MASTERING THE BLACKJACK SIDE BET STRATEGY

Have you ever wondered how to make your blackjack experience more exciting and potentially rewarding? The blackjack side bet strategy might just be the answer. These little wagers, often requiring a small bet, can boost your winnings and make the game even more thrilling. But are they worth your time and money? Let’s explore the world of blackjack side bets and how to develop a winning blackjack side bet strategy.

THE RISE OF SIDE BETS IN BLACKJACK

Blackjack’s low house edge and relatively simple basic strategy make it an attractive game for both players and casinos. To increase profits and entice more players, casinos have introduced various side bets to their blackjack tables. Many of these side bets have high house edges, but some can be profitable if you employ the right strategy. So, let’s dive into the most popular blackjack side bets and see if we can find some winning strategies.

21+3: A Mix of Blackjack and Poke

The 21+3 side bet combines blackjack and poker, paying out based on the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s upcard. If these three cards form a flush, straight, three-of-a-kind, or straight flush, the player wins. The original 9 to 1 payout resulted in a 3.24% house edge, but new pay tables with higher house edges have since emerged. To beat this blackjack side bet, consider learning Eliot Jacobson’s complex card counting system targeting flushes.

Royal Match: Looking for Suited Cards

Offered at single and multi-deck tables, the Royal Match side bet focuses on suited cards. In a multi-deck game, you’ll get a 5 to 2 payout for an Easy Match (first two cards suited), 25 to 1 for a Royal Match (suited King and Queen), and 5 to 1 for a suited blackjack. These player-friendly payouts result in a 3.7% house edge. Card counting systems for Royal Match can be found in Beyond Counting (James Grosjean) and The Big Book of Blackjack (Arnold Snyder).

Over/Under 13: Betting on The Sum Of Your Cards

In the Over/Under 13 side bet, players wager whether the sum of their first two cards will be over or under 13. A total of 13 always loses, and the ace counts as 1. The house edge is 6.5% for Over 13 and 10% for those Under 13. Arnold Snyder and Stanford Wong have published card-counting systems for this side bet, which you can find on Eliot Jacobson’s website.

Super Sevens: The Lucky Number Seven

Super Sevens is all about the number 7. If your first card is a 7, you get a 3 to 1 payout. If your first two cards are 7s, the payout depends on whether they are suited (100 to 1) or unsuited (50 to 1). Three 7s can yield up to 5,000 to 1 for suited cards. The house edge ranges from 11.4% to 12.6%, but a card counting system in The Big Book of Blackjack can help beat this side bet.

Lucky Ladies: Hoping for A Total Of 20

Lucky Ladies focuses on achieving a total of 20 with the player’s first two cards. Payouts range from 4 to 1 for any unsuited 20 to a whopping 1,000 to 1 for two queens

of hearts with the dealer having a blackjack. The house edge for Lucky Ladies is a steep 17%, but using the Hi-Lo count can give you the edge when the true count reaches 6.5 or higher (details can be found in KC Brooks’ report on www.bjinsider.com, issue #147).

Pair Square: Looking for Matching Pairs

In Pair Square, players win if their first two cards have the same rank, such as a pair of 6s. An unmatched pair pays 10 to 1, while a matched pair (e.g., two sixes of clubs) pays 15 to 1. The house edge for Pair Square is 10.6%. However, depending on the pay table, there is a card counting system that can give you the edge (more details can be found at www.apheat.com).

TOP 3 BLACKJACK SIDE BETS STRATEGIES TO CONSIDER

Playing blackjack online offers an exciting twist on the traditional casino game by allowing players to wager on various side bets. These optional bets spice up the game and provide opportunities for bigger payouts. This article will delve into the top three side bets to consider when playing blackjack online, discussing their rules and potential benefits.

1. 21+3: The Perfect Combination Of Blackjack And Three-Card Poker

The 21+3 side bet combines the thrill of blackjack with the strategy of three-card poker. This bet considers your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard, forming a three-card poker hand. The payouts vary depending on the specific combination:

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

With a house edge of 4.14% in a six-deck game, the 21+3 side bet offers an exciting opportunity for bigger wins in blackjack online. Keep in mind that the house edge changes based on the number of decks used in the game.

2. Perfect Pairs: Unlock Potential With Your Initial Cards

The Perfect Pairs side bet focuses solely on your first two cards, rewarding you if they form a pair. Three different types of pairs warrant 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 varies from 2.17% to 4.09%, depending on the specific payouts offered by the blackjack online game you’re playing. With the potential for substantial rewards, Perfect Pairs adds an extra layer of excitement to your online blackjack experience.

3. Royal Match: The Power Of Suited Cards

The Royal Match side bet rewards players if their initial two cards are suited. This bet’s payouts and house edge vary depending on the number of decks used and the specific payout schedule:

Suited Cards	Description	Payoff (6 decks)	Payoff
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% depending on the game’s conditions. Although the house edge is higher than some other side bets, the potential for big wins makes the Royal Match an exciting addition to your online blackjack gameplay.

CRAFTING YOUR BLACKJACK SIDE BET STRATEGY

When playing blackjack online, side bets can enhance your gaming experience by offering new opportunities for rewards. While the house edge for these bets is generally higher than the main game, the potential for substantial payouts makes them worth considering.

To maximize your chances of success, focus on side bets with the lowest house edge, such as 21+3, Perfect Pairs, and Royal Match. Additionally, research counting systems for these side bets to further improve your odds.

Be mindful of the house edge for each side bet and, whenever possible, learn a counting system specific to the side bet you’re interested in.

As a general rule, avoid side bets with high house edges. If you do decide to give them a try, stick to the ones with the lowest house edge or learn the appropriate counting system. For instance, consider using a blackjack buster bet strategy or a blackjack perfect pairs strategy to improve your chances of winning.

Remember, while side bets can add excitement and potentially increase your winnings, they should never be your primary focus when playing blackjack. Stick to the basic strategy, and use side bets as a fun addition to your game. Good luck, and may the cards be in your favor!