21+3 Equals A Fun Side Bet in Blackjack

Blackjack - a game of numbers, basic math, odds, and probability, all of which add up to a game of intrigue, excitement, and nerve.

It is one of the most popular games in the world - blackjack tables are littered across casinos worldwide, but there are variations of it, too! You only have to look at modern online iterations, such as Lightning Blackjack, where some hands are multiplied by up to 25x, to see how stratospheric its rise has been.

Its flexibility as a live casino table game is one of the reasons why Blackjack retains its popularity - and the 21+3 Side Bet options give players an option to mix up their betting approach.

Let's look deeper into what is 21+3 Side Bet and how it works in blackjack below.

What is the 21+3 Bet in Blackjack?

blackjack table with cards and chips on it

It is an optional wager that combines the player's two cards with the dealer's face-up card to form a three-card poker hand.

You can win big payouts on this bet if your hand meets specific criteria - you can see the breakdown of the hands and their respective payouts below.

The first thing to do is make sure your bets qualify!

To play the 21+3 bet, you must place your chips in the designated betting area before the cards are dealt. Once the round begins and the initial two cards are face-up, the dealer will also deal with one card face-up. Combining your two cards with the dealer's face-up card forms your three-card poker hand.

How Can You Win With The 21+3 Bet?

You just need to make a good poker hand, and you will land a tidy payout in addition to any winnings you make with your blackjack hand.

Here are the hands you can make:

  • Flush: Three cards of the same suit
  • Straight: Three sequential cards (e.g., 3, 4, 5)
  • Three of a kind: Three cards with the same rank
  • Straight flush: A straight and a flush in the same suit
  • Suited three of a kind: Three cards with the same rank and suit

The payouts of each hand vary according to the blackjack game, while some have special jackpots available. Make sure you investigate fully before playing to see if you could be in with any extra windfalls when you play.

21+3 Bet Strategies

There is only so much you can do as a 21+3 blackjack player to give you a better chance of success. However, as with any casino game, players can use a few strategies to improve their chances of winning when playing the 21+3 Side Bet in Blackjack.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Understand the odds: Before placing your bets, it's essential to understand the odds for each hand combination in the 21+3 Side Bet. This will help you make more informed decisions and avoid unnecessary risks.
  2. Use basic blackjack strategy: The 21+3 Side Bet is an additional option to the main blackjack game, so it's important to continue using it for your main hand. This means understanding when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on the dealer's up card and your own hand.
  3. Don't chase big payouts: While the 21+3 Side Bet offers enticing payouts for certain hand combinations, it's important to avoid getting carried away and continuously placing bets on these combinations. Remember that the main goal of Blackjack is still to beat the dealer's hand.

What is the History of 21+3 Side Bet in Blackjack?

The 21+3 Side Bet in Blackjack has been around for quite some time now, and it has become a popular addition to the traditional game of Blackjack. The history of this fun and innovative game can be traced back to the early 1990s when casinos started offering it as an option for players looking for something different.

Originally created by Derek Webb, it was first introduced in the United Kingdom. It quickly gained popularity among players, who were drawn to the potential of winning big with just a small side bet. The 21+3 Side Bet soon made its way to casinos across Europe and then to the United States.

Thanks to its unique combination of blackjack and poker elements, the 21+3 Side Bet became an instant hit with players, and it continues to be a popular option in many casinos worldwide. In addition, with the rise of online casinos, this Side Bet has become even more accessible to players, allowing them to enjoy the excitement from the comfort of their own homes.

Lucas Goldberg
Lucas, a seasoned site editor at CasinoCanada, boasts a decade-long journey in the gambling industry with a focus on providing players with meticulous reviews and insights of online games and casinos.
Site Editor
University of Toronto
Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Digital Media, and Journalism, PlayTech Analytics career, communication with users through high-quality gambling content.
Expert in:
  • iGaming Content
  • Bonus Incentives Theory
  • Trend Analysis
Reviewed by Head of Content:
Dmitry Rogalchuk
Last updated on: 20.02.2024

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