Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games. The rules are quite easy to understand, but the game also offers different extra bets. One of them is called 21+3.
The 21+3 bet is a special side bet that combines ideas from blackjack and three-card poker. It gives players another way to win money in addition to the normal blackjack game.
How Does 21+3 Work?
The 21+3 side bet uses three cards:
- the player’s first two cards;
- the dealer’s visible card.
These three cards are then checked to see whether they create a poker-style combination.
Importantly, the 21+3 result is separate from the main blackjack hand. This means you can win the 21+3 bet even if you lose your blackjack hand.
What Hands Can Win?
There are several possible winning combinations.
Flush
All three cards have the same suit, such as three hearts.
Typical payout: 5:1
Straight
The three cards have consecutive values, but they do not have to be the same suit.
Typical payout: 10:1
Three of a Kind
All three cards have the same value.
For example, three 8s would make three of a kind.
Typical payout: 30:1
Straight Flush
The three cards are consecutive and also have the same suit.
This is the strongest of the four combinations listed in the article.
Typical payout: 40:1
Why Do Players Choose 21+3?
The main attraction is the possibility of a larger payout than with a normal blackjack bet.
It also adds another element to the game because players are not only thinking about whether they will beat the dealer. They are also hoping that their three cards create a winning poker combination.
However, the bigger payouts come with an important disadvantage: the house edge is usually higher than it is for the main blackjack game. This means the player has a lower chance of winning the side bet over time.
Is There a Strategy for 21+3?
Unlike normal blackjack, there is not much you can do to change the result of a 21+3 bet. The three cards are determined by the deal, so the bet is largely based on chance.
A sensible approach is to treat 21+3 as an optional extra, rather than something you need to bet on every hand.
It is also important to set a budget and only use money you can afford to lose.
Are There Different Versions?
Yes. Different casinos can offer their own versions of 21+3, including different rules or payout structures.
For this reason, players should always check the specific rules of the table before placing a side bet. The payouts are not necessarily the same everywhere.
Is 21+3 Worth Playing?
21+3 can make blackjack more interesting and gives players the opportunity to win a larger payout. However, it is also a riskier bet because of its higher house edge.
For beginners, it can be useful to first understand the rules and try the game in a free or low-stakes version before considering real-money play.
Remember that gambling should be treated as entertainment, not as a reliable way to make money. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Quick Summary
Blackjack 21+3 is an optional side bet based on three cards: your first two cards and the dealer’s visible card.
The main winning combinations are:
| Hand | Typical payout |
|---|---|
| Flush | 5:1 |
| Straight | 10:1 |
| Three of a Kind | 30:1 |
| Straight Flush | 40:1 |
The exact rules and payouts can vary between casinos, so always check the table rules before playing.
