What are the Best Blackjack Side Bets?

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games, loved for its balance of strategy and luck. While the main focus is on the duel between the player and the dealer, there are additional options called side bets that bring an extra layer of excitement to the game. These bets allow players to aim for additional winnings by wagering on specific events or card combinations. In this article, we’ll explore blackjack side bets in detail, including their features, potential payouts, and drawbacks.

What Are Side Bets in Blackjack?

A side bet is an optional wager placed alongside the main bet in blackjack. It is based on specific criteria, such as the cards dealt, their combinations, or certain events during the game.

How They Work

Side bets are placed before the cards are dealt. Unlike the main bet, they are independent of the final outcome between the player and the dealer.

Why Use Them?

Side bets are attractive because they:

Add suspense and adrenaline to the game.
Offer potentially higher payouts than the main bet.
Provide variety, especially for experienced players.

However, side bets often come with a higher house edge, making them a riskier option.

Side Bets in Classic Blackjack Rules

Insurance

How It Works: Insurance is offered when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. The player can wager up to half of their main bet on the chance that the dealer will have a blackjack.
Possible Payout: If the dealer has a blackjack, the insurance bet pays 2:1.
Drawbacks: The house edge is over 7%, making it a poor choice in most cases. Generally advised against unless you’re card counting.

Side Bets in Blackjack Variants

These side bets are only available in specific blackjack variants, adding unique twists to the classic game.

Perfect Pairs

Perfect Pairs is a side bet based on the player’s first two cards. The goal is to form a pair, which can be either a perfect pair (same value and suit), a colored pair (same value and color but different suits), or a mixed pair (same value but different colors).

Possible Payout: Perfect Pair: 25:1, Colored Pair: 12:1, Mixed Pair: 6:1.
Drawbacks: High house edge (up to 11%) and entirely luck-based, with no player control over the outcome.

21+3

This side bet combines the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s face-up card to form a poker hand. Common combinations include three of a kind, straights, and flushes.

Possible Payout: Perfect Three of a Kind: 100:1, Straight Flush: 40:1, Straight: 10:1, Flush: 5:1.
Drawbacks: Complex for beginners and has a high house edge, often exceeding 13%.

Lucky Ladies

Lucky Ladies focuses on achieving a total of 20 with the first two cards. This can involve specific combinations, such as two Queens of Hearts, which offer the highest payout.

Possible Payout: Two Queens of Hearts: 100:1, Suited 20: 25:1, Any 20: 4:1.
Drawbacks: Rare combinations make wins infrequent, and the house edge is significant.

Over/Under 13

This bet allows players to wager on whether the total of their first two cards will be over or under 13. It excludes ties (exactly 13) in some versions, which are considered losses.

Possible Payout: Typically 1:1.
Drawbacks: High house edge and potential frustration from ties counting as losses in certain rules.

Hot 3

Hot 3 involves the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s face-up card, with payouts based on totals like 19, 20, or 21.

Possible Payout: Total of 21 with same-suit cards: 100:1, Total of 20 or 19: 2:1 to 4:1.
Drawbacks: Payouts vary across tables, and the house edge is usually high.

Super Sevens

This bet revolves around drawing 7s in the player’s hand. Each additional 7 increases the potential payout, especially if the suits match.

Possible Payout: One 7: 3:1, Two 7s: 50:1, Three suited 7s: 500:1.
Drawbacks: Extremely rare outcomes and a house edge often exceeding 12%.

Buster Blackjack

Buster Blackjack pays out if the dealer busts. The more cards used to bust, the higher the payout, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy high variance.

Possible Payout: Bust with 3 cards: 2:1, Bust with 8 cards: 250:1.
Drawbacks: Entirely reliant on the dealer’s draw and offers unpredictable payouts.

Bet Behind

Bet Behind allows players to wager on another player’s hand at the table. It’s a popular choice in busy games where players can’t join the main action.

Possible Payout: Matches the payout of the hand being bet on (e.g., 1:1 or 3:2 for blackjack).
Drawbacks: Lack of control, as decisions are made by the primary player.

Royal Match

Royal Match is a bet on receiving a King and Queen of the same suit in the player’s first two cards.

Possible Payout: Royal Match: 25:1, Easy Match (any two suited cards): 5:1.
Drawbacks: Rare combinations and a significant house edge.

Advantages and Drawbacks of Side Bets

Advantages

Add excitement and variety to the game.
Provide opportunities for large payouts.

Drawbacks

Side bets often have a higher house edge than the main game.
They are purely chance-based, offering little to no strategic influence.

Conclusion

Side bets in blackjack are an excellent way to add spice to your games. However, their high risk and low frequency of payouts make them options to use with caution. Take the time to understand the rules and potential payouts to maximize your chances while staying in control of your bets.

Check out our selection of the leading casinos for blackjack to test out these thrilling side bets.