21+3 Blackjack: When to Wager—or Let It Ride

The 21+3 side bet in blackjack adds an exciting poker-style twist, offering payouts for hands like flushes, straights, and three-of-a-kind. While not a guaranteed way to win, strategic betting based on suit patterns, dealer trends, and table dynamics can enhance the experience. This guide explores when and how to play 21+3 effectively, sharing real wins, near-misses, and personal insights on managing bankroll and expectations. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned strategist, understanding these side bet opportunities can bring extra thrills to your blackjack sessions.

If you’re like me, you love the classic excitement of blackjack. The thrill of doubling down, the rush of drawing a strong hand—it’s what keeps us coming back. One variation I’ve come to enjoy is 21+3, a side bet that blends traditional blackjack with poker-style combinations. 

The premise is simple: your two cards plus the dealer’s upcard can form pairs, flushes, straights, three of a kind, or the elusive straight flush. I’ve noticed that placing a 21+3 bet adds energy to the table, especially when my cards hint at something big—like two suited cards or a near-sequential run. 

How 21+3 Fits Into My Game 

1. Placement: I decide whether to place a small bet on 21+3 before the cards are dealt. 
2. Combinations: The best winning hands include: 

• Pair: Always exciting when the dealer’s upcard matches my paired hand. 
• Flush: Three of the same suit, even better if it’s a straight flush. 
• Straight: Cards in sequence, like 7-8-9. Not as rewarding as a straight flush, but still a win. 
• Three of a Kind: All the same rank, which pays well. 
• Straight Flush: The ultimate hand—suited and in sequence. Land this, and you’re in for a nice payout. 

Different casinos have different pay tables, so I always check before I start playing. 

My Bankroll Management Style 

I keep my main blackjack bet consistent and adjust my 21+3 bet based on how the game is flowing. If I see a lot of suited cards or near-straights appearing, I might raise my side bet slightly. But I never chase losses—if my stack starts dropping, I tighten up. 

Why I Enjoy 21+3 

• Adds Excitement: It’s like a mini bonus game on top of blackjack. 

• Doesn’t Distract from Strategy: I still play regular blackjack smartly. 

• Flexible Betting: I can increase or decrease my side bets based on the table’s rhythm. 

My Personal Betting Style 

I don’t bet on 21+3 every hand. Instead, I watch for signs—like a pair, suited cards, or close ranks. A student I once coached tried placing the side bet every round. While they had some big wins, they also hit losing streaks. Eventually, they found a more suited approach that worked better long-term. If you like playing by taking risks, you should definitely explore other side bets.

A Little-Known Trick Most Players Overlook 

There’s no guaranteed way to profit from side bets, but here are three insights I’ve picked up that most players ignore: 

Suit Clumping and Visibility 

• In multi-deck games, suits sometimes appear in streaks, especially if the shuffle isn’t thorough. If you notice several hands in a row featuring the same suit (like four or five diamonds), flushes and straight flushes may be slightly more likely for a few rounds. 

• What I Do: If I see a suit streak, I slightly raise my 21+3 bet for the next few hands, hoping the pattern continues. 

Paired Ranks at the Table 

• Other players’ hands can hint at deck trends. If I see multiple pairs appearing, it might mean the deck has an unusual cluster of matching ranks. 

• What I Do: If pairs are common at the table and my first card matches a frequent rank, I take a small risk on the side bet. If my first card seems random, I usually skip the 21+3 bet. 

Dealer Upcard Trends 

• Most players focus only on their own hand, but dealer trends can be revealing. If the dealer repeatedly pulls face cards or a string of low numbers, there could be a temporary pattern. 

• What I Do: If I notice a wave of face cards (like consecutive Jacks, Queens, or Kings), I increase my side bet slightly when I also have a face card. Patterns don’t guarantee wins, but short streaks can happen. 

These aren’t magic tricks to beat the house, but they can add an extra layer of strategy and fun to the way you play. 

10 Unforgettable 21+3 Moments 

Flush Win 

I had the King and Ten of hearts, and the dealer showed a Six of hearts—flush! My side bet paid immediately. (Main hand? No luck, but I didn’t mind.) 

Straight Flush Burst 

Holding Ace and 2 of diamonds, I saw the dealer flip a 3 of diamonds. Straight flush! A mini jackpot in the middle of regular blackjack play. 

Low Pair Outcome 

My two 5s plus the dealer’s 5 gave me three of a kind, a great payout. I increased my 21+3 bet the next round—no luck, but it was worth the excitement. 

No Win Round 

My 7 and 5 of clubs against the dealer’s 2 of hearts—no match. It reminded me that side bets run hot and cold, so I eased off for a while. 

Student’s Random Flush 

A student tried a side bet on a whim and landed a flush with 9 and Queen of spades, plus the dealer’s 5 of spades. That win made them more confident in experimenting with 21+3. 

Surprising Pair 

I was dealt two Kings of clubs, and the dealer revealed a King of diamonds—three of a kind! That win carried me through the session. 

Missed Straight Flush 

My 4 and 6 of hearts looked promising, but the dealer flipped a 5 of clubs. I hit a straight but not a flush. Still a solid win, but I couldn’t help wishing for that 5 of hearts. 

Demo Session High 

During a practice game I ran, we saw a 10, Jack, and Queen of spades—a perfect straight flush. It was a great moment to showcase the thrill of 21+3. 

Near Miss Straight 

I had Jack and Queen of clubs, and the dealer showed a King of hearts. It completed a straight, but I couldn’t help wondering about the payout if that King had been clubs. 

Late-Night Jackpot 

My personal favorite: I held 6 and 7 of spades, and the dealer’s upcard was an 8 of spades. Straight flush under the neon lights—I took that as my cue to call it a night on a high note. 

FAQ

1. Which hands pay out in 21+3?

Typical qualifying hands include Three of a Kind, Straight, Flush, and Straight Flush. Specific payouts vary by casino and table rules, so always confirm paytables before playing.

2. What are the payouts for 21+3 hands?

Common payout structures might be:

• 9:1 for a Flush
• 10:1 for a Straight
• 30:1 for Three of a Kind
• 40:1 for a Straight Flush

However, these ratios can differ between casinos or online platforms.

3. Is the house edge higher on 21+3 than in regular blackjack?

Yes. Side bets generally carry a higher house edge than standard blackjack, meaning the casino’s advantage is bigger. It’s a fun addition but less favorable from a purely mathematical standpoint.

4. Can I apply a strategy to win the 21+3 bet more often?

Because the outcome depends heavily on luck (and the dealer’s up-card), no reliable counting method or advanced strategy can consistently lower the house edge. Most players treat it as a fun, higher-risk bet.

5. Does the outcome of the 21+3 side bet affect the main blackjack hand?

No. The side bet is resolved independently. You can win or lose the 21+3 wager regardless of what happens in the main blackjack round.