While it’s not as old as the game itself, the blackjack perfect pairs side bet is a popular option for many players that adds an extra layer of entertainment to each hand. In this article, we dive into the side bet and discuss how it works, the perfect pairs blackjack payout, the house edge, and more!
Table of Contents:
- Perfect Pairs Blackjack Side Bet Explained
- Perfect Pairs Blackjack Payouts
- Perfect Pairs Odds in Blackjack
- Should You Play Perfect Pairs in Blackjack?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions About Blackjack Perfect Pairs Side Bet
Perfect Pairs Blackjack Side Bet Explained
The Perfect Pairs blackjack side bet, as the name suggests, revolves around whether or not the player is dealt a pair. It only takes the two player cards into consideration, ignoring the dealer’s face-up card entirely.
To place this side bet, players can simply move their desired take size into the ‘Perfect Pairs’ box, which can usually be found next to the betting area for the main hand.
Perfect Pairs Blackjack Payouts
The Perfect Pairs blackjack payouts are incredibly straightforward, with three different combinations for players to look out for. Here are the winning hands, alongside their payout rates:
- Mixed Pair (Two cards of the same value) – Awards at the rate of 5 to 1.
- Coloured Pair (Two cards of the same value and colour) – Awards at the rate of 10 to 1.
- Perfect Pair (Two cards of the same value, colour, & suit) – Awards at the rate of 30 to 1.
Keep in mind that all of the perfect pairs blackjack payout rates only apply to the wager placed on the side bet, not the total stake for the hand.
Perfect Pairs Odds in Blackjack
Now that we’ve looked at the payouts for different combinations, it’s time to look at the perfect pair blackjack odds. Below is a table that shows the probability of a mixer pair, coloured pair, perfect pair, or no pair occurring.
| Combination | Probability |
| Mixed Pair | 1.6867% |
| Coloured Pair | 1.9277% |
| Perfect Pair | 3.8554% |
| No Pair | 92.5301% |
Should You Play Perfect Pairs in Blackjack?
So, should you play perfect pairs in blackjack? Here are a few things to consider before placing chips on this side bet!
Perfect Pairs Blackjack House Edge
The house edge of a casino game is the percentage of all wagered funds that the house expects to make over time. Typically, when playing with 8 decks, the perfect pairs blackjack side bet discussed in this article will come with a house edge of roughly 3.50%. While this is higher than the regular house edge of blackjack, it is lower than other side bets, such as 21+3.
Pros and Cons of Blackjack Perfect Pairs
In order to determine whether or not you should play the perfect pairs side bet in blackjack, let’s weigh up the advantages and disadvantages!
Advantages:
- Can add another layer of fun to the game.
- Relatively low house edge when compared to other side bets.
- Straightforward rules.
Disadvantages:
- House edge is higher than the main game.
- Potential winnings are capped at 30 to 1
Conclusion
The blackjack perfect pairs bet relies on whether or not the player is dealt a pair, with the potential winnings changing based on the combination. While it does offer a higher house edge than the main bet, perfect pairs is more favourable than many other side bets. For anyone who is looking to add more fun to a blackjack session, this could be the side bet to consider. Adversely, players who are looking for the best return to player rate should maybe avoid side bets in their entirety.
Here at Heart Bingo, we have a variety of live blackjack tables that offer Perfect Pairs alongside a variety of other side betting options. Players can also find a variety of other unique blackjack variations in our catalogue, including Mega Fire Blaze Blackjack and Lightning Blackjack, amongst others.
Most important of all, make sure to set a limit for each blackjack session and always stick to it. If they wish, players can find a range of safer gambling tools in their account, allowing them to set periodic reality checks, deposit limits, betting limits, and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackjack Perfect Pairs Side Bet
The Perfect Pairs side bet in blackjack is an additional wager that can be placed alongside the main bet. It focuses on whether or not the player is dealt two cards of the same face value, such as 2 x twos.
Whether you should play the perfect pairs blackjack side bet or not is a matter of personal preference. It comes with a higher house edge than the main bet for each hand. However, it can offer an added layer of entertainment.
To place this blackjack side bet, simply put the desired amount of chips in the box labelled ‘Perfect Pairs’, often found next to the main betting area.
For a mixed pair, a coloured pair, or a perfect pair, players will usually be awarded at the rate of 5 to 1, 10 to 1, or 30 to 1, in that order. Keep in mind that this can vary from table to table, so checking in advance is key.
For a blackjack perfect pairs side bet that awards at the payout rates mentioned above, the house edge is roughly 3.50%.
