Blackjack is a classic that never goes out of fashion, but have you ever wondered how such a simple game always remains popular? One possible explanation lies in blackjack side bets!
Blackjack side bets have become a common sight in online blackjack games. If you want to know which side bets in blackjack are the most popular, we are here to help. We are here to introduce the most popular blackjack side bets you can play and wager on in the best online blackjack tables.
Top Blackjack Side Bets
- Should you play side bets in blackjack?
- How do side bets work in blackjack?
- Are side bets in blackjack worth it?
These are just some of the questions we get from our readers. Side bets in blackjack are exceptionally popular, but not all players understand their appeal. Moreover, they are dangerous for inexperienced players as they add another dimension to the experience that may be hard to balance with the base game.
However, the most important thing about blackjack side bets is to find a balance between base and side bet game. Each type of side bet is different, and each has a specific payout, probability, and risk. You can often find them in online and live blackjack games. We recommend using a blackjack strategy when playing with side bets to maximize winning chances.
Let’s see the best side bets in blackjack online.
Any Pair
The Any Pair side bet in blackjack is a wager through which you can bet on the chance of drawing a pair in the first two card draws. A pair constitutes two cards that match in rank. The dealer will deal the cards, and if they are a pair, you get a payout. The bet can be found at all blackjack variants, including single-deck blackjack games with only one deck in the shoe.
Perfect Pairs
An updated version of Any Pair is Perfect Pairs. Perfect Pairs side bet includes three variants – a Mixed Pair, Color Pair, and a Perfect Pair version. Players wagering on this side bet get a payout whenever a pair comes up in the player’s deal. In other words, only cards belonging to the player are taken into consideration.
The Mixed Pair is a pair that includes the same rank, with different suits. An example would be a pair of 7s, where one 7 is ♣️ while the other is a ♥️. The payout for Mixed Pairs is 5:1. You might have noticed that it’s nearly identical to Any Pair side bet.
The Color Pair is a pair of cards matching in rank and color. However, they are not the same suit, only the color of the suit matches. For instance, a ♦️ + ♥️ or ♠️+ ♣️ pairs. The payout for this pair is 12:1.
A Perfect Pair is a pair of cards that match both in rank and suit. For example, if you get two 7s that are ♣️+♣️, that’s a perfect pair. Perfect pairs pay 25:1. This side bet is possible only with multi-deck games.
21+3
This is by far the most popular side bet in blackjack. The 21+3 side bet in blackjack is a wager that includes both the players’ and the dealer’s cards. The whole point of this side bet is to create a poker hand out of the first three cards drawn in the round (two belonging to the player and one for the dealer). Now, the combination of the three cards can create multiple poker hands and, depending on the hand created, you will get a bigger or a smaller payout.
- Flush – Three cards of the same suit. Pays 5:1
- Straight – Three consecutive cards, like 5-6-7. Pays 10:1
- Three of a Kind – The cards of the same rank. Pays 30:1
- Straight Flush – Thee cards in consecutive order of the same suit. Pays 40:1
- Three of a Kind Suited – Three cards that match in rank and suit. Pays 100:1
The highest payout comes for the Suited Three of a Kind, but that’s because the chances of landing this card combo are very low.
Bust It
Bust It is one variant of the Bust side bet that can be seen in various blackjack games. There are many variations, but they all share a common trait – they all bring money if the dealer goes bust.
However, the side bet rules in your blackjack game might differ. For instance, you may simply have to wager on the number of cards the dealer will have to draw before going bust. Some games use a Bust it side bet where they wager on the card that will be the downfall of the dealer – like wagering that it will be a 7, or 8, or 4.
Insurance
Insurance is another common sight in online blackjack games. In theory, insurance protects the players from a loss as they stake on the chances of the dealer having a blackjack. Players can take the Insurance bet after the first two cards have been dealt and the dealer has an Ace. If the dealer reveals a 10 as the hole card, the player wins the Insurance. However, the dealer’s chances of having a blackjack made of an Ace and 10 are 1 in 3 instances. That’s why experts and professional players warn other players not to take Insurance.
If you are highly skilled in playing online blackjack for real money, you can decide whether to take a chance with Insurance. If you aren’t too keen on investing as much money on a bet that might fail, avoid Insurance altogether.