Side Bets in Blackjack: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on May 22, 2024 • Categories:casino

Side bets in blackjack offer players additional wagering opportunities, with the potential for higher payouts. They are optional bets placed alongside the main blackjack bet and are based on various outcomes involving the player's and sometimes the dealer's cards.

Common Side Bets and Payouts

Easy Match: Wins if the player's first two cards are of the same suit. Payouts typically range from 5:2 to 5:1.

Royal Match: Wins if the player's first two cards are a suited King and Queen. Payouts can be as high as 25:1.

Over/Under 13: Wins if the player's first two cards total either over or under 13. Payouts are usually 1:1, with a special payout for exactly 13 at some casinos[^10^].

Super Seven: Wins if the player's first card is a seven. Additional sevens increase the payout, with three suited sevens paying up to 5000:1.

Lucky Ladies: Wins if the player's first two cards total 20, with special bonuses for pairs of Queens of Hearts. Payouts can reach 1000:1 if the dealer also has blackjack.

Pair Square (Bet the Set): Wins if the player's first two cards are a pair, with higher payouts for suited pairs. Payouts range from 10-15 to 1 for unmatched pairs and 12-25 to 1 for matched pairs.

Lucky Lucky: Wins if the player's first two cards and the dealer's upcard total 19, 20, or 21. The highest payout is for three suited 7s.

Perfect Pairs: Bet on whether your first two cards will be a pair. 21+3: Combines blackjack and poker, where you win if your first two cards plus the dealer’s upcard make a poker hand

Insurance: Offered when the dealer's upcard is an Ace, this side bet pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. It's a separate bet that costs half the original wager⁷.

Examples of Side Bet Payouts

• Perfect Pair: Two cards of the same suit and rank, such as two Ace of Spades, might pay 30:1.
• 21+3: A flush in the player's first two cards and the dealer's upcard, like 2, 3, and 4 of Hearts, might pay 5:1.
• Super Sevens: If the player's first card is a seven and the second card dealt is also a seven, the payout could be 50:1, and if both are suited, the payout could be even higher.

Conclusion

Blackjack side bets add an extra layer of excitement to the game and offer the chance for significant payouts. However, they come with a higher house edge, so it's important to play them wisely and for entertainment purposes.