Blackjack Tips | Blackjack side bets add extra excitement to the traditional blackjack game, attracting players in both land-based and online casinos.
These optional bets usually require a small wager but offer higher payoffs than regular blackjack.
One of the key reasons for their popularity is that most side bets do not involve any skill. To cater to the ever-changing preferences of players, casinos continuously introduce new side bets, but only a few make it to the casino floor.
In this article, we will focus on the best side bets with the lowest house edge.
Players are drawn to side bets for 3 primary reasons
- Low cost: Side bets typically require a minimal wager, often just one dollar.
- No skill involved: Unlike blackjack’s main game, side bets don’t demand any specific strategy or skill.
- Greater payouts: Side bets offer larger payouts compared to the even-money payouts in standard blackjack.
To make a side bet, players can refer to the signage on the blackjack layout or placard on the table, indicating the available side bets. Remember, making a side bet is entirely optional and independent of the main game’s bet on your hand.
Among the various side bets, it’s essential to consider the house edge. While most side bets have a higher house edge than the main game’s basic strategy (which typically has less than 1% house edge), some side bets offer better odds.
Here are the top 3 side bets with the lowest house edge
- 21+3: This side bet combines blackjack with three-card poker. The player’s initial two cards and the dealer’s upcard form a three-card poker hand. Depending on the version, different payouts are possible:
| HAND | PAYOUT |
|---|---|
| Suited Three-of-a-Kind | 100 to 1 |
| Straight Flush | 35 to 1 |
| Three-of-a-Kind | 33 to 1 |
| Straight | 10 to 1 |
| Flush | 5 to 1 |
In a six-deck game, the house edge for this side bet is 4.14%.
Blackjack Tips – Perfect Pairs
This side bet only considers the player’s initial two cards. If they form a pair, the player wins; otherwise, the bet is lost. There are three types of pairs with varying payouts:
| PAIR | PAYOUTS | PAYOUTS | PAYOUTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Pair | 25 to 1 | 30 to 1 | 25 to 1 |
| Colored Pair | 12 to 1 | 10 to 1 | 15 to 1 |
| Mixed Pair | 6 to 1 | 5 to 1 | 5 to 1 |
| House Edge (8 decks) | 4.09% | 3.38% | 2.17% |
The house edge ranges from 2.17% to 4.09%, depending on the specific pair and casino rules.
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Blackjack Tips – Royal Match
This side bet is based on the player’s initial two cards being suited or forming a King and Queen combination. Payouts vary based on the number of decks and the specific bet:
| SUITED CARDS | DESCRIPTION | PAYOFF (6 DECKS) | PAYOFF (1 DECK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Match | First Two Cards are Suited | 2.5 to 1 | 10 to 1 |
| Royal Match | First Two Cards are King and Queen | 25 to 1 | 3 to 1 |
| House Edge | 6.67% | 3.78% |
The house edge ranges from 3.70% to 6.67% based on the payout schedule and deck count.
In conclusion
The side bets 21+3, Perfect Pairs, and Royal Match are preferred due to their relatively lower house edge compared to other side bets. However, for some side bets with higher house edges, counting systems have been published that can potentially reduce the house edge or even give the player an advantage. For more in-depth information, refer to Chapter 13 in the Ultimate Blackjack Strategy Guide.
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