In the world of Blackjack Side Bets, 21+3 is incredibly popular. It’s offered at most blackjack tables and has a variety of different combinations that can award players with some potential winnings. However, while many players have heard of the 21+3 side bet, and have perhaps even placed a wager on it in the past, few people really know the ins and outs. Join us as we explore the rules, Blackjack 21+3 payouts, and the odds of each possible combination!

Table of Contents:
- Understanding the 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet
- The 21+3 Blackjack Payouts
- The 21+3 Blackjack Odds
- The House Edge with 21+3 Side Bets in Blackjack
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions About the 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet
Understanding the 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet
Before we dive into the 21+3 blackjack odds and potential payouts, let’s start by understanding how the bet actually works.
What is 21+3 in Blackjack?
21+3 in Blackjack is a side bet that combines the player’s initial two cards and the dealer’s up card in order to form a poker hand. The player wins if this poker hand contains a straight, flush, straight flush, or three of a kind.
What does 21+3 Mean in Blackjack?
So, what does 21+3 mean in Blackjack? Well, the 21 part of the name for this side bet, as many would expect, represents the game of Blackjack, while the +3 stands for the number of cards that are taken into account. In short, the 21+3 bet is a combination of Blackjack and 3-card poker.
How To Make a 21+3 Side Bet in Blackjack
Placing a wager on 21+3 is incredibly simple and involves placing a bet in the corresponding box. This can almost always be found next to the main betting area, at both online and land-based casinos.
Of course, before looking too hard for this side bet, be sure to check the rules of the blackjack game to make sure that it’s offered!
The 21+3 Blackjack Payouts
As for the 21+3 blackjack payouts, the aforementioned 3-card combinations can award players at the following rates, should they appear:
- A flush (Three cards of the same suit) – 5 to 1.

- A straight (Three cards that run consecutively) – 10 to 1.
- Three of a kind (Three cards with the same value) – 30 to 1.
- A straight flush (Three cards that run consecutively of the same suit) – 40 to 1.
- Suited three of a kind (Three cards of the same value and suit) – 100 to 1.
Of course, if none of the above combinations are formed, this side bet is taken by the dealer, and the rest of the round is played out as normal.
The 21+3 Blackjack Odds
Now, let’s take a look at the odds associated with each of the previously mentioned 3-card poker hands. Keep in mind that the probability is based on a 6-deck blackjack game.
| 21+3 Blackjack Hand | Probability of Occurring |
| Flush | 5.8424% |
| Straight | 3.1021% |
| Three of a Kind | 0.5041% |
| Straight Flush | 0.2068% |
| Suited Three of a Kind | 0.0207% |
The House Edge with 21+3 Side Bets in Blackjack
For anyone who isn’t familiar with the blackjack house edge, it’s implemented into all casino games, shown as a percentage. This figure represents the percentage of all wagered funds that the casino expects to make in profit over time.
With the 21+3 blackjack side bet, the house edge will vary depending on the number of decks that are being used:
- Four Decks – 8.78%
- Five Decks – 7.81%
- Six Decks – 7.14%
- Seven Decks – 6.29%
As you can see, the number of decks in play actually decreases the house edge of the 21+3 blackjack side bet, with the opposite being true for the main wager.
Conclusion
The 21+3 blackjack side bet focuses on the two cards in the player’s hand, alongside the dealer’s face-up card. These three cards are combined to form a poker hand, with five different combinations being marked as winners. Alternatively, if none of these combinations are formed, the side bet is lost, and the rest of the round plays out as usual.
Interestingly, the house edge associated with the 21+3 side bet decreases as more decks are used. It’s also worth mentioning that 21+3 blackjack bets rely entirely on chance, while players can use basic strategy or card counting when it comes to the main hand.
Regardless of whether you opt for a 21+3 blackjack side bet when you play or not, make sure to always set a limit before starting a session and stick to it. This is just one responsible gambling strategy that you can use to remain in control when playing casino games online!
Frequently Asked Questions About the 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet
You can find a variety of blackjack tables that offer 21+3, alongside a variety of other side bets right here at Heart Bingo! We also offer a range of bonuses that are updated on a regular basis, to keep things fresh for players.
The house edge on the 21+3 blackjack side bet can be anywhere from 3.2386% to 13.39%, depending on how many decks are used. With this side bet, the more decks that are used, the better in terms of decreasing the house edge.
Should players form a flush, straight, three of a kind, straight flush, or suited three of a kind using their 2 cards and the dealer’s face-up card, they will be awarded at the rate of 5, 10, 30, 40, or 100 to 1, in that order.
To place a 21+3 side bet, simply put the amount of chips you want to wager in the corresponding box. At most blackjack tables, this is located directly next to the main bet.
The 21 stands for the game of Blackjack, while the +3 represents the number of cards used as part of the side bet.



