Quick Facts
| Type | 3-card poker |
| Cards used | Player's first 2 cards + dealer's upcard |
| Top payout | Suited Trips → 100:1 |
| House edge range | 2.85% – 6.39% |
| Best deck count | 8 decks (2.85%) |
| Worst deck count | 4 decks (6.39%) |
| Verdict | Mid-range; only worth playing on 6+ deck shoes |
What it is
21+3 evaluates a 3-card poker hand made from your two cards and the dealer's upcard. Five winning hand types: Suited Trips (three matching ranks AND suits), Straight Flush, Three of a Kind, Straight, and Flush.
Important paytable note. Multiple paytable versions exist for 21+3. The numbers below are WoO Version 7 (100/40/30/10/5) — the most common modern paytable. Older or "short pay" versions can have higher house edges. Confirm the paytable on the felt before betting.
Paytable (WoO Version 7)
| Hand | Pays |
|---|---|
| Suited Trips | 100:1 |
| Straight Flush | 40:1 |
| Three of a Kind | 30:1 |
| Straight | 10:1 |
| Flush | 5:1 |
House edge by deck count
| Decks | House Edge |
|---|---|
| 4 decks | 6.39% |
| 6 decks | 3.70% |
| 8 decks | 2.85% |
Source: Wizard of Odds — 21+3
Verdict
21+3 is the only side bet where deck count materially changes whether the bet is reasonable. At 8 decks (2.85%), it ranks among the best side bets on the floor. At 4 decks (6.39%), it ranks among the worst.
Since most casino blackjack tables use 6 or 8 decks anyway, the practical math is usually fine — but if you find yourself at a 4-deck table, skip 21+3 entirely. Single- and double-deck games typically don't offer 21+3 at all.
Compared to the main game (~0.5% with basic strategy), 21+3 at 8 decks is still ~6× worse. Treat it as entertainment.
Practice in BJNP
21+3 is one of two free side bets in Blackjack Navigator Pro (alongside Perfect Pairs). The app uses the Version 7 paytable and shows live house edge for your selected deck count.
See also