If you’ve ever sat down at a blackjack table, you’ve probably noticed the extra betting circle labeled 21+3. But what is it, and should you play it? The 21+3 blackjack side bet combines classic blackjack with poker-style hands, giving you extra chances to win, but also adding more risk.
This guide will walk you through what is 21+3 in blackjack, how the side bet works, what hands win, payout structures and whether it’s worth trying.
What Does 21+3 Mean in Blackjack?
The 21+3 blackjack side bet is a wager you can place alongside your regular blackjack hand. Instead of only trying to beat the dealer, this bet uses your first two cards plus the dealer’s up card to create a three-card poker hand.
Here are the most common winning hands:
- Flush – All three cards are the same suit.
- Straight – Three cards in sequence, like 5-6-7.
- Three-of-a-Kind – Three cards of the same rank.
- Straight Flush – Sequential cards of the same suit.
How Does the 21+3 Side Bet Work?
If you’ve never played it before, the 21+3 blackjack side bet might feel mysterious. But once you know the flow, it’s easy to follow. Here’s exactly what happens from the moment you sit down:
1. Take Your Seat and Place Your Main Bet
Like every blackjack hand, the first step is to place your standard wager in the betting circle in front of you. This is your main blackjack hand against the dealer.
2. Add the 21+3 Wager
Right next to the main betting spot, you’ll notice a smaller circle or box marked 21+3. If you want to play the side bet, you simply place a chip (or more, depending on table minimums/maximums) into that circle at the same time you place your main bet.
- You don’t need to announce anything out loud. The dealer will see your chip in the 21+3 spot.
- The chip stays there until the cards are dealt and the hand is resolved.
3. The Cards Are Dealt
Once all bets are in, the dealer gives you two cards face up and themselves one card face up (their “up card”). At this moment, your 21+3 bet is locked in.
4. Forming the Three-Card Poker Hand
Now, here’s where the side bet kicks in:
- Take your two cards and combine them with the dealer’s up card.
- This three-card hand is checked against the paytable for possible winning combinations (like a straight, flush or three-of-a-kind).
- The result of this mini-hand is completely separate from whether you win or lose the main blackjack round.
5. Dealer Resolves the Bet
The dealer will quickly check the 21+3 bets before moving on with the regular blackjack play. If your three-card combination matches one of the winning hands, the dealer pays you out immediately according to the posted payout chart. If not, the side bet chip is collected by the dealer.
6. Continue Playing Blackjack
After the 21+3 payouts are settled, the game returns to normal blackjack. You’ll still decide whether to hit, stand, double or split your main hand against the dealer.
It’s important to note: the 21+3 blackjack bet is completely independent of your main hand. You can lose your blackjack round but still win the side bet or vice versa.
21+3 Blackjack Hand Combinations and Payouts
Here are the hands that usually qualify for payouts in 21+3 blackjack:
- Straight Flush – The rarest and highest-paying hand.
- Three-of-a-Kind – All three cards of the same rank.
- Straight – Three cards in sequence (suits don’t matter).
- Flush – Three cards of the same suit.
- Suited Three-Card Combinations – Depending on casino rules, some tables pay extra for certain suited combos.
Payout Structures
Payouts for 21+3 blackjack side bet hands vary by casino, but here’s a typical range:
- Flush – 5:1
- Straight – 10:1
- Three-of-a-Kind – 30:1
- Straight Flush – 40:1
- Suited Trips (optional at some casinos) – Up to 100:1
Keep in mind higher-paying hands are rare, and the exact structure may differ depending on where you play. Always check the paytable before placing a bet.
Is 21+3 a Good Side Bet?
The 21+3 blackjack side bet can definitely make the game more exciting. It gives you the chance to win bigger payouts than a standard hand and adds a fun poker-style twist to blackjack.
The trade-off, though, is that the house edge is much higher than in the main game. That means you’ll lose more often than you win, and it can drain your chips faster if you’re not careful.
For casual players, it’s a fun way to mix things up and chase a big payout every now and then. But if you’re focused on strategy and stretching your bankroll, it’s usually better to stick with regular blackjack.
Should You Play the 21+3 Side Bet?
The 21+3 blackjack side bet adds a fun twist to the game with the chance for bigger payouts, but it also comes with more risk. If you enjoy extra excitement and don’t mind the higher house edge, it can be a good way to mix things up. If you’d rather stick with the strongest odds, classic blackjack is the safer play.
