The game of bonus pairs blackjack is a variation of the traditional blackjack game with an added bonus. In bonus pairs blackjack, the rules of game play are identical to your standard Vegas blackjack rules in that numbered cards are counted at face value, face cards possess a value of ten, and aces can be used as either one or eleven. Additionally, in bonus pairs blackjack, the player attempts to outrank the dealer’s card count without exceeding 21. From a strategic standpoint, players are best off implementing the optimal blackjack strategy in choosing their appropriate course of action (hitting, standing, splitting, and doubling down).
In bonus pairs blackjack, blackjacks pay 1.5 to 1 when a player is dealt blackjack. The exception to this blackjack payout is when the dealer is also dealt a blackjack. Should the dealer receive blackjack on the deal, all player bets are lost, with the exception of those who have purchased insurance. Players are afforded the luxury of surrendering when playing bonus pairs blackjack. When choosing to surrender, the player forfeits one-half of their bet. The surrender option should be exercised when the expectation of the specific situation is negatively greater than the one-half bet loss. Consult the optimal blackjack strategy chart to determine when surrendering is appropriate.
In bonus pairs blackjack, players are able to place a side bet on their hand. The side bet is what sets bonus pairs blackjack apart from the standard casino blackjack game. When placing a bonus pairs side bet, a player can post a side bet within the table stakes. The side bet pays in the event the player is dealt a pair and loses if the player is not dealt a pair. Moreover, the bonus pair side bet operates independent of the actual blackjack hand, so even if the dealer gets blackjack off the deal or the player busts, the bonus bet still pays or does not pay as appropriate.
In the event a bonus pairs side bet is made, when a player receives a mixed pair off the deal, they are paid six to one on their bonus pairs side bet. A mixed pair is considered two cards of the same exact value but suited differently. A six of clubs and six of hearts would be considered a mixed pair. Colored pairs pay twelve to one. A colored pair consists of a pair that is the same color but different suits. A seven of hearts and seven of diamonds are one such colored pair. Exact pairs pay 25 to 1 in bonus pairs blackjack. Like the name suggests, exact pairs are two cards of the exact same value and same suit. An ace of hearts and an ace of hearts are one such exact pair.
