21+3 Blackjack Side Bet: Rules, Tips, and Payouts

Out of all variations, many view 21+3 blackjack as the best version of this iconic table game. That’s because it doesn’t take anything away from traditional blackjack; it simply adds a few more side bets. Placing any 21+3 blackjack side bet will make you feel like you are playing poker, and just like in poker, the payouts are affected by the hand score.

In case you want to learn what is 21+3 in blackjack, and how this side bet works, then look no further than our guide below. We’ll explain the 21 3 blackjack rules payout structure and give some tips on how to make the best use of the new wagering options.

Editors' Choice

$5,000 Welcome Bonus + 125 Free Spins

• Weekly Cash Races up to $10,000 & variable-bet video poker
• $9,000 extra in crypto bonuses and weekly 10% loss rebates
• Up to 10BTC in a tiered welcome bonus, starting at $20

9.8

Review Play Now What is 21+3 in Blackjack? Source: Freepik

Blackjack 21+3 is a unique spin on a traditional game that adds up to 2 side bets. You need to place these side wagers before the cards are dealt. To do so you need to put chips in one or both designated areas (circles) that are adjacent to your main area for regular bets.

The 21+3 blackjack side bet is about getting a 3-card combo, using two face-up cards dealt to you and one dealer’s face-up card. The card combinations you are aiming for are imported directly from Poker, so we have:

• Flush
• Straight
• Three of a kind
• Suited three-of-a-kind
• Straight flush

The player needs to place this blackjack side bet 21+3 at the same time as he is placing the main wager for that hand. Also, this side bet is resolved immediately after the cards are dealt. If you get one of the possible 3-card combinations, you get paid based on a payout table. Once the side bet is settled, the game will continue regularly.

How Does 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet Work? Source: Freepik

Now that you know what does 21+3 mean in blackjack, let’s talk about the side bet itself and show you how it works. First off, you need to make sure that you are playing this version of blackjack, as it’s not possible to place these wagers in the majority of blackjack jack games. So, find an online casino or the best blackjack app, as they are likely to have blackjack 21 + 3.

The rules might vary depending on the casino, but in 21 3 blackjack, you should have one extra circle or betting area, with the number 3 inside, that you use for this special wager. According to 21+3 blackjack rules, you can only make a side bet once you’ve staked chips for a regular bet.

Put your chips in a small circle with the number 3, and the wager will be active when the round starts. Two face-up cards are dealt to you, and one face-up card goes to the dealer. Now, if those 3 cards on the table form one of the following combinations, you immediately win that side bet and get paid.

• Flush (Payout  5:1) –  3 face-up cards have the same suit (8 of hearts, 2 of hearts, 10 of hearts).
• Straight (Payout 10:1) – 3 cards have consecutive value (7 of spades, 8 of clubs, 9 of hearts). Picture cards are not counted as 10 for the purpose of the side bet calculation.
• Three of a kind (Payout 25:1) – 3 cards have the same rank (Jack of spades, Jack of clubs, Jack of diamonds).
• Straight flush (Payout 30:1) – 3 cards have consecutive values and have the same suit (7 of diamonds, 8 of diamonds, 9 of diamonds).
• Suited three-of-a-kind (Payout 100:1) – 3 cards of the same rank and same suit (2 of hearts, 2 of hearts, 2 of hearts).

Now, the above-listed 21+3 blackjack payouts are not universal. They will vary depending on the casino and the game version. After all, the number of decks in the shoe will affect 21+3 blackjack odds for these side wagers, and the payout structure needs to reflect that.

The Top 3 Side Bet Source: Freepik

In some variations of blackjack 21 3 there is another side bet called top 3. In this instance, you place an additional wager, but to win it, the hand combination needs to be – a three-of-a-kind, a straight flush, or a suited three-of-a-kind.

When this optional wager is available, you will see that there is another designated area for placing chips, and it will say “Top 3” on that circle. In order to make a top 3 side bet you need to place a regular side wager of 21+3 in blackjack, and then put some additional chips on the circle that says top 3.

If you place both of these bets, the round can start, and you will once again check to see if the two cards dealt to you and the dealer’s hole card create a winning combination. If that winning combo is three-of-a-kind, straight flush, or suited three-of-a-kind, the payouts will be significantly increased.

• 90:1 for three-of-a-kind
• 180:1 for the straight flush
• 270:1 for suited three-of-a-kind

However, if some of these combinations come up, and you haven’t placed the top 3 side bet, then you only get paid for trips, straight or flush.

In essence, this is what’s 21+3 in blackjack with a “top 3” side wager, and how it affects the winning payouts. That said, each game designer or casino will handle the rules and payouts for this option differently.

Blackjack 21+3 Side Bet Variations

There aren’t any side bet variations that weren’t covered in the 21+3 blackjack examples above. The only exception would be if you play a 2 deck version, where suited three-of-a-kind isn’t even possible. But this version might have “Pairs” as a potential winning combo, and it will likely pay 2.5 to 1. It should be mentioned that there are other pairs-related side bets, so it’s not exactly accurate to lump them together with 21+3.

Also, the payout table will differ based on the version you play and how many decks are used in that version. 21 3 blackjack odds are affected by these factors, and you obviously can’t even achieve some of these combinations with a single deck of cards.

If you are paying a top 3 variant of 21 plus 3 blackjack, then payouts on three-of-a-kind, straight flush, and three-of-a-kind suited outcomes will be significantly higher. But you’ll need to spend more chips to participate or “unlock” this as a separate outcome for the resolution.

How to Place 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet?

First, you need to have an account on an online casino with regular or live dealer blackjack. It would be ideal to read the reviews and confirm that they have this version of the game before you make an account. The same goes for land-based casinos, make sure to check if they have 21 + 3 blackjack.

Step 1: Buy chips, take a seat at the blackjack table, and place the regular bet first.

Step 2: Then put a chip on a circle next to the area for regular bets. The circle should have the number 3 inside of it.

In a version with the top 3 bet, there will be another separate circle next to a designated area for main bets. You will have to place a regular bet, then an optional side bet, and then you can put chips on the top 3 side wager.

Step 3:Wait for the cards to be dealt.

Step 4:Check if you got a winning combo, and if you do, collect the winning chips.

Step 5:Proceed with the regular game of blackjack.

Potential 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet Payouts

As stated, payouts vary for each version, but in a typical 8-deck variation, the payouts look something like this:

• Flush – 5:1
• Straight – 10:1
• Three of a kind – 25:1
• Straight flush – 40:1
• Suited three-of-a-kind – 100:1

In the 6-deck variation, the following payout structure will likely be in place:

• Flush – 5:1
• Straight – 10:1
• Three of a kind – 20:1
• Straight flush – 30:1

But if you play some top 3 versions, then payouts on all outcomes might be 9:1, and if you make an additional side bet for the top 3, the payouts on those combinations will look like this:

• Three of a kind – 90:1
• Straight flush – 180:1
• Suited three-of-a-kind – 270:1

Best for slots

Sign up To Claim 250% Bonus For Slots, Cards & Table Games

• 250% welcome offer to spend on slots, card and tables games
• 50 + live dealer options for Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette and Super 6
• Instant deposits with Neosurs starting at $10

9.5

Play Now 21+3 Blackjack House Edge Source: Freepik

The house edge on these side bets does give casinos more advantage. For a 6-deck version, the house edge is around 4.14% and for an 8-deck it’s 3.18%. It can also, get higher depending on the payout structure and the number of decks used.

It’s always better to play on sites that try to keep the house edge to a minimum. So, go over the reviews of the best blackjack casinos and check if you can get a promo or cashback perk to even out some of your disadvantages.

What Are 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet Odds?

Well, we’ve covered in detail what is 21 + 3 in blackjack, but we haven’t discussed if this optional wager is worth it. Here are the odds of hitting these winning combos in versions that use 6 decks and 8 decks.

Combination 6-deck 8-deck Straight 0.031021 0.030947 Flush 0.058424 0.058841 Straight flush 0.002068 0.002063 Three of a kind 0.005041 0.005169 Three-of-a-kind suited 0.000207 0.000244 Is There Any Good 21+3 Blackjack Strategy? Source: Freepik

Assuming you already know the basics of how to play blackjack, there are a few ways to improve your odds and use the optional wager to your benefit.

• Divide your budget to play as many hands as possible: First off, stick to effective bankroll management as your primary 21+3 blackjack strategy. This keeps your losses to a minimum and gives you a decent recovery.
• Play perfect blackjack with the help of strategy charts: Take advantage of the blackjack chart that tells you the best course of action in any given situation. It keeps the house edge to a minimum and helps you thin out the deck which is needed for later stages of this strategy.
• Practice card counting in free-to-play mode: You need to learn how to count cards and when to bet more aggressively to take advantage of your increased odds. The idea is that if the majority of the cards left in the shoe are high-value cards, the probability of hitting blackjack increases. This takes time to master, so play in demo mode.
• Get a helping hand from a friend or use free software: If you are playing on live dealer sites, you can have a friend help you track the remaining cards in the shoe. This should give you a chance to estimate the likelihood of 21+3 side bets popping up.
• Don’t bet big on the 21+3 side wager: When going through with the optional bet, only use small bet amounts, and only place them if your odds of getting them have increased.
• Find the game version with the most favorable odds: Opt for those game versions that have the best payout for this side bet.

21+3 Blackjack Card Counting

Card counting can be a valid 21+3 blackjack strategy, but you’d really have to use some sort of software to execute it properly. Regular card counting strategy doesn’t rely on memorizing exactly which cards remain in the shoe. It simply helps you tell whether the majority of the cards remaining are high-value (10, J, Q, K, A) or low-value (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) cards.

There is free card counting software available online, but using it is against casino rules. Therefore, if you are caught, casinos have the right to deny you payouts. Card counting without the use of software is perfectly legal, and it’s how professional gamblers make their money.

You would also have to calibrate the app or software to measure the odds of winning on these side bets based on the cards that remain in the shoe. In other words, you would have to start with the fresh shoe and then enter the cards that were dealt each round.

Pros and Cons of 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet

There is a lot to like about this version of blackjack, and as with any other game, there are some aspects you might find bothersome. The pros and cons list below sums up our thoughts on this subject.

Pros:

• It’s a more entertaining version of the game
• Perfect for high rollers who love bets with big multipliers
• It caters to fans of video poker and fans of blackjack at the same time
• Using the right strategy, players can improve their odds
• Possible high returns on small bets

Cons:

• The house edge on the optional wagers is bigger
• Not all operators host this version of the game

Tips for Winning when Placing Blackjack 21+3 Side Bet

If you wish to win on these side bets, be prepared for a lengthy game. Here’s a short list to keep in mind if you want to boost your odds of winning.

• You should choose an 8-deck version and start with the fresh shoe.
• Avoid placing bets until the shoe reaches its mid-point.
• Keep track of the cards and symbols that remain in the shoe.
• Start placing the bet if you feel the remaining cards have a disproportionate number of cards with the same suit. This is when your odds of hitting a flush bet are better.

Alternative Blackjack Side Bets

Both land-based and live dealer online casinos host multiple variations of blackjack. What makes each version unique are the side bets they have available. For those of you unfamiliar, here are some other optional wagers.

Insurance

This option is available in almost every version of the game. You can place an insurance bet that is equal to half of your original bet whenever the dealer’s hole card is ace. To win this bet, the dealer must have a natural blackjack and your payout is 2:1. Basically, you get to recover the money you’d lose on the initial bet.

Perfect Pairs

In this instance, you bet that the two cards you get will be a pair. Obviously, the wager is placed before the cards are dealt after you place your normal wager. The payout is based on the type of pair you get, and there are 3 possible outcomes. Regular pair (2 cards of the same rank) 5:1, color pair (same rank and same color) 10:1, perfect pair (same rank and same suit) 30:1.

Super 7s

Here you bet that you’ll get at least one 7. For a single 7, the payout is 3:1, for a pair of 7s it can go as high as 50:1. If the two 7s are of the same suit the payout becomes 100:1, and if you get a third 7 then the payout will be 500:1. If all three 7s are of the same suit your stake is multiplied by 5000.

Lucky Ladies

To win the Lucky Ladies side wager, the combined value of your first 2 cards needs to be 20 (10s, Js, Qs, and Ks all count as 10). Regular combo pays 4:1, same suit combo 10:1, while same rank and suit combo pays 25:1. However, if both cards are Queen of Hearts, the payout is 200:1.

Over/Under 13

Before the cards are dealt, you bet on whether the combined value of your initial hand will be over or under 13. If one of the cards you have is an Ace it will always count as 1 for the purposes of settling this side wager. You also lose if it’s exactly 13, and the payout is 1:1.

Royal Match

To win the Royal match side wager, the two cards you are dealt need to be king and queen of the same suit. The payout depends on the number of decks used, but in the multi-deck version, it should be 25:1.

Pair Square

Another wager requires getting cards of the same rank. A regular pair pays 10:1, while a same-suit pair pays 15:1. The game is likely to have either this or the perfect pair option; there is no reason to have both.

What is the Best Place to Play Blackjack 21+3?

In theory, any online casino that hosts live dealer games from Evolution should have this version of blackjack. That said, you shouldn’t just pick a brand based on the games they host. It’s crucial to choose an operator that guarantees user safety and that gives neat player benefits. Here’s a list of things to check:

• See if the brand has a valid license and if it’s certified to host provably fair games.
• Read the terms and conditions in detail and pay attention to payment information. Withdrawal limits and processing time can often be dealbreakers for players.
• Go through the promotions page and read the bonus terms to see if claiming the promos is worth it.
• Go through their lobby and see what other games they host; after all, you’ll likely get bored at some point and want to try something else.

If you wish to give 21+3 blackjack a go, then signing up with TG.Casino would be a good place to start. The brand meets all of the above-mentioned standards and you can play on your phone through the Telegram app.

Editors' Choice

Sign up To Claim Instant 200% Bonus Up To 10 ETH

• $TGC exclusive 25% weekly cashback on casino net losses
• A Telegram-exclusive casino endorsed by Web3 influencers, offering 10 ETH bonus
• Instant, anonymous TG-based betting with no-fee crypto transactions

8.5

Review PLAY NOW FAQs Can you win playing 21+3 blackjack side bets?

The odds are very low, but with the right strategy, they can slightly improve. However, keeping track of the remaining cards is incredibly difficult, if not impossible, without the use of external tools.

Does the dealer’s upcard significantly impact your 21+3 side bet decision?

Not really; the side wager is made before the cards are dealt. The only side bet you can make after the dealer’s hole card is revealed is insurance.

Are there specific table rules that favor the player in 21+3 Blackjack?

Tables that have higher payouts on the optional wagers have a lower house edge by default. So, it’s better to pick those versions of the game.

How does the number of decks in play affect the 21+3 side bet odds?

If more cards of the same suit remain in the shoe, the odds of winning on the side bets improve. This is more likely to happen in versions with 8 decks. That said, your odds of winning when the shoe is still fresh are very low.

Playing Responsibly

The best strategy for having fun while gambling is to manage your bankroll carefully and to gamble responsibly. If losses start getting to you, it’s time to give up. Don’t shy away from using tools and resources available on the gambling sites. This way, you can limit how much you spend and how long you can play.

You can also apply for self-exclusion if you have a hard time controlling this habit. For more insightful advice on problem gambling, consult the links below:

• https://www.ncpgambling.org/
• https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
• https://www.gam-anon.org/

Call 1-800-GAMBLER if you need to talk to a trained counselor who can help with gambling addiction.

Resources

• https://github.com/kellyfreet13/BlackJack-Card-Counter
• https://abcnews.go.com/Business/blackjack-player-won-15-million-reveals/story?id=15971410
• https://www.evolution.com/games/live-blackjack/

The post 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet: Rules, Tips, and Payouts appeared first on ReadWrite.