Blackjack is one of the most popular table games. It has various betting options, including side bets, to keep things interesting. One of these side bets includes perfect pairs. Blackjack is a game of chance, but strategy does come into play.
However, the side bets are more chance and gamble than strategy. So let's take a look at how the perfect pairs bet works and how much they pay.
What Are Perfect Pairs In Blackjack?
The perfect pairs in blackjack is a side bet of the traditional blackjack game in which you can place an additional side bet on the likelihood of your first two cards being a "perfect pair." A perfect pair means that both cards have the same value and suit.
For example, if you are dealt a pair of 8s of hearts, that would be considered a perfect pair. You would have to place the side bet before the cards are dealt, and it is separate from the main blackjack bet.
You can place the perfect pair side bet regardless of the outcome of the primary blackjack game. However, the game is played the same as traditional blackjack.
There are three types of pairs that you can make: perfect pairs, coloured pairs, and mixed pairs.
- A perfect pair is a pair of cards with the same rank and suit—for example, two kings of hearts.
- A coloured pair is a pair of cards with the same rank and colour but different suits—for example, a king of hearts and a king of diamonds.
- A mixed pair is a pair of cards with the same rank but different suits—for example, a seven of hearts and a seven of spades.
When making a perfect pairs bet, your objective is to correctly predict whether your first two cards will make a perfect pair, coloured pair or mixed pair. If your prediction is correct, you receive a payout according to the paytable. If the prediction is incorrect, you lose the side bet.
What Do Perfect Pairs Pay In Blackjack?
The payouts for the perfect pair side bet vary depending on the type of pair. However, they are relatively standard across all casinos. The perfect pair has a slightly higher payout than the rest of the pairs.
The most common payouts are as follows:
- Mixed Pair: A mixed pair is when the two cards are of the same value but have different suits. The payout for a mixed pair is typically 5 to 1.
- Coloured Pair: A coloured pair is when the two cards are of the same value and the same colour but in different suits. The payout for a coloured pair is typically 12 to 1.
- Perfect Pair: A perfect pair is when the two cards are of the same value and the same suit. The payout for a perfect pair is typically 25 to 1.
It's important to note that some UK casinos may have different payouts for perfect pairs, and others may not offer a side bet. So, we recommend you check the rules before placing the side bet.
Additionally, it's worth noting that the perfect pair side bet has a higher house edge than the primary blackjack game, so you should be aware that the chances of winning the side bet are lower than winning a round of blackjack.
However, the potential payouts can be pretty high, making it an exciting option for blackjack players looking for a little extra excitement in their blackjack game.
How Do You Get Perfect Pairs in Blackjack?
You cannot predict the outcomes of any blackjack bet, so it would be hard to say how you get perfect pairs. However, to increase your chances of getting a perfect pair side bet is if you place it.
You win this bet if the first two cards you are dealt make a perfect pair. That is to say, if your first two cards are of the same value, colour and suit.
Additionally, you have to make this side bet alongside your standard bet. But the rules can be different depending on your chosen online casino, so do check before playing.
As for actually getting a perfect pair? That's down to chance. The blackjack dealer shuffles the decks before drawing from the shoe, so getting a perfect pair is entirely random.
What Are The Odds Of Getting A Perfect Pair?
The odds of getting a perfect pair in blackjack are relatively low, with the probability of it occurring being around 1 in every 521 hands.
Of course, a perfect pair is only possible in blackjack games where the table uses more than one deck since there is only one of each rank in each suit per deck - e.g. only one queen of hearts in a deck.
So, the chances of getting a perfect pair are a little over 1 in 59 in an 8-deck game of blackjack. If a player guesses this bet correctly, you can imagine the amount of excitement it may bring, as the odds are so low.
However, the odds of getting a coloured pair are slightly better, as you have two suits to work with. Whilst the odds of getting a mixed pair are better still, as you have all suits available.
So, the odds of getting a perfect pair are relatively low, but they may give more satisfaction and excitement if you win the bet. Additionally, the side bet is independent of the primary blackjack game, so it's still possible to win the main game even if you lose the side bet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the perfect pairs side bet in blackjack can be a fun addition to the classic casino game that offers you the opportunity to win extra payouts for correctly guessing your hand.
However, while the payout for this side bet can be handsome, the odds of getting a perfect pair are extremely low, so it may be best to treat it as a fun way to add an extra element of excitement to the game. Remember to always play responsibly and within your means.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to this slot game are subject to change at any time.