21+3 Blackjack: Learn the Rules and Win with Blackjack 21+3

Mastering 21+3: How to Beat the Blackjack Side Bet

I’ve been around blackjack tables for years — from dimly lit Vegas pits to the sleek live dealer streams online. And one thing I’ve learned is that a good bet can change your life. For me, that side bet is 21+3 blackjack.

This little twist combines blackjack’s quick pace with poker-style hands, giving you the chance to land big payouts without messing with the main game. Let’s break it down player-to-player, so you know exactly what to expect.

Explained: What Is the 21+3 Side Bet in Blackjack?

21 + 3 blackjack is regular blackjack. But it has a dash of three-card poker mixed in. Is blackjack the same as 21? I can say - yes, it’s just two names for the same game.

Here’s how the side bet works:

• Place your bet in blackjack.
• You optionally put a chip in the blackjack 21+3 circle on the table.
• You get your first two cards, and the dealer’s face-up card is revealed.
• Those three cards are treated like a mini poker hand.

What is 21+3 in blackjack? It’s a separate wager that pays if your two cards plus the dealer’s form one of these hands:

Winning Hands in 21+3

• Suited Trips. These are the same cards in the same suit.
• Straight Flush – Three consecutive cards, same suit.
• Three of a Kind. Same rank, different suits.
• Straight – Consecutive cards, mixed suits.
• Flush – Same suit, any order.

You can win the side bet even if you lose your main hand — that’s the beauty of it. It’s why side bet blackjack is such a hit with players who like more action.

Understanding 21+3 Payouts: What You Can Win

Payouts vary depending on where you play, but the differences can be important.

IGT Payout Table

Evolution Gaming Payout Table

Notice Evolution’s lower payout for Three of a Kind. It’s 25:1 instead of 30:1. It’s a not big change. But nudges the house edge up a bit. Still, that 100:1 hit on suited trips is the jackpot moment every 21 3 blackjack player dreams of.

And yes, while the main game’s blackjack pays 3 to 2, the side bet is where you get those “tell-your-friends” kind of wins.

Why More Decks Boost the Fun in 21+3 Blackjack

Here’s something that surprises new players: the blackjack side bet in 21+3 actually gets better for you when there are more decks in play.

With one deck, hitting suited trips is almost impossible — there’s just one of each card. But with six or eight decks? Suddenly, you’ve got multiple copies floating around, and the math works in your favor.

House Edge by Deck Count

• 1 deck – about 13.39% (very steep)
• 2 decks – around 7.26%
• 4 decks – about 4.24%
• 6 decks – roughly 3.70%
• 8 decks – can be as low as 3.24%

This is why seasoned players look for multi-deck tables when hunting for 21 + 3 blackjack. More decks mean more chances at high-paying hands — and that’s the whole point of the side bet.

Can You Beat the 21+3 Side Bet? Strategies to Know

Alright, straight talk: what are side bets in blackjack? They’re extras with a higher house edge. You won’t “beat” them long-term, but you can play them smart.

Practical Tips for 21+3

1. Pick Multi-Deck Games – Always. The difference is massive.
2. Bankroll Control – Treat side bets as entertainment. I keep them at 10% or less of my main bet.
3. Know When to Stop – Side bets can go cold. Don’t chase losses.
4. Pay Attention to Cards – It’s not card counting, but noticing suit patterns can be helpful.
5. Play for the Fun Factor – The main goal is the thrill of the hit, not grinding profit.

If someone asks you “what is 21+3 blackjack really about?”, you can tell them: it’s about adding a little extra suspense to every hand without changing the core game.

The Rise of 21+3: Why This Side Bet Is Here to Stay

Since its debut in Vegas back in 2001, 21+3 has spread like wildfire. It works because it’s simple, it’s fast, and it doesn’t scare off new players. Even people who’ve never played poker can understand how it works in one round.

Online casinos have doubled down on it. Live dealer games highlight wins with animations, some tables link side bets in blackjack to progressive jackpots, and a few even track your “hot streak” stats.

For casinos, it’s a win-win — it’s profitable to offer, but still gives players genuine chances to hit something memorable. For us players, it’s that sweet spot between steady blackjack action and poker-style excitement.

Final Word from a Player

If you’re a purist chasing the lowest house edge possible, you’ll probably stick to the base game. But for those of us who like a bit of spice with our cards, 21+3 can turn an ordinary session into a story you tell for weeks.

Choose multi-deck tables, budget for your side bets, and remember — the thrill is in the possibility. And when that suited trips hits? That’s your casino moment right there.