"> "> ">

#1 Canadian gambling guide
decoration 2

21+3 Blackjack Side Bet Explained

a blackjack table set up with playing cards and gaming chips laid out

Blackjack is an exhilarating card game found in casinos globally, where players compete against the dealer to achieve a hand total as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. It boasts immense popularity among casino enthusiasts and is typically offered in nearly every gaming establishment.online casino in Canada In addition to the main game, various blackjack versions introduce optional side bets, which allow players to secure winnings even if their main bet does not succeed. This feature enriches the gaming experience by presenting additional opportunities for success. Notably, one of the most sought-after side bets in blackjack is \"21+3.\" In this guide, we'll delve into how this wager operates, the payouts you might anticipate, and other essential details!

What is the Blackjack 21+3 Side Bet?

The 21+3 side bet in blackjack is an additional wager that blends the excitement of blackjack with elements of poker. It utilizes the first two cards dealt to the player along with the dealer's face-up card to form three-card poker hands like flushes, straights, or trips, with payouts tied to the strength of these hands.

The 21+3 side bet is favored due to its relatively low house edge and the fact that players can win even without a strong blackjack hand, offering the chance for attractive payouts. This bet, rooted in 3-card poker, draws interest from both blackjack and poker aficionados.
5

HOW TO MAKE A 21+3 SIDE BET

Whether you're indulging in classic blackjack online or at a physical casino, you'll typically encounter tables featuring the 21+3 bet. To facilitate your experience, we've prepared a comprehensive guide tailored for those playing blackjack in online environments. live dealer blackjack .

  1. Pick your preferred version of the 21+3 game and click the designated icon to commence your gaming journey.

  2. Adjust your bet size by choosing from the options provided at the bottom of the gaming interface, and place your main blackjack wager (which must be done simultaneously with your side bet).

  3. Locate the designated area to place your 21+3 side wager; this is typically positioned above the standard betting space for blackjack.

  4. Once you are all set, simply hit the Deal button or wait for the next round to initiate.

  5. As soon as the cards are dealt, you'll quickly learn whether you've won your side bet, as the outcome and payout are processed automatically before you make any further decisions.

Odds and Payouts of 21+3

The rules and payout structures for the 21+3 bet can differ between casinos, so it's wise to familiarize yourself with these regulations before placing your wager. To provide some perspective on typical payouts, we've included a table below that outlines the hand combinations needed to win a 21+3 side bet and the likely payouts associated with each winning hand.

Odds and payouts table for Blackjack
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 in the same suit (e.g., 4♣ 5♣ 6♣) 1:499 30 to 1
Three of a Kind Flush Triplets of identical rank and suit (e.g., J♥ J♥ J♥) 1:4999 100 to 1

House Edge of 21+3

One appealing aspect of the 21+3 side bet is that the winning probabilities are comparatively favorable compared to numerous other casino bets. In a typical blackjack game with six decks and a diverse payout structure, the house edge rests at only 4.14% . While this figure might seem steeper than the primary blackjack wager, it remains lower than many alternative side bets like Perfect Pairs.

The house edge for 21+3 in blackjack fluctuates based on the number of decks used and the payout table in play. Fixed payout tables (where every side bet pays the same) generally have higher house edges compared to variable payout tables . Hence, we advise players to engage only with blackjack games that utilize variable payout tables. Additionally, games utilizing multiple decks tend to reduce the casino's edge in 21+3 compared to single-deck games.

Are There Any 21+3 Blackjack Strategies?

Given the house edge, consistently overcoming 21+3 blackjack in the long run is quite difficult. Nevertheless, similar to traditional strategies, players can adopt certain tactics to boost their winning chances or at the very least minimize their losses while engaging with the 21+3 side bet. any casino game Here are some key pointers to consider when participating in the 21+3 blackjack side bet:

It's crucial to grasp the odds associated with each hand combination in 21+3 before committing your bets. This knowledge will empower you to make smarter decisions and mitigate risks.

  1. Learn the 21+3 blackjack odds

    While the 21+3 side bet offers an alternative route to victory, it's important not to lose sight of your primary blackjack hand. Once the cards are dealt, maintain your concentration and adhere to your fundamental blackjack strategy, regardless of the outcome of your side bet.

  2. Don't lose focus

    The odds for the 21 + 3 side bet differ among casinos, with some opting for a fixed payout structure while others employ a variable payout system. We strongly suggest you only participate in games featuring a variable paytable, as they tend to reward stronger hands—like straight flushes—generously and impose a notably lower house edge.

  3. Check the paytable

    When chasing certain winning combinations, it's vital to maintain control. Always engage in responsible gaming and never wager money you can't afford to lose.

  4. Don't chase big payouts

    While the 21+3 blackjack side bet offers enticing payouts The 21+3 side bet, rooted in 3-card poker, can be integrated into your blackjack play. Its popularity among gamblers stems from the fact that it offers an additional winning opportunity while enjoying blackjack along with the prospect of larger payouts. While the inherent casino advantage remains, it is notably lower at just 4.14% compared to many other games. Players should watch for varying odds based on the location they play, but we recommend focusing on those tables with variable payout structures for optimal returns.

Overview of the 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet

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

Blackjack 21+3 FAQ

Any blackjack venue providing the 21+3 side wager will prominently display a logo or an emblem denoting this bet at the table. A small circle designated for the side bet will be placed adjacent to the main betting area. To partake in this side bet, it must be placed within this circle before the cards are dealt.

The 21+3 side bet stands out as one of the top options available at blackjack tables. Depending on the payout table in use, the house advantage ranges approximately from 3-4%, with many tables offering substantial returns for players achieving powerful hands. However, when comparing the house edge of blackjack itself, it is significantly lower than nearly all side bets available, so it is advisable to focus primarily on the main game for optimal short-term winning chances.

Is 21+3 a good side bet in blackjack?

Is it feasible to gain an advantage in 21+3 through card counting techniques?

With a favorable payout structure, players can potentially gain an edge in 21+3 by employing card counting methods. They can monitor the distribution of suits during the game, choosing to place bets when certain suits have been less frequent; this strategy increases the likelihood of those suits appearing later in the shoe, thus enhancing the chances of achieving a flush.

With over five years of experience in the online gaming sector, Dmitry Rogalchuk leads a dedicated content team at CasinoCanada, ensuring that all articles available on their website are both insightful and engaging for readers.

Dmitry Rogalchuk
Master of Business Administration - MBA, Specialty in Digital Marketing and Business Analytics
Former Head of Content
The University of British Columbia
Haralabos Voulgaris - Expert in Sports Betting
    Expert in:
    • Content Management
    • Latest News in IGaming
    • Gambling Industry Knowledge

    Related articles

    By continuing to use this website, you consent to our use of cookies aimed at enhancing performance and improving user experience. For more information on our
    Understanding the 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet: ᐉ Comprehensive Overview of Rules, Payout Structures, and Valuable Tipscookies policy page.