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Hey AIPLAY players! Spice up your favorite game and try your luck again with the best way to add excitement—Blackjack! The king of side bets, especially the 21+3 Blackjack, reigns supreme. But what exactly does 21+3 mean in Blackjack?
Blackjack has many side bets, but 21+3 has become the most popular side bet over the past 20 years for various reasons. This article explains how 21+3 works and what to watch out for when making this popular side bet.
Ready? Let’s get started!
What is 21+3 in Blackjack?
In live casino Blackjack, 21+3 refers to a side bet combining the player’s two cards and the dealer’s upcard. The rules of 21+3 Blackjack state that this side bet must be placed before the cards are dealt and added to the initial wager. It’s usually available at all Blackjack tables, but you can always check with the dealer.
21+3 Blackjack has multiple winning hands, offering more ways to win than just beating the dealer in the main game.
One reason for its popularity is the attractive odds and the combination of classic Blackjack and Three Card Poker. If you enjoy these two games, adding the 21+3 bet to your Blackjack routine occasionally can bring more thrills.
How Does 21+3 Work in Blackjack?
In 21+3 Blackjack, you place a side bet on your first two cards and the dealer’s face-up card. The game features five winning hands:
- Flush – Three cards of the same suit (order does not matter).
- Straight – Three consecutive cards, regardless of suit (e.g., 7-8-9). In a straight, the Ace can be high or low.
- Three of a Kind – Three cards of the same rank, regardless of suit.
- Straight Flush – Three consecutive cards of the same suit.
- Suited Three of a Kind – Three cards of the same rank and suit.
To place a side bet, put your wager in the designated box on the table before the dealer deals the cards.
If your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard form any of these five hands, you win the 21+3 bet. Otherwise, the side bet loses.
Of course, you should understand the basic rules of Blackjack before playing side bets. The game is simple, so grasping the rules won’t take long.
Odds for 21+3 Side Bet in Blackjack
One reason for the popularity of the 21+3 side bet in Blackjack is its high odds. Unlike the standard 2:1 payout for beating the dealer, side bets can pay up to 100:1!
Here is a breakdown of the odds for 21+3 Blackjack:
- Flush: 5:1 payout
- Straight: 10:1 payout
- Three of a Kind: 30:1 payout
- Straight Flush: 40:1 payout
- Suited Three of a Kind: 100:1 payout
Generally, the house edge for the 21+3 side bet is higher than the main Blackjack game because the side bet’s odds favor the player more, so the casino wants to keep a larger share of the winnings.
The odds for 21+3 Blackjack vary depending on specific casino rules and the number of decks used, so it’s best to check before sitting at the table.
Is It Possible to Win 21+3?
While side bets like 21+3 offer more chances to win by betting on five outcomes, the high house edge compared to the main Blackjack game means winning opportunities are limited.
In an eight-deck shoe round, the house edge for 21+3 bets is 2.74%, much higher than the typical 0.4%-2% for regular Blackjack rounds in most casinos. Reducing the deck count to two raises the house edge to 7.26%, and a single deck pushes it to 13.3%.
So, the question isn’t whether you can win 21+3, but whether it’s a worthwhile bet. More decks increase your chances of winning, but the odds aren’t enough to offset the massive house edge. Plus, regular Blackjack strategies don’t apply to side bets, so frequent betting is not advisable. This is one of the best pieces of advice for playing Blackjack.
The 21+3 Blackjack side bet should be played for fun, not as a sustainable way to increase profits. It’s fine to occasionally try a side bet to speed up the round or enhance gameplay, but it’s not recommended to bet every time.
Why is 21+3 the Most Popular Side Bet?
Because it’s fun! Making a 21+3 side bet spices up the gameplay, allowing you to enjoy Blackjack at a faster pace. Gambling should always be about having fun.
However, even when having fun, don’t overdo it. The 21+3 side bet is an exciting option that adds thrill to regular Blackjack rounds, but its high house edge and volatility mean it’s not suitable for consistent wins.
For the best results, start by following basic Blackjack strategy, and from there, add 21+3 side bets occasionally to elevate the table atmosphere.
Tips for Basic Blackjack Strategy
The best advice when playing Blackjack is to use a Blackjack strategy chart. However, there are some basic tips that can be applied to most games.
1: Always Split Aces
An 11 is a great starting point in Blackjack, especially if you can get another card on each Ace. The same goes for a pair of 8s, which should also be split. For other pairs, refer to a chart that matches the specific type of Blackjack you’re playing.
2: Always Double Down When You Have an Ace
The general rule is to double down only when you have a strong hand, as you won’t be able to hit again afterward. Experts recommend doubling down when your hand total is 11 and the dealer is not showing an Ace. They also suggest doubling down when your total is 10, and the dealer does not have a 10 or Ace.
3: Know When to Surrender
If your basic strategy chart advises surrendering your hand and surrender is allowed, you should do so. Basic strategy only suggests surrendering in specific situations. If the game you’re playing does not allow surrender, experts recommend hitting instead. Surrendering can be a good decision in the long run, as you only lose half of your bet.
4: Don’t Take Insurance with Basic Strategy Play
One of the main rules of basic strategy is that taking insurance in Blackjack is a bad move. Most experts agree that it’s more profitable to take the risk of losing your initial bet rather than countering the possibility of the dealer having Blackjack. However, as the game progresses, this advice can change, especially for players who count cards.
5: Choose the Right Chart and Strategy
No tip will be effective if you do not use the correct chart and strategy for your chosen game. Even if you select the best chart, it doesn’t guarantee a win. You need to consider other players’ cards and strategies, and luck plays a role as well. Depending on the version of the game you choose, you may need to adjust your strategy during play.
Winning Rate with Basic Blackjack Strategy
In conclusion, using basic strategy in Blackjack is highly effective. It’s not a guaranteed way to win every time, but it offers the best chance to beat the dealer. Always refer to a basic strategy chart.
The ultimate goal of these strategies isn’t to win every bet, but to increase your chances of winning and minimize losses. Using a basic Blackjack strategy card is the first step in the right direction. The more you play, the more your strategy will develop, but starting with the basics is the most appropriate method. Combine what you’ve learned with your experience, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a pro!
Good luck, and enjoy endless rewards at AIPLAY!
