Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in history. Its online version is just as popular. You will find tens of options and live blackjack tables at all the best online casino sites.
One of the reasons blackjack is so popular is because it is so simple. In this guide, we will tell you about a more complicated part of blackjack that will definitely help you take your gaming to the next level: Side games.
We will explain what side games are, tell you how they can increase your chances of winning, and go over some of the best blackjack side games that you can play now.
Blackjack in a Nutshell
Blackjack is a simple card game played between you and the dealer. First, the dealer will give out two cards. Both your cards will be visible as soon as they are dealt. The dealer will only show one of their cards.
The goal of blackjack is to reach a score of 21 with your cards without surpassing it. Face cards (Kings, Queens, and Jacks) are worth 10. Aces are worth one or 11, depending on your preference and how close you are to 21. Every other card is worth its face value.
If your first two cards are an Ace and a face card or a ten, you have been dealt a “blackjack” and win instantly. Most online casinos payout 3:2 on blackjacks.
When you don’t get a blackjack, you then have the choice to hit, stand, double down, or split. Hitting is asking for another card. Standing is turning down the chance to draw more cards. We cover doubling down and splitting in our larger how to play blackjack guide. If you hit and go over 21, you bust and lose the game.
If you don’t bust and are happy with your hand, the dealer then flips their hidden card. If their total hand is under 17, they have to hit. If they are over, they must stand. When the dealer busts, you win.
At the end of the round, if your total is closer to 21, you win. Your payout will be a 1:1 ratio to your wager.
What Are Side Games?
Side games are additional mini-games you can play in blackjack on top of the main game. They’re optional, but they bring a lot of value to your gameplay if you know how to use them.
Something to consider before playing any side games is the win probability and the house edge. The higher the win probability and the lower the house edge, the more valuable the side option will be.
Without further ado, let’s have a look at the best blackjack side plays you can make to take your blackjack to the next level!
Perfect Pairs
If you go for the Perfect Pairs option, you’re predicting that your first two cards will be the same value and suit. For example, two Aces of spades would be a Perfect Pair. You can also win if the cards are a Colored Pair or a Mixed Pair.
Colored Pair refers to cards that have the same value and same color. So, instead of two Aces of spades, you could have an Ace of clubs and an Ace of spades. Mixed pairs are two cards of the same value, regardless of suit.
Perfect Pairs are very popular amongst blackjack players. Although its house edge is quite high at 11%, its win probability is 1.69%, making it a very worthwhile selection.
The payout ratio of Perfect Pair, Mixed Pair, and Colored Pair side games varies from casino to casino. However, here are the rates you will see at most online casino sites:
| Perfect Pair | 25:1 |
| Colored Pair | 12:1 |
| Mixed pair | 6:1 |
21+3
Also known as poker hands or rummy, this side game makes use of the dealer’s upturned card with the player’s first two cards to make a three-card poker hand. The better your hand, the bigger the payout.
There are five possible hands that can be created with the three cards in play. In order of value, the options are three-of-a-kind in the same suit, straight flush, three-of-a-kind, straight, and flush.
With a 3.24% house edge, here are the rewards of each possible hand:
| Three-of-a-kind in the same suit | 100:1 |
| Straight flush | 40:1 |
| Three-of-a-kind | 30:1 |
| Straight | 10:1 |
| Flush | 5:1 |
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Insurance
Unlike the previous two side games, you can only play Insurance after cards are dealt and when the dealer’s up card is an ace. Basically, you can use half of your original stake to insure yourself in case the dealer has a blackjack. If the dealer does indeed have a blackjack, then your Insurance play will guarantee that you will at least win something.
The reward for a successful Insurance play is 2:1. The house edge is generally between 3% and 7%, which makes it quite a volatile option. Insurance is usually taken by more experienced players more often than rookies.
Other Blackjack Side Games
While Perfect Pairs, 21+3, and Insurance are the most common side games in blackjack, there are a few other player-friendly options that are also worth mentioning.
Royal Match, for instance, is when you are rewarded for getting two suited cards in a multi-deck blackjack game. The reward for getting a King-Queen pair is an impressive 25:1!
Super Sevens is another popular option. In this case your goal is to get two sevens of the same suit or color.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are some less profitable options, such as Lucky Ladies. Despite the name, you don’t need to get two queens. To win, the sum of your first two cards must be exactly 20. This side game has a massive house edge of 25%, so you should approach it with caution.
Hopefully we have given you a good idea of what side games to expect when you start playing blackjack. Now you should try some of them out for free for yourself at McLuck.
