Perfect Pairs Blackjack
Perfect Pairs is a new version of European Blackjack that offers players a new take on the standard game, as well as a bonus side bet that offers great payouts.
Besides the Perfect Pairs side bet, the one distinct rule change from European Blackjack is that players may double on any initial hand, regardless of how many points it is worth. Depending on the casino you play at, they may use either European Rules or Vegas Strip rules.
A game of Perfect Pairs Blackjack begins with a round of betting. Some online casinos only offer players a single-hand each round, however the more popular ones will allow multi-hand play, often up to five hands at a time. Multi-hand Blackjack allows for a much more open game, as well as the chance to win up to five times as much per round in comparison to single-hand play.
Players win on the bonus bet if the initial two cards are a pair.
Betting is often the same across all online casinos, with the minimum at $2 and a maximum of $200 per hand; however, players may find variations of this depending on where they choose to play. After an initial bet has been made on all active hands, players are offered the chance to wager on a bonus side-bet. This side-bet is the Perfect Pairs bonus and has a minimum of $2 and maximum of $50 per hand. Players win on the bonus bet if the initial two cards are a pair; if they are not then the wager is lost. The side-bet pay table is below:
| Perfect Pairs Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Mixed Pair | 5 to 1 |
| Coloured Pair | 10 to 1 |
| Perfect Pair | 30 to 1 |
Cards will be dealt next, with only one of the dealer’s cards facing up. If that card is an Ace, the player will be offered insurance in case of dealer Blackjack. However, if the card is a face card then insurance will not be offered and the dealer will immediately peek for Blackjack. Insurance costs half of the original wager and pays 2 to 1 on dealer Blackjack.
Players may hit as many times as they please until they either stand or bust. Once all hands have been played out it will be the dealer’s turn. Like European Rules, the dealer must stand on all hands totalling 17 or more, and hit on 16 or less.
Once the dealer has played out their hands, the winning hands will be decided. If Multi-hand is being played it is often quite common that the dealer will beat some of the player’s hands, while it will lose to others. Winning hands pay 1 to 1, Blackjack 3 to 2, and on hands that are tied the original stake is pushed.
Perfect Pairs offers a new spin on the popular casino card game, with the added incentive of a lucrative side bet. Players can enjoy the familiarity of European Blackjack as well as the excitement of a possible 30 to 1 payout on a Perfect Pair.
