What Are the Side Bets of Blackjack?

Blackjack, a timeless casino classic, has captivated players for generations with its blend of skill and chance. While the core game offers strategic depth, many online casinos have introduced an intriguing twist: blackjack side bets. These additional wagers provide extra layers of excitement and the potential for larger payouts, but they also come with their own set of risks and considerations. In this article, we delve into the world of blackjack side bets, examining what they are, the most common types, and the crucial pros and cons every player should understand.

Understanding Blackjack Side Bets

At its heart, a blackjack side bet is an optional wager placed in addition to your main blackjack bet. These bets are typically made before any cards are dealt and are resolved independently of whether you win or lose your primary hand. Not every blackjack table, whether in a land-based casino or an online casino, offers side bets, but where they are available, they add a distinct flavour to the game. Each side bet has its own specific rules, odds, and payout structure, often focusing on particular card combinations or outcomes that might occur during the hand.

Popular Blackjack Side Bets Explained

While the variety of side bets can seem endless, a few have become staples at many online blackjack tables. Here, we explore some of the most common options:

1. 21+3

The 21+3 side bet is a popular choice that merges elements of blackjack with poker. To win this bet, your first two cards and the dealer's face-up card must form a three-card poker hand. Common winning combinations and their typical payouts include:

• Flush: Three cards of the same suit (e.g., 7♠, J♠, 2♠) – often pays 5:1.
• Straight: Three cards in sequential rank (e.g., 4, 5, 6 of mixed suits) – often pays 10:1.
• Three-of-a-Kind: Three cards of the same rank (e.g., 8♥, 8♦, 8♣) – often pays 30:1.
• Straight Flush: Three cards of the same suit in sequential rank (e.g., 7♦, 8♦, 9♦) – often pays 40:1.
• Suited Three-of-a-Kind: Three cards of the same rank and suit (e.g., Q♠, Q♠, Q♠ – only possible with multiple decks) – often pays 100:1.

The house edge for 21+3 typically ranges from 2.7% to 7.5%, depending on the specific payout structure and number of decks used.

2. Royal Match

The Royal Match side bet focuses on receiving suited cards. You win if your first two cards are suited, with higher payouts for specific combinations. The most common payouts are:

• Easy Match: Two suited cards (e.g., 7♥, K♥) – often pays 2.5:1 or 5:2.
• Royal Match: A King and Queen of the same suit (e.g., K♠, Q♠) – often pays 25:1.

The house edge for Royal Match can vary, but it's generally around 3.7% to 4.5%, making it one of the more player-friendly side bets.

3. Over/Under 13

This straightforward side bet challenges you to predict whether the sum of your first two cards will be over or under 13. Aces typically count as 1. If your cards total exactly 13, you lose both the “Over” and “Under” bets. The house edge for “Under 13” is usually lower (around 6.5%) than for “Over 13” (which can be as high as 10% or more), as there are more card combinations that result in a sum over 13.

4. Insurance

Insurance is a unique side bet offered when the dealer's face-up card is an Ace. It's essentially a wager that the dealer has blackjack (a ten-value card as their face-down card). If you take insurance, you place an additional bet equal to half your original wager. If the dealer does have blackjack, your insurance bet pays 2:1, effectively allowing you to break even on the hand (as you'd lose your main bet). However, if the dealer does not have blackjack, you lose your insurance bet, and the hand continues as normal. Statistically, insurance is generally considered a poor bet for players, with a house edge often exceeding 5%.

5. Lucky Ladies

The Lucky Ladies side bet is all about getting a total of 20 with your first two cards. The payouts increase significantly for specific combinations:

• Any 20: Your first two cards total 20 (e.g., K♦, J♠) – often pays 4:1.
• Suited 20: Two cards of the same suit totaling 20 (e.g., Q♥, K♥) – often pays 10:1.
• Matched 20: Two identical cards totaling 20 (e.g., two Q♥) – often pays 20:1.
• Pair of Queens of Hearts: Two Q♥ – often pays 125:1.
• Pair of Queens of Hearts with Dealer Blackjack: Two Q♥ and the dealer has blackjack – often pays a massive 1000:1.

While the top payout is enticing, the Lucky Ladies bet typically carries a very high house edge, often in the range of 17% to 24%, making it one of the riskier side bets.

The Pros and Cons of Blackjack Side Bets

Like any aspect of gambling, side bets come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help you decide if they fit your playing style.

Pros:

• Increased Excitement and Variety: Side bets inject an extra layer of thrill into each round. They offer new ways to win and keep the game engaging, especially for players who enjoy diverse betting options.
• Potential for Higher Payouts: Compared to the standard 1:1 or 3:2 payouts of the main blackjack game, side bets can offer significantly larger returns, sometimes reaching 1000:1 or more for rare combinations.
• Quick Resolution: Most side bets are resolved immediately after the initial cards are dealt, providing instant gratification or disappointment without waiting for the main hand to play out.
• No Impact on Basic Strategy: For the most part, side bets do not influence the optimal basic strategy for your main blackjack hand. You can still play your main hand perfectly while enjoying the side bet action.

Cons:

• Higher House Edge: This is the most significant drawback. Almost all blackjack side bets have a considerably higher house edge than the main blackjack game (which can be as low as 0.5% with perfect basic strategy). This means, over the long run, you are expected to lose more money on side bets.
• Faster Bankroll Depletion: Due to the higher house edge, consistently placing side bets can lead to your bankroll diminishing more quickly than if you only played the main game.
• Distraction from Basic Strategy: While side bets don't *change* basic strategy, the focus on them can sometimes distract players from making optimal decisions on their main hand, especially for less experienced players.
• Lower Overall RTP: When you factor in side bets, the overall Return to Player (RTP) for your blackjack session will generally decrease compared to playing only the main game with optimal strategy.

Are Blackjack Side Bets Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision to engage in blackjack side bets rests with your personal gambling style and preferences. If you're a player who prioritizes entertainment, enjoys the thrill of chasing big payouts, and is comfortable with a higher risk-to-reward ratio, side bets can certainly enhance your blackjack experience. However, if your primary goal is to maximize your chances of winning and preserve your bankroll over time, sticking to the main game and employing solid basic strategy is generally the more prudent approach.

We always recommend responsible gambling. Set limits for yourself, understand the odds, and remember that side bets are a form of entertainment, not a guaranteed path to profit.

FAQs About Blackjack Side Bets

Are blackjack side bets worth playing?

Whether blackjack side bets are “worth it” depends on your priorities. For entertainment and the chance at larger payouts, they can add excitement. However, from a purely mathematical perspective, they generally have a higher house edge than the main blackjack game, meaning they are less favourable in the long run.

Can I win big with blackjack side bets?

Yes, some blackjack side bets offer substantial payouts, with certain combinations like a “Pair of Queens of Hearts with Dealer Blackjack” in Lucky Ladies paying 1000:1. However, these big wins are rare, and the probability of hitting them is very low.

Should I prioritize traditional blackjack or side bets?

For consistent wins and to minimize the house edge, prioritizing traditional blackjack strategy is advisable. Side bets should be seen as an optional extra for entertainment and a chance at higher, albeit less frequent, payouts. They should complement your main game, not overshadow it.

Summary

Blackjack side bets have undeniably added an exciting dimension to the classic casino game. They offer players the allure of higher payouts and the thrill of predicting specific card combinations, transforming a standard hand into a multi-faceted betting opportunity. We've explored popular options like 21+3, Royal Match, Over/Under 13, Insurance, and Lucky Ladies, each with its unique rules and payout structures.

While the potential for significant wins is a major draw, it's crucial for players to understand the inherent trade-offs. Side bets almost always come with a higher house edge compared to the main blackjack game, which means they are less favourable over extended play and can lead to faster bankroll depletion. They can also, for some, be a distraction from applying optimal basic strategy to their primary hand.

Ultimately, blackjack side bets are a matter of personal preference. For those who seek an extra layer of excitement and are comfortable with the increased risk, they can be a fun addition. For players focused on maximizing their chances and preserving their bankroll, a disciplined approach to the main game remains the best strategy. As you explore the diverse world of casino games, including slots and other table games, always remember to gamble responsibly and play within your means.