21+3 Blackjack Rules: When Should You Place This Side Bet?

The 21+3 blackjack is an exciting side bet that gives you a chance to win big payouts up to 100:1. This means you could win 100 times what you bet! But, I want you to be careful, because the chances of winning this bet are low, so it’s easy to lose your money if you’re not prepared.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how the 21+3 side bet works in a simple way. I’ll also share some easy tips to help you make better choices when you play. If you’re aiming for those big wins, let’s take a closer look and get you ready to play smart!

21+3 Blackjack Rules Explained

The 21+3 side bet in blackjack is a fun, extra bet you can make alongside your main bet. In this side bet, the name “21+3” combines blackjack (21) with three-card poker. Here’s how it works: you use your first two cards along with the dealer’s face-up card to create a three-card poker hand. This extra bet gives you the chance to win based on the combination of these three cards, like a mini poker game within your blackjack game!

You place the 21+3 side bet before the blackjack hand begins, at the same time as your main blackjack wager. It's typically placed in a designated area next to your main bet. You’ll win the 21+3 bet if your two cards and the dealer’s card make one of these poker hands:

• Straight Flush: Three consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 7♦ 8♦ 9♦).
• Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank (e.g., 8♦ 8♠ 8♣).
• Straight: Three consecutive cards of any suit (e.g., 5♠ 6♦ 7♣).
• Flush: Three cards of the same suit but not in sequence (e.g., 2♠ 6♠ 10♠).
• Suited Three of a Kind (in multi-deck games): Three identical cards in both rank and suit (e.g., 8♦ 8♦ 8♦).

Note: This side bet is separate from the main blackjack game, so you can win or lose the 21+3 bet regardless of the outcome of your blackjack hand.

21+3 Blackjack Payouts and Winning Odds

In the original 21+3 game, all winning hands received a 9:1 payout, and this paytable is still available at various retail casinos. As online casinos grew, payouts changed. Now, some games offer progressive jackpots for hands like suited aces or pay up to 270:1 for a suited three-of-a-kind. Besides, payouts may vary by casino.

Below is a table that outlines the most common payouts and the odds of achieving each winning hand, as provided by IGT, a global leader in the blackjack industry. 

The table above shows that the lower the probability of winning the combination, the higher the payout, with the highest payout being 100:1 if you have a Suited Three of a Kind combination. The example below will give you a better idea of how much you can win:

• Case 1: You place a $10 side bet on 21+3 and your three cards form a Suited Three of a Kind. You will receive a payout of 100:1, meaning you win $1000.
• Case 2: You place a $10 bet and your three cards form a Flush. With a payout of 5:1, you will win $50.

In both cases, if you lose the 21+3 blackjack side bet, you will lose the entire amount you bet on that side bet. However, this loss does not affect the main bet in Blackjack; it means that you can win the side bet but lose the blackjack or vice versa. In the above example, you bet $5 on the side bet, if you lose you will lose $5.

At many casinos, you may also see similar payout rates from Evolution Gaming, another leading provider of live casino games:

As you can see, Evolution gives higher payouts for Straight Flush (40:1 vs. IGT’s 35:1), but its odds are lower for rarer hands.

In a multi-deck blackjack game, the 21+3 side bet’s payout changes dramatically based on the number of decks in play: the more decks, the higher the payouts. For instance, below are the payouts of winning hands in 8-deck and 6-deck games: 

Typical 8-deck payouts:

Typical 6-deck payouts:

With such a payout gap, this game is best played on an eight-deck game. If that’s not available, aim for the highest deck count possible with a similar pay table.

21+3 Blackjack House Edge

The house edge for the 21+3 side bet varies with the number of decks, with differences reaching several percentage points. For instance, with 1 deck, the house edge is ~13.3%, but with 8 decks, the house edge drops to ~2.74%.

Although there are differences between 21+3 games, this is still a fairly high percentage compared to the main bets in blackjack (0.43% – 2%). In other words, the 21+3 side bet is more profitable for the house.

Since the house edge is high, it's a good idea to avoid betting big if you're not comfortable with the risk. These bets can offer big payouts, but the chances of winning are lower. 

If you want to learn more about blackjack side bets, check out this post for helpful tips!

Best & Worst Time to Place a 21+3 Side Bet

Making the 21+3 bet at the wrong time can make you lose money quickly. This happens because the odds aren’t very good, and the casino has an advantage on this bet. But don’t worry! I’ll soon explain when it’s a smart choice to make this bet and when it’s better to skip it to help you play wisely and keep more of your bankroll.

Best Times to Place a 21+3 Side Bet

• When you want to aim for big wins: The 21+3 side bet can pay out much higher than regular blackjack, with rewards like 30:1, 40:1, or even 100:1. If you’re feeling lucky and want a chance to win big, this side bet could be a fun choice.
• When you have a larger budget: Playing the side bet is easier when you have some extra money to spend. A bigger budget lets you enjoy the side bet without worrying too much if you lose a few rounds.
• When you’re looking for extra fun: The 21+3 side bet adds a little excitement to regular blackjack, thanks to the poker-like combinations. If you have a bit of extra money, this side bet can make the game even more entertaining.

So, 21+3 blackjack is ideal when you're playing for fun and can handle the higher risk.

Worst Times to Place a 21+3 Side Bet (Common Mistakes)

• When you just believe you have an edge with strong cards: Even if your blackjack hand looks strong, it doesn’t give you any advantage in the 21+3 bet. This side bet is all about luck, so don’t count on your big cards to help you here.
• When you’re chasing losses: In this case, a 21+3 bet is probably not the best idea. The odds of winning this bet are pretty low, so you could end up losing even more.
• When you have a tight budget: If your bankroll is limited, placing a 21+3 side bet can deplete your funds faster. With its low odds, you might lose more quickly if you don’t have enough to absorb the risk.
• When you’re relying on previous outcomes: Every hand in 21+3 is random, so don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can predict the outcome based on what happened in the last few rounds. Each hand is a fresh roll of the dice, so play accordingly.

Since the 21+3 bet is based on luck, the above notes will help you take advantage of those big payout chances without blowing your budget. 

How to Signal for a 21+3 Side Bet in Online, Live, and Land-Based Blackjack

It’s important to know how to signal your 21+3 blackjack bet in different settings because each has its own way of handling bets. Let’s begin with how to signal this side bet in online blackjack!

Online Blackjack:

In an online blackjack game, you’ll see a virtual betting area where the 21+3 side bet option is clearly displayed. Here’s how you can place the bet:

1. Before the cards are dealt, click on that 21+3 side bet area.
2. Enter the amount you want to bet by selecting the chip value, then place it on the designated 21+3 area.
3. Once your bet is placed, confirm it (if necessary), and wait for the cards to be dealt.

Live Games:

The process for placing a 21+3 side bet in a live casino game is very similar to regular online blackjack. 

Live casino’s 21+3 side bet is similar to online one. 

1. On the live casino interface, find the 21+3 side bet area, usually on the betting grid on your screen.
2. Click on the 21+3 side bet area, choose the chip value you want to wager, and place it in the side bet box.
3. Before the dealer starts dealing, make sure your side bet is locked in.

Land-Based Casino:

In a physical casino, the 21+3 side bet area is located on the table, usually next to the main betting spot. To place the bet, follow these steps:

1. Before the dealer starts dealing, put your chips into the 21+3 side bet area on the table. 
2. If you want to be clear or aren’t sure the dealer has noticed, you can signal by pointing to the side bet area or verbally stating your bet (“21+3, please”).
3. Once your chips are placed, the dealer will deal the cards. You’ll find out if your 21+3 bet is a winner after the cards are dealt.

Important Notes:

• You need to place your 21+3 bet before the dealer starts dealing. Once the cards are out, it’s too late.

• Casinos may have different bet limits and payout structures, so always double-check before you bet.

Is Blackjack 21+3 a Good Bet?

If you're a player who enjoys taking risks and has a comfortable budget, the 21+3 side bet can add excitement and the possibility of substantial payouts.

Since the odds of winning a poker hand in blackjack are low, you shouldn’t expect to win this bet very often. However, our skilled players did improve their odds by keeping track of certain cards, especially the flush. 

The key is to notice which suit appears the least in the initial rounds and start focusing on it. Let’s say you choose spades, here’s how to do it:

• -1 from your count every time a spade is dealt.
• +1 to your count for every four cards dealt in total.
• Divide your count by the number of decks left to be played.
• If your result reaches +4 or -5, your chances of hitting a flush with hearts are statistically better.

That said, this doesn’t guarantee you’ll win, so don’t rely on it. Remember, the main goal of gambling is to have fun, not to make money.

However, in case you're cautious with your money or prefer bets with better odds, you might want to skip this side bet due to its reliance on luck and a higher house edge. 

Let’s recap its pros and cons to make the ultimate decision!

Pros

• The payout is much higher than the main bet.
• Increased entertainment and excitement.
• For online casinos, sometimes there are big bonuses for winning this 21+3 side bet.

Cons

• Winning depends mainly on chance and the random appearance of specific card combinations.
• Generally favors the casino more than the main blackjack game, increasing the risk of loss.

Tips for Playing 21+3 Blackjack

Now, if you're considering placing a 21+3 side bet in blackjack, here are some quick tips to help you play smarter, maximize your chances, and manage your risk.

• Avoid betting too much if your funds are limited.
• Only bet when you feel it’s a good time, not on every round.
• Pay attention to the dealer’s upcards because they form winning combinations.
• Look for tables offering higher payouts on side bets.
• Focus on flushes because they occur more frequently compared to other combinations, offering better chances to win.

Remember to take these tips seriously as they can help you balance risk and fun while playing 21+3 blackjack!

To wrap things up, playing the 21+3 blackjack side bet can be a lot of fun if you understand how it works and are prepared for the risk. Remember, this side bet is based heavily on luck, with high payout potential but lower odds of winning. So, be mindful of how and when to place the bet. If 21+3 blackjack rules are clear, enjoy the thrill of the cards!