Blackjack is one of the most popular casino table games due to its simple rules and low house edge. However, while the basic game favors players, some variants and side bets actually increase the house advantage. Two common blackjack side bets are Perfect Pairs and 21+3. These optional wagers add extra excitement by allowing you to bet on special hand combinations.
What Are Blackjack Side Bets?
Before explaining Perfect Pairs and 21+3 at Neo Spin Casino specifically, let’s look at what blackjack side bets are. As the name suggests, side bets are optional wagers made in addition to your main blackjack bet. They don’t affect the normal blackjack rules. You just have the choice to make an extra bet and win if your cards make a certain pattern.
Why Offer Side Bets?
Casinos add side bet options to blackjack for a couple of reasons:
- Increase house edge – Side bets tend to favor the house more than standard blackjack. This increases overall revenue for the casino.
- Spice up gameplay – Even with a higher house advantage, side bets make blackjack more exciting by giving you more ways to win.
Now let’s take a closer look at two of the most popular blackjack side wagers.
Perfect Pairs Side Bet
The Perfect Pairs side bet awards a payout if your first two cards make a pair. Here are the rules and odds:
Types of Pairs
There are three types of pairs that qualify for payouts:
- Perfect Pair – Two cards of identical suit and rank. Example: Two Aces of Hearts.
- Colored Pair – Two cards of identical rank but different suits. Example: Ace of Hearts + Ace of Diamonds.
- Mixed Pair – Two cards of identical rank but with one red suit and one black suit. Example: Ace of Hearts + Ace of Spades.
Payouts
- Perfect Pair – 25 to 1
- Colored Pair – 12 to 1
- Mixed Pair – 6 to 1
As you can see, not all pairs are created equal when it comes to Perfect Pairs payouts. Naturally, suited pairs pay more since they are rarer to get.
The odds of making any pair on the first two cards are approximately 1 in 21. Since the house edge varies from casino to casino based on rules, it’s estimated you lose around 3-4% of money wagered on the Perfect Pairs side bet.
21+3 Side Bet
Similar to Perfect Pairs, this side wager pays out if your first two cards plus the dealer’s upcard make certain poker style hands:
Winning Hands
- Straight Flush – Three consecutive suited cards. Example: 4, 5, 6 all Hearts.
- Three of a Kind – Three cards of the same rank. Example: Three Kings.
- Straight – Three consecutive cards but not all suited. Example: 8 of Hearts, 9 of Diamonds, 10 of Clubs.
- Flush – Three cards of the same suit but not consecutive. Example: 2, 6 and 10 of Spades.
- Pair – Two cards of matching rank. Example: Pair of Threes.
Payouts
- Straight Flush – 25 to 1
- Three of a Kind – 15 to 1
- Straight – 10 to 1
- Flush – 5 to 1
- Pair – 3 to 1
The probability of making any of the 21+3 qualifying hands is approximately 1 in 3. However, the payouts are not high enough to offset the house edge, which gives the casino roughly a 3% advantage on average.
Should You Make These Side Bets?
Blackjack side bets add more excitement and chances to win to each hand. Perfect Pairs and 21+3 can be enjoyable ways to mix up standard blackjack, especially if you hit a nice bonus payout. However, in the long run, both bets favor the house. You can expect to lose a few percentage points per dollar wagered compared to basic blackjack.
Here are a few tips on smart side betting strategy:
- Set a budget for side bets apart from your main blackjack bankroll
- Only make side bets occasionally for fun as a break from standard play
- Learn the odds thoroughly before betting so you know what to expect
- Avoid placing side bets every hand or for high amounts
Used responsibly, blackjack side wagers like Perfect Pairs and 21+3 are an entertaining addition to the game. Just remember that while they may occasionally pay out nicely, overall these bets increase the house edge compared to traditional blackjack.
Conclusion
Side bets inject variety into blackjack by giving you more ways to win beyond normal beats. Understanding games like Perfect Pairs and 21+3 lets you enjoy these extra options without any surprises. Compare the payouts to the odds to see the house advantage. Use side bets sparingly to spice up play as long as you do so within a limited budget. This allows you to strike the right balance between entertainment and smart gambling.