player’s two cards and the dealer’s upcard into a poker hand and rewards payouts according to a fixed table. It’s called “21 3” or “21+3” because it works in conjunction with the main game. In other words, you’re still trying to get as close to 21 as possible but also playing a Three-Card Poker game.
You can still win the side bet even if you lose the main hand. You can win the main hand but lose the side bet. The two are not connected, and while you’re using the same cards, they are being used for different purposes.
21+3 Blackjack Rules
During the main hand, the goal is to beat the dealer’s score. As for the 21+3 side bet, it’s all about trying to get one of the hands shown on the paytable. The payouts for these hands can vary from casino to casino, but the biggest deciding factor is the number of decks that the game uses:
| Hand | Payout for 6-Deck Blackjack | Payout for 8-Deck Blackjack | Hand Description |
| Flush | 5:1 | 5:1 | The cards are all in the same suit (i.e., 3, 4, and 5 of clubs). |
| Straight | 10:1 | 10:1 | They are consecutive cards, regardless of suit (i.e., 2 and 3 of hearts and a 4 of diamonds). |
| Three-of-a-Kind | 20:1 | 25:1 | They all have the same rank (i.e., three 8s or kings). |
| Straight Flush | 30:1 | 40:1 | The cards are consecutive and in the same suit (i.e., jack, queen, and king of diamonds). |
| Suited Three-of-a-Kind | 100:1 | 100:1 | The cards are exactly the same (i.e., three kings of hearts). |
There are variations with much higher payouts, so check the paytable in advance to know what to expect.
Blackjack 21+3 Odds
The house edge for a 21+3 blackjack side bet is around 3.6%. This is much higher than the average edge for the main game, which comes in at less than 1%. However, it’s lower than other optional blackjack bets, including insurance.
21+3 Side Bet Strategy
There is no guaranteed way to win the 21 3 blackjack side bet every time, and most blackjack experts will tell you that you should avoid side bets altogether as they increase the house edge. But it’s a fun bet, and there’s nothing wrong with trying your luck now and then.
- Set a Budget and Stick to it: Every serious blackjack player needs a bankroll, which is your gambling budget. Make sure you have one and stick to it.
- Use Basic Blackjack Strategy: This strategy won’t help you with the side bet, but it will increase your chances of getting a return from the main hand, and you can use those funds to place some side bets.
- Bet Small: Leave the bigger wagers for the main game, which has a lower house edge. The 21+3 side bet offers big payouts, so you don’t need to bet big to win big.
- Look for the Best Odds: Find blackjack games with low house edges and offer big payouts for the 21+3 side bet.
- Use Your Winnings: If you’re well ahead in the main game, consider using some winnings to try your luck on the side bet.
Always keep the above tips in mind, and if you want to learn more about beating the main hand and placing side bets, look at these blackjack bust odds and check out the following game: blackjack perfect pairs 21+3.
Summary: Making 21 + 3 Blackjack Bets
As a blackjack side bet, 21+3 offers some of the biggest payouts and is also one of the easiest bets to make and follow. More importantly, it has one of the lowest house edges of any side bet, so if you’re worried about that edge and want to keep it as low as possible while still making side bets, this is a great option.
Check it out the next time you play online or offline blackjack, and if you want to wager in style while playing in your local casino or enjoying a Vegas vacation, be sure to learn some hand signals for blackjack.
Blackjack Common Queries
What are the odds of winning the 21+3 blackjack side bet?
It depends on the game and the number of decks. The probability of the most likely bet—the flush—appearing during any given hand is 0.05. This drops to 0.002 for the three-of-a-kind.
What is 21+3 in blackjack?
A side bet added to some blackjack games creates a three-card poker hand from the player’s two cards and the dealer’s upcard. Payouts are based on a paytable, and the player is not competing against the dealer or anyone else.
What hand combinations qualify for a 21+3 payout?
A flush, straight, straight flush, and three-of-a-kind all qualify for payouts. As in Three-Card Poker, a flush is more likely than a straight and thus pays more money.
Is the 21+3 side bet worth playing in the long run?
It has a house edge of over 3.6%, so it favors the casino over an extended session. For this reason, it’s usually not a bet that players will make on every hand.
Is 21+3 available on all blackjack games?
No, it is only available on select blackjack games. You will know if a particular game has this side bet based on the table or the game’s name. The name “21+3” may be included in the name of the game, and you’ll see this if you’re playing blackjack online. If not, just look at the table; a circle with “21+3” will be written where players place their chips.
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