Royal Match Blackjack Side Bet – Rules and Odds
Whether it’s Buster Blackjack, Perfect Pairs, or 21+3, side bets add a little spice to the game of blackjack. They’re optional bets that often come with higher odds and payouts, and you’ll find a variety of them in online and offline games. The Royal Match side bet is one of the simplest, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
So, what is a Royal Match in blackjack, how does it work, and what odds and payouts does it provide?
What is the Royal Match Blackjack Side Bet?
The Royal Match side bet is based on the player’s first two cards. It pays if those cards are suited (both in the same suit) and awards bigger payouts for a suited KQ (King and Queen of the same suit).
Many variations also pay for a Crown Treasure, in which both the player and dealer get a suited KQ. Where available, the Crown Treasure pays the most; in some cases, it awards a progressive jackpot.
For instance:
- Player’s hand = 5h, 7h (suited match)
- Player’s hand = Qd Kd (Royal Match)
- Player’s hand = Qd Kd; Dealer’s Hand = Qh Kh (Crown Treasure)
Blackjack Royal Match Payout
The payout for a Royal Match varies from game to game. A suited match, also known as an easy match, usually offers 2.5:1 or more, which means a $10 wager will return a $25 profit. The payout for a suited KQ, also known as a Royal Match, usually offers a minimum of 25:1 in multi-deck games ($250 profit from a $10 bet) but can drop to just 10:1 ($100 from $10) in a single-deck game.
A Crown Treasure payout is usually fixed, often around $1,000, but some casinos offer a jackpot of up to $10,000.
Blackjack Royal Match Odds
The number of decks influences the house edge but not as much as the payout. Typically, it varies from 3.50% to just under 8%, but some variations take the casino’s edge above 10%.
For perspective, the average house edge on a standard blackjack game is less than 1%. At over 10%, the Royal Match side bet would be considerably higher than most games on the casino floor, including nearly twice that of American Roulette.
Even taking insurance in blackjack offers an edge of less than 8%, and it’s considered a sub-optimal move that most blackjack pros avoid.
How to Beat Royal Match 21
Despite the high house edge, some potential ways to beat the Royal Match blackjack side bet exist. One of these is to use a card-counting method that counts all red and black cards.
For instance, if you count +1 for every Diamond and Heart and -1 for every Spade and Club, black-suited pairs are more likely with high counts, and red-suited pairs are more likely with low counts.
There are other methods, but ultimately, the goal of card counting is to reduce the house edge, and when you’re trying to combat such high odds, you’re starting at a disadvantage. The first step, therefore, is to find a variation that offers a modest house edge, preferably less than 5%, ideally around 3-4%.
Conclusion: The Royal Match Blackjack Side Bet
The Royal Match side bet is an old and simple wager used in various offline and live dealer versions and some of the most captivating blackjack games. It comes with a high house edge but also promises big potential payouts. Look for a game with a modest edge, keep your bets low (remember that some casinos have a minimum wager), and don’t forget about the main game.
Looking for a rundown on other side bets? Check out our guide to what are side bets in blackjack.
Blackjack Common Queries
What is the Royal Match in blackjack?
Royal Match is a blackjack side bet that rewards players with payouts of 2.5:1 and higher for drawing matching cards, with the biggest payouts coming from a suited King and Queen.
What are the rules of a Royal Match?
Players must place their bets in the optional wager space, ensuring they meet minimum bet requirements. If they then draw suited cards, they win; if they draw a suited KQ with or without the dealer, they’ll get a higher payout.
What is the payout for the Royal Match in blackjack?
It varies, but the payout for a suited KQ is usually between 25:1 and 50:1. A Crown Treasure offers much more and requires both the player and dealer to have a suited KQ.
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