Match the Dealer Blackjack: Exciting Side Bet Explained

Match the Dealer Blackjack is a unique side bet feature found in some games. Like other similar side wagers, this bet is meant to amplify the fun and offer players some extra wagering options with the chance at even more winnings.

Players win on the side bet if either of their two initial cards match the dealer’s upcard. Suited matches pay even more. Keep reading to learn more about the rules, strategies, and excitement of this blackjack variation.

What is Match the Dealer Blackjack?

Like many of these side bets, the Match the Dealer Blackjack (not to be confused with Blackjack Match, which is a completely different game) is easy to play and completely optional. The main blackjack game remains the same but players can also wager on matching the dealer and score some additional winnings.

Players can win on the side bet while losing on the main blackjack wager, but can also possibly win or lose on both. Players choose if they’d like to make this bet before a hand gets started. This side bet is also found on Spanish 21, another popular blackjack variant.

How the Match the Dealer Side Bet Works

As noted, placing the Match the Dealer Blackjack wager is easy and can be placed before any hand as the player desires. Here’s how things play out.

Make the initial blackjack bet.
Place the Match the Dealer Blackjack wager in a circle or square on the table that’s labeled specifically for this bet.
The dealer will deal each player two cards face up as well himself two cards with only one of those face up.
The dealer will check on the Blackjack Match the Dealer wagers and pay out any winnings or collect losses based on whether either of the players’ two cards match the dealer upcard.
After that, the hand continues with players allowed to act on their cards – hitting, standing, doubling down, or splitting as needed.
The dealer then acts on his own hand and pays out any winners while collecting losing bets.

Here’s a look at payouts for the Blackjack Match the Dealer side bet.

BLACKJACK

Cards	Six decks	Eight decks
2 suited matches	22 to 1	28 to 1
1 suited & 1 unsuited match	15 to 1	17 to 1
1 suited match	11 to 1	14 to 1
2 unsuited matches	8 to 1	6 to 1
1 unsuited	4 to 1	3 to 1

SPANISH 21

Cards	Six decks	Eight decks
Suited match	9 to 1	12 to 1
Unsuited match	4 to 1	3 to 1

Strategies for Playing Match the Dealer Blackjack

There are no real strategy considerations when it comes to gameplay for the Blackjack Match the Dealer side bet. You simply decide whether you want to play it on any hand. The wager is independent of your initial blackjack bet.

However, the wager generally has a house edge of around 6-7%, depending on the number of decks used. That is higher than many of these types of blackjack side bets, so players may want to gauge that risk when determining whether to make the bet or not. Those on limited bankrolls may only want to place the bet when finding a winning session.

Those who use basic strategy and look to thin the house edge as much as possible (below 1% on games with favorable rules and when using perfect basic strategy), may want to only make this bet occasionally or not at all. Players who feel they are open to a bit more risk and fun at the table may find the Match the Dealer wager worth dropping a few bucks on.

Advantages of Match the Dealer Side Bet

Some players may see these types of side bets as a way to enhance the gaming experience. Here are a few of the advantages to making the Match the Dealer side bet.

Higher payouts possible.
Added excitement and fun.
An additional wagering option for casual players.
The bet is completely optional.

Disadvantages and Risks of the Match the Dealer Side Bet

As noted, there are also some additional risks when making this bet and here are a few disadvantages.

Higher house edge of 6-7% than the main blackjack bet.
May have a loss when winning in the main game.
Added risk of losses, especially if betting often.

Conclusion

The Blackjack Match the Dealer version offers a fun side bet and this wager can also be found on Spanish 21 as well. The side bet is completely optional and based on whether one of the player’s two cards match the dealer’s upcard. Finding a match can bring about some extra winnings based on a pay table.

That includes a premium of up to 28 to 1 for finding two suited matches and 17 to 1 for one

suited match and one unsuited match on the same hand. The bet is completely optional and players can make the bet before any hand. Players enjoy the side bet because of the entertainment value of an added wager and the extra payouts available.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Match the Dealer Blackjack?

This is an optional side bet in which pays out additional winnings based on your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard. A match will pay out based on a pay table with suited matches paying out premiums. This side bet can not only be found on some blackjack tables, but also on the blackjack alternative Spanish 21.

How does the Match the Dealer side bet work?

Players can make this bet before any bet. The wager is independent of the main blackjack wager and players can win or lose on both, or win on one and lose on the other.