| Updated: September 18, 2025Most blackjack fans are well acquainted with Perfect Pairs – a blackjack side bet that pays extra when players hold two identical 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, even naming the game after it.
Perfect Pairs Blackjack is similar to most RTG blackjack games, as it follows the same rules. It features blue felt and accepts bets from $1 to $500 per round.
Rules and Gameplay
As some of the features of RTG software 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 is face-up and the other remains 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 hard hands are not as flexible. Therefore, if the dealer is allowed to draw more cards to a soft 17, it 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 as many times as they like. 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 likelihood of a blackjack is higher than usual, which is why the game offers the Insurance side bet. Insurance can be purchased for half of the original wager.
Insurance pays if the dealer’s hole card is a ten-value card, giving the dealer a blackjack. The payout for Insurance is 2:1, while a player blackjack pays 3:2. Surrender is not available.
Distinctive Features
RTG’s Perfect Pairs Blackjack appears quite conventional, featuring fairly standard blackjack rules. However, its side bet gives players the chance to win far more than is usually possible when playing classic blackjack. To qualify for the Perfect Pairs bonus payouts, players need to place the optional side bet, which 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 are of the same value, 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 and bankroll size. However, players should be cautious with the side bet, as it can cost more than anticipated.