Discover the Thrill of Blackjack Side Bets

Insurance

How Insurance Works

Insurance is a common side bet offered in most Blackjack variants. When the dealer's upcard is an Ace, players have the option to place an insurance bet, which is usually half of their original wager. If the dealer's hole card is a ten-value card, resulting in a Blackjack, the insurance bet pays 2:1. However, if the dealer does not have a Blackjack, the insurance bet is lost.

Insurance Strategy

Insurance can be a controversial side bet, as its house edge tends to be high. Some players avoid Insurance bets entirely, as they want to keep the house edge to a minimum. This means that sometimes there will be money lost, as the dealer will draw a Blackjack.

There are no fixed strategies or rules to abide by when deciding when to use insurance. On the one hand, if you are playing using basic strategy, then you will want to do everything you can to keep the house edge to a minimum. On the other hand, the occasional insurance bet can save you from losing money in a round. The best way to approach the Insurance side bet is to keep track of what cards are dealt, and only opt for Insurance bets when the shoe is rich with high-value cards.

Perfect Pairs

Perfect Pairs Rules

The Perfect Pairs side bet is based on the player's first two cards dealt. If those two cards are a pair, the player wins the side bet. The payouts vary depending on the type of pair:

• Mixed Pair (different suits): 6:1
• Coloured Pair (same colour, different suits): 12:1
• Perfect Pair (identical cards, same suit): 25:1

Perfect Pairs Strategy

While the Perfect Pairs side bet can offer substantial payouts, it comes with a higher house edge than the main Blackjack game. That is why it is best advised to keep your Perfect Pairs side bets to a minimum.

21+3

21+3 Rules

The 21+3 side bet combines elements of Blackjack and Three Card Poker. This bet is based on the player's first two cards and the dealer's upcard. If the three cards form a straight, flush, three-of-a-kind, or straight flush, the player wins the side bet. Payouts for 21+3 side bets are as follows:

• Flush: 5:1
• Straight: 10:1
• Three-of-a-Kind: 30:1
• Straight Flush: 40:1

21+3 Strategy

Similar to the Perfect Pairs side bet, the 21+3 side bet carries a higher house edge than the base Blackjack game. For those seeking a more dynamic gaming experience, the 21+3 side bet can be an enjoyable addition.

Super Sevens

Super Sevens Rules

The Super Sevens side bet focuses on the number of sevens a player is dealt. The side bet is won if the player's first card is a seven. The payouts increase if the player is dealt consecutive sevens:

• First Card Seven: 3:1
• Two Consecutive Sevens (different suits):50:1
• Two Consecutive Sevens (same suit): 100:1
• Three Consecutive Sevens (different suits): 500:1
• Three Consecutive Sevens (same suit): 5,000:1

Super Sevens Strategy

Super Sevens offers the potential for massive payouts, but it comes with a significantly higher house edge compared to the main Blackjack game. If you are interested in chasing large payouts and adding excitement to your game, this side bet may be worth considering.

Royal Match

Royal Match Rules

The Royal Match side bet focuses on the first two cards dealt to the player. If those cards are suited (e.g., both hearts), the player wins the side bet. The payouts for Royal Match are as follows:

• Suited Cards (not a royal match): 2.5:1
• Royal Match (King and Queen of the same suit): 25:1

Royal Match Strategy

While the Royal Match side bet offers a lower house edge than some other side bets. If you play wit the Royal Match side bet, then it is best to keep the stake low and consistent. Try not to increase or decrease your bet after each round as it becomes harder to track whether you are in the plus or not.

Lucky Ladies

Lucky Ladies Rules

The Lucky Ladies side bet is based on the player's first two cards, focusing on hands totalling 20 points. The side bet pays out for any hand totalling 20 points, with increased payouts for suited and matched hands. Payouts for Lucky Ladies are as follows:

• Non-Suited 20: 4:1
• Suited 20: 9:1
• Matched 20 (two identical cards): 19:1
• Two Queen of Hearts: 125:1
• Two Queen of Hearts with Dealer Blackjack: 1,000:1

Lucky Ladies Strategy

The Lucky Ladies side bet offers the potential for sizable payouts, but it comes with a high house edge. As with other side bets, the optimal strategy is to avoid this bet if your focus is on minimising the house edge. However, if you're looking for an additional layer of excitement, the Lucky Ladies side bet can provide an enjoyable twist to your Blackjack experience.

Conclusion

Blackjack side bets offer players an opportunity to increase the excitement and potential rewards While these side bets typically come with higher house edges than the base game, they can provide a fun and thrilling addition for players who enjoy chasing large payouts. By understanding the rules, payouts, and strategies associated with each side bet, you can make informed decisions and play smart. Arguments can be made for completely avoiding side bets, and others can be made for why they can make the games more exhilarating.

The best way to experience it for yourself is to open up any game of Blackjack here at Galera and get stuck in. If you are hesitant to start playing with real money, you can always try a demo version of any Blackjack game and see how the side bets work for yourself.