Blackjack 21+3 Strategy

  

Blackjack Basic Strategy. When players begin playing the game of real money blackjack, they want to start by making sure to put a good money management plan in place and making a point to be a disciplined player. Blackjack is a fantastic card game, but players want to make sure they see the best results possible. But don’t take your seat just yet, you’ve got to know your 21+3 from your Perfect Pairs and how blackjack side bets work before you can play profitably. What are blackjack side bets? A blackjack side bet is a subsidiary wager placed outside the main betting area during the 15-second interval at the onset of each round.

Overview of 21+3 Blackjack

The 21+3 side bet is optional, and its size does not need to be the same as the main bet. In order to play the side-bet, you need to participate in the main hand.

Placing a bet in the 21+3 square is all you need to do to participate. As soon as the deal is made, and before any player takes any actions the 2 player cards and the dealer’s up-card (or only card in European Blackjack) are compared to the pay table.

There are several variations of 21+3 payouts, the most simple pays from a ‘flush +pair’ and up, with 9-to-1 payouts in each case. When pairs are also included, this is hit more often, so the prizes are lowered to reflect this. There are 3-to-1 for all hands (pair, flush, straight, trips and straight flush) or there are staggered pay tables.

When the prizes are staggered, a straight flush or better can win significant money. Here is an example:

  • Flush – Pays 5:1
  • Straight – Pays 10:1
  • Straight Flush – Pays 35:1
  • Three of a Kind – Pays 33:1
  • Suited 3 of a Kind – 100:1

Blackjack 21+3 Strategy Tactics

Keep in mind that depending on the pay table, the house edge can get as high as 13% for this side bet. You can find examples of games (depending on the number of decks in use) where this is around 2.78% instead.

Strategy for 21+3 Blackjack

Blackjack 21 strategy

It goes without saying that knowing the correct basic strategy of the base game is a prerequisite here. Without this you are just handing money to the house.

Your main ‘strategy’ decision over the long run with the 21+3 side-bet is whether to play or not. The house edge is bigger than in most base games. If you know this, then you get to decide whether the added interest and entertainment (and chance of a windfall win) are worth it to you. If the extra engagement from the 21+3 bet works for you – then you can simply add a little to your bankroll to cover this.

Card counters can beat this game by memorizing the suits as they are dealt. It is possible on some deals to find one suit over-represented as the shoe gets smaller – turning the edge positive for players. The expected hourly rate for this is very low compared to other forms of counting. Online the deck is shuffled after each hand, making card counting impossible.

Pros and Cons of 21+3 Blackjack

Adding a poker style hand to blackjack makes for an interesting variation – though I do wonder whether ‘purists’ in either discipline would approve! Depending on which of the pay tables you use there is the chance of a 9-to-1 or even bigger windfall. That elusive suited 3-of-a-kind (paying 100-to-1) would certainly be memorable.

Blackjack 21+3 Strategy Definition

Whether you participate depends on your attitude towards side-bets in general. Some players like these bets, and are happy to pay the extra house-edge for the chance of the occasional big win. Others scorn these bets as long-term losers.

21+3 Blackjack Review

  • Number of decks: 6
  • Blackjack payout: 3:2
  • Dealer’s forced move: Stands on all 17
  • Dealer’s first card: One up
  • Split: Yes
  • Re-Split: Yes
  • Split Aces: Yes – can draw
  • Double Down: Any
  • Surrender: No
  • Insurance: Yes

21+3 Blackjack Strategy

Dealer stands on all 17s in wagerworks 21 + 3 Blackjack. You may double down, even after a split or re-split. Re-splitting is allowed once per split card. Split aces are treated like any other split card, but Blackjack is not possible on Split cards. Any eight-card player hand that is not Bust will beat all dealer hands except for dealer blackjack. Additional rules apply to the 3 Card Side Bet – the two player up cards and the one dealer up card can produce extra wins if they form a special hand, as outlined below under Wagers and Payouts.

In 21 + 3 Blackjack, wagers are made using a combination of five different chips, ranging in denomination from 1 to 500. The minimum bet amount per hand is €/£1, and the maximum is €/£1000. This same limit applies to the 3 Card Side Bet. Payouts are as follows: blackjack pays 3:2, insurance pays 2:1, other wins pay 1:1, and all ties push. Additional payouts for winning 3 Card Side Bet hands are as follows:

  • Flush 5:1
  • Straight 10:1
  • 3 of a Kind 33:1
  • Straight Flush 35:1
  • Suited 3 of a Kind 100:1

This game plays as smooth as can be. The buttons are easy to find and out of the way, leaving the whole playing area clear so that you can focus on your game. The cards are bold and very readable. The graphics are descent, though the table is blue instead of the traditional green. Subtle animations add a nice touch to card movements, chip actions, and other parts of the game. Overall, it looks quite good, and plays very well.

Blackjack 21+3 Strategy Game

Blackjack 21+3 strategy tactics

The 3 Card Side Bet is what makes this game unique, turning the first 3 up cards of a hand into a 3 card poker hand that can help you win big. But remember, while the proper clackjack portion of this game involves a mix of luck and skill, this side bet is based purely on luck. You’ll lose more often than you win, but when you win, the payouts are great!

We all love a good game of Classic Blackjack. Many of us are poker fans too. So when this game first came out, many of us were excited to try it. 21 + 3 Blackjack definitely does not disappoint! It adds a little thrill to the deal, and a chance to win some extra cash, but then once you’ve won or lost you can focus on blackjack – it’s the ideal side bet scheme that doesn’t get in the way of the game!