Side Bets in Blackjack : Explained

The majority of people love playing blackjack due to it being so simple. There are only a handful of choices to make, and with basic blackjack strategies to follow, you can reduce the already slim edge of the house more.

Side Bets in Blackjack : Explained

Like many table games, certain variations of blackjack provide additional bets. This is a chance for gamblers who are more daring to place an additional wager depending on the game’s result.

What are blackjack side bets?

Participants will be required to place bets on the appropriate spot prior to them. If side bets are offered and available, they will be displayed in smaller spaces.

How do side bets function in blackjack? You’ll be adding chips to place an extra bet before blackjack cards are dealt, and bet on the hand using the first two cards you have dealt as well as a mix of them as well as the dealer’s face-up cards.

The most frequently used gambling side bets include 21+ 3 and Blackjack Perfect Pairs. Side bets enthrall the gamblers because they provide the possibility of blackjack side bets paying. 

However, those who play blackjack with a strategy could steer clear of them since the blackjack  side bets are solely based on luck.

Why should you play blackjack side bets?

A single of the more appealing aspects of Blackjack is the lower house edge compared to other games played on the floor of the casino.

The best players will have an edge in the house around 0.5 percent. Even when playing badly, the edge will only increase to 2.5%. Although your odds of losing a lot are slim, the chances are very low.

Blackjack is generally an even-money game, and the odds can go up to 2:1 in the event of Blackjack. Blackjack Side bets allow you to take advantage of longer odds – up to 5000:1 in one instance.

But, it should not be forgotten that the edge of the house can increase substantially when you bet on Blackjack wagers on the sidelines, the vast majority with the house edge of 10 percent or more.

The most common blackjack side bets in casinos

The most common blackjack side bets in casinos

There are many popular side bets available at all Blackjack tables. They are marked with odds printed either across the Blackjack tables or in a handout or as a side menu in the Online version.

It is important to examine the payouts thoroughly before placing bets, as they may differ greatly across different Casinos and websites online.

The three primary Blackjack side bets include:

  • Insurance
  • Perfect Pairs
  • 21+3

Insurance:

This is the most commonly used Blackjack side bet that will allow you to protect yourself against Blackjack when the dealer has an Ace face-up. This bet requires half of your stake and pays you at 2:1 if the dealer plays Blackjack. The insurance bet lowers the overall edge of the house.

Perfect Pairs:

This side bet relies on the player’s card only and pays when you’re dealt two cards according to:

  • Mixed pair (two of the same amount but with different color and suit) Pays 5:1
  • Colored two-way (two identical sizes and of the identical color) Pays 12:1.
  • The perfect pairing (two of the identical cards) The card pays 25:1

The payouts can differ among the different Casinos and pay tables. The payout amount determines the house edge, and the number of decks used and ranges from 2 or 3% up to 11 percent or more.

21+3:

This side bet is based on the player’s two cards as well as the upturned deck of the dealer. It pays for various combinations:

  • Flush – (all cards are suitable) It pays 5:1.
  • Straight (all cards are consecutive) It pays 10:1
  • Three of a kind (not the identical suit) Pays 30:1.
  • Straight flush (consecutive cards with the same suit) pay 40:1.
  • Suited triple (three identical cards) Pays 100:1

The house edge on this side bet can vary according to the number of decks utilized and will be 8.78 percent on four decks. 7.81 percentage for five decks. 7.14, 7 % on six decks, and 6.29, 7 % with seven decks.

Can I play both blackjack side bets?

Absolutely nothing can stop you from making both sides bets on any game. If you’re looking for some volatility in their blackjack, it is a great method of securing a lucrative hand quickly. 

But the downside is that gambling on both of these games could quickly deplete your account balance if you are not lucky. There isn’t a true blackjack strategy that is a side bet. The decision to use the option is based entirely on your perception of risk versus reward!

What do you think about insurance?

Insurance is the third kind of bet you can play as a side bet; however, it is the only one you can choose to place only if the dealer’s face-up hand is an Ace. 

It is believed that if you choose to place insurance, you will be protected when the dealer is in the room with the number 10 or the picture card, which is blackjack. This will be in your own hands, unless you are pushing with blackjack, too.

The online blackjack tables will display the possibility of placing insurance, and live dealers online will also inform the players. There is no obligation to take insurance, but if you do, you should be aware that odds are always a bit against you over the long term.

Is playing Blackjack side bets worthwhile?

Blackjack side bets don’t require any expertise and are merely betting upon the chance of succeeding. In addition, it is that the returns do not represent the odds of every bet and provide the book with a higher advantage.

Conclusion

Blackjack side bets should be considered an added complexity to a game on blackjack. But, it would be best if you didn’t place them as the primary element of your game or betting, and you must know about the higher house edge.