Playing Perfect Blackjack, or Perfect Pairs Blackjack, online is a great way to enjoy a game that feels instantly familiar but has enough exciting side bets and multi-hand potential to satisfy high rollers and those with an appetite for risk. Beyond that, it’s simply an attractive and appealing recreation of the classic game. We'll take you through all sorts of information, covering everything from specific Perfect Blackjack rules through to payouts and what to expect when playing on mobile.
Adam Volz
Updated Aug 30, 2024
Content editor
Reason to play
Familiar blackjack offering with some interesting side bets
Extensive multi-hand title allowing up to 5 simultaneous hands
Rules don’t differ too much from traditional blackjack variants
Provides the chance to land some very lucrative payouts
Solid Return to Player percentage on the game
How To Play Perfect Blackjack
Here we'll take you through the four simple steps to start playing. However, if you're completely new to blackjack, you might want to check out our page on how to play blackjack.
STEP 1
Place Your Bets
The goal with Perfect Blackjack is to get as close as possible to, but not exceed, 21. After joining a suitable table, you’ll need to decide how many hands you’re going to play and whether or not you plan to place any side bets, particularly on being dealt a pair of matching cards as your initial hand.
STEP 2
Making Your Move
The cards will be dealt, and depending on basic strategy, and/or your gut feeling, it’s time to consider whether you’re going to hit (accept another card), stand (stick with the hand you have), double your bet or split your hand(s). At this point you'll also discover whether any of your perfect pairs bets have paid off. Remember that the dealer must draw to 16 but stands on all 17s.
Hit or Stand
STEP 3
Finish Your Turn
When you’re satisfied that your hand(s) is/are as close to 21 as possible, hit Stand.
STEP 4
The Dealer's Turn
The dealer will now turn over their facedown card and, if appropriate, hit the hand with additional cards. When their turn is over, you’ll be able to see who has won and (if it’s you!) can collect your winnings.
Special Rules of Perfect Blackjack
Aside from the most obvious feature of Perfect Blackjack rules that differentiate it from other variants, namely that it features additional optional side bets, the main elements of the game will feel pretty familiar. There are just a few things to bear in mind:
Dealer must draw to 16 but stands on 17
Players can double down after splitting
Split hands cannot be re-split
When splitting Aces, players get only one additional card
Dealer will peek for blackjack in the appropriate situations
Insurance is offered, but is not recommended
Place side bets on having a mixed pair (two cards with the same number, any suit), a colored pair (two cards of the same color and same number) or prefect pair (two identical cards) as your first two cards
Place the 21 + 3 side bet if you'd like to incorporate a bit of a poker element. Your two cards make a hand with the dealer's up card. If these form either a flush, straight, three-of-a-kind or straight flush you'll win!
Action
Winnings
Decks
6
Player win
1/1
Player Blackjack
3/2
Push?
Yes
Tied Blackjack
Push
Dealer Stands on ALL 17
Yes
Dealer Stands on soft 17
Yes
Insurance bet pays
2/1
Surrender bet
No
Split
Yes
Re-split
No
Expert Mode
No
Double Down
Any
Multi-Hands
Yes
SIDE BET: A-J spades
-
SIDE BET: A-J any suit
-
SIDE BET: Two suited cards
-
SIDE BET: Any Pair
-
SIDE BET: 3-of-a-kind
-
SIDE BET: Red/Black Pair
6/1
SIDE BET: Colored Pair
12/1
SIDE BET: Perfect Pair
25/1
House Edge
0.42%
Free Perfect Pairs Blackjack Reference Charts - Get Yours!
Strategy for blackjack variations overlaps significantly, unless there are huge changes to the rules like those in Blackjack Switch. But there are always minor differences that you should know about if you’re trying to play things “by the numbers”, i.e. using statistics to achieve victory as often as possible. In time you’ll probably learn all of the correct moves to make when you have different hands but, until then, you can consult our free reference charts to improve your Perfect Blackjack strategy:
Pair splitting
Find out when to split your pair into two hands or keep it as it is.
As you’ll see below, the payouts in Blackjack Perfect Pairs are pretty standard in that they line up with those of most other blackjack variations. The only exception is those lucrative, but dangerous, Player’s Pair and Dealer Pair side bets. You’ll also note that Perfect Pairs Blackjack online with a Live Dealer isn’t something that’s at all common.
Blackjack Variants
Player Win (payout)
Player Blackjack (payout)
Live Dealer
Mobile
RTP
European
1/1
3/2
Yes
Yes
99.6%
Surrender
1/1
3/2
No
Yes
99.65%
Switch
1/1
1/1
No
Yes
99.87%
Atlantic City
1/1
3/2
Yes
Yes
99.6%
Perfect
1/1
3/2
No
Yes
99.58%
What Makes Perfect Pairs Blackjack Different to Other Variants?
The addition of pair bets to this great multi-hand variant is what sets Perfect Pair Blackjack apart. Online casino sites love being able to offer the game because of the higher house edge associated with its side bets, but it’s possible for players to do extremely well if they land a lucrative Perfect side bet win.
Other Blackjack Variants You Can Play
European Blackjack
A “high risk, high reward” variant that removes the opportunity for the dealer to check their hole card for blackjack
You may want to take this game on the go with you if you get a taste for blackjack with the Perfect Pairs side bet. Online casino apps and sites optimized for use on mobile devices, like tablets and smartphones, regularly feature the game.
The minimal design of the table means that, if you’re looking to enjoy blackjack on the go, you can’t go wrong with this variant. You can usually play Blackjack Perfect Pairs for free or using real cash, and we’d recommend taking the game for a spin in practice mode first if you’re not used to playing on the smaller screen size of tablets (e.g. iPad) or smartphones (iPhone, Android etc.).
Perfect Blackjack Strategy Tips
You’ll usually need to tweak your playing style whenever you’re playing a different variation of blackjack, and that’s certainly true of playing Perfect Blackjack online. We’d recommend that you bear the following tips in mind when you join a table:
Watch for Pairs
The random nature of how the cards are dealt when playing online means that it’s difficult to predict your odds of getting a perfect pair, but it’s still interesting to keep a note of when you’ve experienced a long drought of pairs.
Be Careful with Side Bets
The pairs side bets in Perfect Blackjack are a lot of fun, and they’re the main thing that sets the game apart from other variations. But remember - they have a high house edge and can be costly if you try to play them all the time.
As Usual, Avoid Insurance
No matter how appealing taking out insurance might, it’s still not a bet that those in the industry will ever recommend. Of course, it will remain on tables as long as people keep playing it!
Explore Other Variations
With a house edge that’s comparable with European and Atlantic City variations, Perfect Blackjack doesn’t have the worst or best odds for blackjack. Unless you’re a huge fan of pair side bets, consider others too.
Where are the best places to play Blackjack Perfect for real money?
If you’re new to the game or an experienced blackjack player looking to really perfect your skills, take some time to follow our handy how to play guide.
Our team of experts give you a sneak peek at the top secret blackjack tips you need to know about. Learn how to give yourself the best chances with these tips.
Done properly, counting cards is a clever way to lower the house edge in online blackjack. Use our blackjack card counting trainer to improve your skills, and odds.
Adam Volz is an online gambling expert who specialises in researching and writing content to help players find the best casino for them. Expect Adam to use his attention to detail and experience working in different markets worldwide to find the best online casino experiences around!
Alexander Korsager has been immersed in online casinos and iGaming for over 10 years, making him a dynamic Chief Gaming Officer at Casino.org. He uses his vast knowledge of the industry to ensure the delivery of exceptional content to help players across key global markets. Alexander checks every real money casino on our shortlist offers the high-quality experience players deserve.
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