Standard online blackjack games are often too similar and lack much variety, which is why many players opt for the live dealer version of this casino classic. Playtech’s 21+3 Blackjack is a great addition to the studio’s collection of live games and the perfect option for blackjack fans who are looking for more excitement and winning opportunities.
Over the past few years, Playtech has developed a nice range of live dealer blackjack games and in 2016, they introduced 21+3, an interesting side bet that was added to every classic variation of the game. Those who choose to wager on Playtech’s live blackjack should first review the basic rules of the game and make sure they understand them.
Rules and Gameplay
The game is played like classic blackjack – it uses 8 standard decks of cards and allows up to 7 players to sit at the table. The additional Bet Behind option gives players the opportunity to wager on the hand of fellow casino patrons if the blackjack table is full, for example.
The aim of the game is the same as in any other blackjack variation – to beat the dealer by getting blackjack or as close to 21 as possible without going bust. It is a hole card game and the dealer stands on all 17s. Players are allowed to Split only once and Double on any two cards, including after a Split. Insurance is available and the game features the 10 Card Charlie rule.
Distinctive Features
The most interesting thing about this live dealer blackjack, however, is the 21+3 side bet. With it, players bet that their two initial cards and the dealer’s face-up card will form a 3-card poker hand. There are several possible options and depending on the rank of the poker hand, players will receive different payouts:
- Suited Three of a Kind – 100:1
- Straight Flush – 40:1
- Three of a Kind – 30:1
- Straight – 10:1
- Flush – 5:1
In addition to the 21+3 Bet, Playtech’s live dealer blackjack also offers the Perfect Pairs side bet, which gives bonus payouts for getting a pair, i.e. two cards that are fully or partially the same. If your hand consists of two cards of the same color, you win a payout of 6:1. Suited pairs pay 12:1, while perfect pairs pay 25:1.
Conclusion
Playtech’s 21+3 Blackjack is a wonderful live dealer blackjack game available on most computers and mobile devices. It is streamed in HD and comes with beautiful, crisp graphics, intriguing 21+3 side bet, and a nice RTP of 99.46%. Note that the theoretical return is cut to only 96.30% and 95.90% when placing the 21+3 and the Perfect Pairs side bets.