| Updated: Most blackjack fans are well acquainted with Perfect Pairs, a blackjack side bet that pays extra when players receive two matching cards. Many casino software developers have added this option to their games, but RTG has built an entire blackjack variant around the Perfect Pairs wager and even named the game after it.
Perfect Pairs Blackjack is similar to most RTG blackjack games, as it follows the same general rules. It features blue felt and accepts bets from $1 to $500 per round.
Rules and Gameplay
Because some RTG software features are configurable, Perfect Pairs Blackjack may be played with either 6 or 8 decks. This is a single-hand game in which the dealer initially draws two cards: one face-up and one face-down. The dealer must hit on a soft 17 and stand on a hard 17 or higher. A soft hand contains an Ace that can count as 1 or 11, while a hard hand does not offer this flexibility. Allowing the dealer to draw additional cards on a soft 17 gives the house an advantage.
In this game, players can hit, stand, and double on any two cards. If they have a pair, they may also split it into two hands and continue hitting each hand as needed. When splitting Aces, however, only one additional card is dealt to each Ace. Up to two splits are allowed. If the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, the game offers the Insurance side bet because the dealer may have blackjack. Insurance can be purchased for half the original wager.
Insurance pays if the dealer’s hole card is a ten-value card, giving the dealer blackjack. The payout for Insurance is 2:1, while a player’s blackjack pays 3:2. Surrender is not available.
Distinctive Features
RTG’s Perfect Pairs Blackjack appears fairly conventional and features standard blackjack rules. However, its side bet gives players the chance to win more than is usually possible when playing classic blackjack. To qualify for the Perfect Pairs bonus payouts, players must place the optional side bet. It wins only if the first two cards dealt to the player are of the same denomination. There are three possible payouts, depending on whether the two cards also share the same color and suit.
- Mixed Pair: 6:1
- Colored Pair: 12:1
- Perfect Pair: 25:1
Conclusion
Perfect Pairs Blackjack is a great option for blackjack fans of any experience level or bankroll size. However, players should use the side bet cautiously, as its cost can add up quickly.