21+3 Blackjack Side Bet Explained

January 16, 2025
7 Minute Read

Game designers have added some extra alternatives for blackjack players through the years and the 21+3 Blackjack side bet is one of the more popular of these options. The 21+3 Blackjack side bet offers players an optional bet that can pay off nicely when players make certain big three-card poker hands.

How does this wager work? What can players win when making the 21+3 side bet? Keep reading to learn all about this wager.

What is 21+3 in Blackjack?

These types of optional side bets have become more popular with players and casinos in recent years. The 21+3 wager allows players to make an optional bet in addition to their main blackjack bet. You can make this bet by placing chips in the 21+3 betting box next to the initial blackjack wager before the cards are dealt in a hand.

The bet is won when the player receives certain three-card poker hands. Payouts are based on a pay table at the table. Those who enjoy poker may like this bet as it combines elements of both blackjack and poker, creating some unique outcomes and bonus payouts that can be much more than the main blackjack wager.

How Does the 21+3 Side Bet Work?

The 21+3 Blackjack side bet can ramp up the game’s entertainment value while also offering the hope of some nice extra payouts.

To make the 21+3 side bet, a player will first make the initial blackjack bet as normal. You can then make an optional side bet on the “21+3” betting box. The amount a player can wager on the side bet may depend on the casino.

The dealer will then deal each player two cards face up. A player’s three-card poker hand is based on the two cards he or she receives and the dealer’s upcard. For example, if you receive the A♠10♠ and the dealer has a 2♠ upcard, you will win a bonus payout based on the three cards making a flush.

This player has made a flush and will receive a bonus payout based on the 21+3 Blackjack side bet pay table. You also have blackjack and will receive either a 3 to 2 or 6 to 5 payout (depending on the casino) as well.

21+3 Blackjack Payouts

When it comes to the bonus payout hands, the amount you’ll receive depends on the hand you make. Here’s a look at the typical payout structure for the 21+3 side bet based on different poker hands.

HandPayout
Suited three of a kind100 to 1
Straight flush40 to 1
Three of a kind25 to 1
Straight10 to 1
Flush5 to 1

These payouts can vary by casino and online poker platform. Some casinos round all 21+3 Blackjack side bet payouts to 9 to 1, no matter what hand a player receives.

When considering whether to make this side bet, here’s a look at the house edge, according to WizardofOdds.com.

  • 1 deck – 13.3%
  • 2 decks – 7.26%
  • 4 decks – 4.24%
  • 6 decks – 3.24%
  • 8 decks – 2.74%

Some casinos have also added a “Top 3” side bet in addition to 21+3 in recent years. This bet pays out much more for the best three poker hands – as much as 270 to 1 for a suited three of a kind. You can make both bets, one, or neither. Again, these are optional bets and players can choose when or how often they’d like to bet them.

21+3 Blackjack Rules

Now that you have an idea of how this optional wager works, here’s a quick reminder of the 21+3 Blackjack side bet rules.

  • The 21+3 side bet is completely optional and players can decide when and how much to wager.
  • Players make the wager in the “21+3” betting box before a hand begins.
  • The poker hand is based on the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s upcard.
  • Players win bonus payouts based on three-card poker hands such as three of a kind, flush, straight, and other.
  • Payouts can be much more than the average blackjack payout, adding to the fun.
  • When dealt one of these winning hands, payouts are based on a pay table (see above) and can get as high as 100 to 1, depending on the casino rules.
  • 21+3 payouts may vary depending on the casino.

The Benefits and Risks of the 21+3 Side Bet

Whether players want to make this side bet depends totally on their own preferences and bankroll. Some may enjoy adding some extra action on each hand, while others may choose to make these bets only occasionally. As you can see from the house edges listed above, the casino has a distinct advantage on the 21+3 side bet.

Traditional blackjack can have a house edge as low as 1%, depending on game rules, and the 21+3 bet can be almost three times that. And for games with a single deck, the house edge balloons even more to over 13%. Players must gauge the risk versus rewards when it comes to these types of wagers. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of 21+3.

Advantages

  • An extra wager that can add to the fun.
  • Completely optional and players can make the bet at any time.
  • Simple bet to make and potential for larger payouts.

Disadvantages

  • Higher house edge than main blackjack bet.
  • Playing every hand can drain a bankroll faster.
  • Some casinos may have lower payouts than others.

21+3 Side Bet: Fun and Strategy

Scoring a nice win on the 21+3 Blackjack side bet can be quite exciting and lucrative at the same time. Players tend to enjoy the potential to win these larger payouts.

From a strategy perspective, some players may choose to play the side bet every hand but this may require a larger bankroll. Others may want to avoid the larger house and play the side bet more sporadically.

Some experts recommend targeting flushes when tracking cards that have been played already. A deck that has played a lot of three suits out already and less of a single suit may offer the chance to bet this side bet with a chance of hitting a flush or hopefully a straight flush.

Savvy card counters may also be able to determine the percentage of each suit remaining in the deck and adjust to making the 21+3 Blackjack side bet accordingly. This requires plenty of skill, however, and is probably not an option for most players.

Is the 21+3 Side Bet Worth It?

Whether the 21+3 Blackjack side bet is a good idea depends on a player’s own interests and overall blackjack strategy. Those with larger bankrolls may be able to sustain more losses that can accrue when making this wager.

This bet may also be popular with players simply looking for a fun time at the tables, win or lose. If a nice payout develops on the side bet, that would make the experience even better. More serious players looking to thin the house edge as much as possible may want to avoid the bet as it has a high house edge that could affect their overall winning opportunities.

Conclusion: Should You Try 21+3 in Your Next Blackjack Game?

The 21+3 Blackjack side bet allows players to wager on an optional side bet. Whether the player wins the bet is based on a three-card poker hand composed of the player’s two upcards and the dealer’s upcard. The payouts are based on a pay table that can vary by casino, with hands like suited three of a kind, straight flush, three of a kind, straight, and flush.

Whether you want to make this bet depends on your overall blackjack strategy, but those who are looking for some more action with some nice potential benefits may want to make the bet at least occasionally.

Those looking for some 21+3 Blackjack may want to give Lucky Block Casino a try. This can be a great option for real-money gaming on a trusted platform. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to make the 21+3 side bet when playing blackjack?

No, this bet is completely optional.

What are the winning hands based on?

The winning hands are based on three-card poker hands. This is made up of the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s upcard.

How much can I win on the 21+3 Blackjack side bet?

That varies by casino, but some popular pay tables pay out as much as 100 to 1 for the best possible hand, a suited three of a kind.

Tom Middleton

Tom is a crypto gambling expert with more than a decade of experience in the industry and Master’s Degree in Journalism. He has written thoroughly researched guides and reviews for several major publications.

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