21+3 Blackjack Side Bet Meaning, Odds & Payout Explained

If you’ve played at a blackjack table, you might have noticed the 21+3 side bet listed among the options. This addition brings a poker-style element into the mix, offering a different way to engage with the game.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what the 21+3 side bet means, how it works, the rules involved, and the odds and potential payouts you can expect if you choose to play. We’ll also explore whether it’s the right kind of bet for the way you prefer to play. Read on to learn more.

What Is 21+3 In Blackjack?

The 21+3 side bet is a common addition to many blackjack tables, offering players an optional wager that blends elements of blackjack with three-card poker. It’s placed alongside the main bet and gives players a chance to win based on the combination of their first two cards and the dealer’s face-up card.

The aim of the 21+3 bet is to form a poker-style hand, such as a flush, straight, or three of a kind, using those three cards. If a qualifying hand appears, the side bet pays out according to a fixed structure, depending on the strength of the combination.

This side bet doesn’t affect the outcome of the main blackjack hand but adds an extra layer of interest for those who enjoy combining formats.

21+3 Blackjack Rules

The 21+3 side bet introduces a simple twist to the traditional game of blackjack, giving players an optional way to add some extra entertainment.

Placing the Bet
Before the cards are dealt, players place their usual blackjack wager, and if they wish, they can add a separate bet on the 21+3 side bet. This wager is entirely optional and operates independently from the main blackjack hand—winning or losing one does not affect the other.

Evaluating the Hand
Once the cards are dealt, players receive two cards while the dealer reveals one face-up card. These three cards together determine whether the 21+3 bet wins. Players check if these cards form any of the qualifying poker hands.

Eligible Hands for 21+3

• Flush: Three cards all of the same suit
  
• Straight: Three cards in numerical sequence, regardless of suit (for example, 7-8-9)
  
• Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank
  
• Straight Flush: Three consecutive cards all sharing the same suit
  
• Suited Trips: Three cards of the same rank and suit (for example, three Queens of Hearts)

Payouts
When a player lands one of these qualifying hands, they receive a payout based on the rarity of the combination. While payout rates can vary between different online casinos, the general rule is that the rarer the hand, the higher the potential return.

21+3 Blackjack Odds & Payouts

Understanding the odds and potential payouts for the 21+3 side bet can help players make informed decisions about whether to include it in their game.

Odds of Each Hand
In most six-deck blackjack games, the approximate chances of hitting each qualifying hand are:

• Flush: 5.8%
  
• Straight: 3.1%
  
• Three of a Kind: 0.5%
  
• Straight Flush: 0.21%
  
• Suited Trips: 0.021%

Standard Payouts
Payouts usually follow a standard structure, though these can vary between casinos:

• Flush: Typically pays 5 to 1
  
• Straight: Typically pays 10 to 1
  
• Three of a Kind: Typically pays 30 to 1
  
• Straight Flush: Typically pays 40 to 1
  
• Suited Trips: Typically pays 100 to 1

Since odds and payouts can vary between casinos and software providers, if you decide to try the 21+3 side bet, it’s important to check the specific terms of the game you choose to understand what to expect.

Is 21+3 a Good Bet?

If you’re considering whether the 21+3 side bet is right for you, here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Entertainment Value: If you enjoy adding variety to your blackjack session, the 21+3 side bet can bring a fresh twist by combining elements of poker with the classic game.
  
• Odds and Payouts: The chances of hitting higher-paying hands are quite low, even though the potential returns can be tempting.
  
• House Edge: The house edge for the 21+3 bet is generally higher than the main blackjack game—around 13.4% compared to blackjack’s much lower edge—meaning the casino has a larger advantage over time.
  
• Personal Preferences: It ultimately depends on what suits your style. If you want to experiment with extra excitement and accept the higher house edge, 21+3 might be worth trying occasionally.

Above all, it’s important to play responsibly and only wager what you’re comfortable losing.

Play Blackjack For Real Money Online

If you’re interested in blackjack games featuring options like the 21+3 side bet, Red Casino offers a variety of real money tables to choose from. Fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), we also provide tools to promote responsible gambling.

Getting started is simple—just select ‘Join’ to create an account, make a deposit, and you’ll have access to blackjack tables with a range of stakes and side bet options. Whether you’re new to blackjack or more experienced, there are games to suit different preferences.

Our user-friendly platform is supported by a helpful team, ready to assist whenever needed. With robust security measures in place, your personal information and transactions remain protected.

Feel free to explore the selection of blackjack games available here at Red Casino.

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*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.

**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.