Blackjack Poker: Clearing Up the Confusion Once and for All

“Blackjack poker” isn’t an official game but a mashup term for blackjack side bets that use poker hands (21+3, Perfect Pairs). At its core, it’s still blackjack against the dealer, not a poker‑style showdown.

It happened again. I was deep into a blackjack session at my local casino—cards flying, chips stacked, the usual flow—when a player sat down beside me and asked, “Hey man, is this like poker?” 

If you’re reading this, buddy—I didn’t get a chance to explain it properly then. So here’s the full answer now, for you and anyone else who’s ever typed blackjack poker into Google and scratched their head. 

Let’s break it down, because there’s a reason why those two words—blackjack poker—cause confusion. On the surface, these games look pretty similar. Same cards, same chips, often the same green felt table. But once you dig into the mechanics? Totally different animals. 

So… Is Blackjack Poker a Real Game?

Let’s start with the basic question—is blackjack poker a real thing? Short answer: not really. 

The phrase blackjack poker is mostly a mash-up term. Some players use it by mistake, thinking blackjack is a kind of poker game. Others might be referring to side bets in blackjack that use poker hand rankings—like 21+3 or Perfect Pairs. But blackjack poker isn’t its own standalone game, at least not officially. 

Think of it like ordering a cheeseburger and calling it a cheesesteak. Close? Maybe. But not quite. 

So, Where Does the Term “Blackjack Poker” Come from?

Here’s the twist: most of the confusion around blackjack poker comes from blackjack side bets that mimic poker-style hands. 

For example, the popular 21+3 side bet combines your two cards with the dealer’s up card to make hands like: 

• Straight Flush 
• Three of a Kind 
• Straight 
• Flush 

These are straight out of poker’s playbook, but they’re just bonus bets in blackjack—not actual poker hands in play. 

Another example is Perfect Pairs, where you’re betting on getting a matching pair in your first two cards—again, a concept borrowed from poker. 

So, when someone says, “blackjack poker,” they might mean blackjack with poker-inspired bets. But the core gameplay remains strictly blackjack. 

Differences Between Poker and Blackjack

If you’re still a bit hazy on the poker vs. blackjack debate, here’s a quick side-by-side: 

So, is blackjack considered poker? Nope. It’s a separate game altogether, even though they share some DNA. 

The Rise of Blackjack Poker Online

Now, when you see blackjack poker online, it’s usually a label used by online casinos for games that combine blackjack with poker-style side bets, or even hybrid games where blackjack and poker elements are mixed together in custom formats. 

Some creative online developers even build “mashup” games—think blackjack rules with poker hands scoring bonus wins. It’s not standard, but it adds flavor. 

Just remember—these versions might be fun, but don’t confuse them with actual poker or classic blackjack strategy. 

Real-Life Example: My “Blackjack Poker” Moment

I remember one night in Atlantic City—quiet Monday, off-season. A guy sits down at our blackjack table and starts asking the dealer about “playing poker against the house.” 

The dealer smiled and said, “Sir, you’re looking for the other side of the casino.” Classic. 

But then he placed a $10 bet on the 21+3 side spot and pulled a flush. Boom—paid 5 to 1. He didn’t win the hand, but he was happy. And that’s where blackjack poker lives—not as a game, but as a bonus thrill inside blackjack. 

Poker or Blackjack: Which Should You Play?

Ah, the age-old question—poker or blackjack? 

If you want fast-paced action, simple rules, and you like the idea of playing against the house, blackjack is for you. It’s easier to learn, and with solid strategy, you can keep the house edge low. 

If you prefer deep strategy, long-term competition, and enjoy reading people as much as reading cards, poker might be more your thing. You can make serious money—but only if you’re serious about learning the craft. 

Want both? Try them out. Start with blackjack to get comfortable with betting and card values, then ease into poker as you get more confident. 

FAQs

1. Can you play blackjack and poker at the same table in a casino?

Not typically. Blackjack and poker are played at separate tables with different formats. However, some casinos may host specialty nights or themed tables where you can switch between games quickly, but you won’t find a standard table running both at once. 

2. Do professional players ever play both blackjack and poker competitively? 

 It’s rare but not unheard of. Most pros stick to one because the skill sets are very different. However, some sharp-minded players enjoy both and switch between them recreationally or for tournament variety. 

3. Are the odds better in blackjack or poker? 

It depends on the context. Blackjack offers fixed odds and is beatable in the short term with a perfect strategy. Poker, on the other hand, has higher variance but more long-term potential if you’re highly skilled. Comparing the two directly isn’t always apples to apples. 

4. Can you bluff in blackjack the way you do in poker?

Not really. Bluffing plays no role in standard blackjack. You’re playing against fixed dealer rules, not trying to deceive other players. The closest equivalent might be psychological tricks like acting confident when doubling down, but it has zero effect on the game outcome. 

5. Are there any blackjack tournaments that include poker elements?

Some casinos and online platforms run creative tournaments with bonus rounds or side games inspired by poker, but these are rare and usually promotional. Most tournaments stick to one format to keep things fair and standardized.