The 21 + 3 version of Blackjack first hit Las Vegas casinos in 2001. This game allowed players to place a side bet, giving them another chance to win along with the blackjack game. There are many different versions of blackjack featured at popular online casinos. Our gambling experts tried 21 + 3 and compared gameplay among different gambling sites. On this page, we’ll break down all the information you need to know before playing this table game.
What Is 21+3 in Blackjack
21 + 3 is a side bet in online blackjack for real money. It doesn’t affect the regular blackjack game at all. Instead, it’s a bet placed on the two cards dealt to the player and the dealer’s first card up. If these three cards result in a flush, straight, or three-of-a-kind (or a combination of either), the player will win their side bet.
How to Play Blackjack 21+3
Blackjack 21 + 3 is a very straightforward bet to place. You can find this option in video and live dealer blackjack games online. It’s important to note that the side bet will be calculated before you play the regular game. Here is how you can play this popular blackjack side bet.
- Choose the game you want to play.
- Select the side bet option and place your bet.
- The player will be dealt two cards facing up.
- The dealer will be dealt two cards, one facing up and the other facing down.
- If the three cards face up, make a flush, straight, three of a kind, flush straight, or suited three of a kind, and you will win the side bet.
Placing a 21 Plus 3 Blackjack Side Bet
Before making a 21+3 blackjack bet, you must understand how to place it properly. If a game is marketed as 21+3, it doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get to enjoy the side bet from playing this blackjack variation. Instead, you must select the option and place an additional bet with your blackjack wager. For example, a player places a $5 bet on the blackjack game and then places a $1 side bet on the 21+3.
To place a 21 Plus 3 side bet, follow these steps:
- Place your blackjack bet
- Place your 21 plus 3 bet
- Receive your cards
- Determine the outcome
It’s essential to understand that the 21 Plus 3 side bet exists separately from the main blackjack game. Even if you lose your main blackjack hand, you might still win or lose the side bet based on the initial three-card poker hand.
21+3 Blackjack Payouts
The paytable for the 21+3 side bet varies, depending on which variation of the game you’re playing. This feature is provided in these games by several software developers. The value of cards in blackjack won’t affect your side bet.
With each game, there will be different odds. However, one thing remains the same among all software developers. The side bet payout amount will depend on how it’s won. A suited three-of-a-kind will payout a higher amount than a flush. Below are the winning suits in order from lowest payout to highest payout:
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a kind
- Flush straight
- Suited three-of-a-kind
21+3 Blackjack Odds & House Edge
The first 21+3 game introduced to casinos in Las Vegas had odds of 9:1 for the side bet. But the game has advanced since then. Now, the odds are different for each winning suit. It’s important to remember that the odds and house edge vary with each software developer’s game version.
The house edge will fluctuate depending on how many decks are used in the game. Games with 1 or 2 decks will have a higher house edge than games using a 5 or 6-deck shoe. Choose blackjack tables with multiple decks for the most attractive odds of winning.
Here, we overviewed the statistics of the 21+3 hand in a standard blackjack game with 6 decks.
| 21+3 Hand | Payout | Probability | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flush | 5 | 0.059 | 73:1177 |
| Straight | 10 | 0.031 | 31:969 |
| Three of a kind | 33 | 0.005 | 1:199 |
| Straight flush | 35 | 0.002 | 1:499 |
| Suited three-of-a-kind | 100 | 0.0002 | 1:4999 |
Strategy for a 21 + 3 Blackjack
Blackjack is a standard strategy game, so the house edge is lower than slots and other casino games. Naturally, there is a good strategy for side bets. However, that’s not the case with 21+3. The side bet is similar to the game of three card poker. The only difference is you don’t have to worry about another player having a better blackjack hand. Because of this, there is no need for a strategy to better your odds of beating the other player. Instead, the outcome is purely based on luck. No strategy will help blackjack players win this type of side bet. There are some general tips for a successful gameplay:
- Know the payouts
- Balance your bets
- Stick to a basic blackjack strategy
- Consider the deck composition
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