Over time, blackjack has evolved to include a variety of side bets, offering players extra ways to engage with the game. One such side bet that often attracts interest is Match the Dealer, which is played alongside the main blackjack hand.
But what exactly is Match the Dealer, and how does it work?
In this blog post, we’ll explain how the side bet is played, when it comes into effect during a hand, the different types of matches that can occur, how payouts are determined, and the key factors that influence the outcome.
Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Match the Dealer in Blackjack?
Match the Dealer is a side bet that some blackjack tables offer. It is not linked to your main hand’s outcome and must be placed before cards are dealt.
The goal is for one or both of your first two cards to correspond to the dealer’s face-up card. Most versions require the card to be the same rank, with additional payouts if the suit also corresponds.
Different tables use different paytables, so the potential returns may vary. Some will distinguish between rank-only, coloured, and perfect matches. Checking the specific rules at your table before playing can help clarify how payouts are determined.
The next section breaks down what happens step by step once the cards are dealt.
How Does Match the Dealer Work?
If you choose to place this bet, before the cards are dealt, place your chip for the Match the Dealer bet in the designated circle, near your main wager. Once the dealer reveals their upcard, your first two cards are then compared to it. If a match occurs based on the table’s rules, the side bet is settled immediately according to the paytable.
The outcome of the side bet is determined before any further action is taken on the main blackjack hand. Both of your initial cards are evaluated individually, which means you may qualify for more than one match. Depending on the table, each match may be paid separately, or only the highest one may be used to determine the return.
Placing or skipping the side bet has no bearing on how your main hand is played.
Understanding Payouts and Match Types
Perfect Matches vs Coloured Matches
Match types are generally categorised by how closely a player’s card aligns with the dealer’s upcard.
A perfect match means the player’s card is identical in both rank and suit to the dealer’s upcard (e.g., both are the seven of hearts). This tends to carry the highest potential payout available in this side bet.
A coloured match occurs when a player’s card shares the same rank and colour but has a different suit—for instance, the dealer has the seven of hearts and the player has the seven of diamonds. This type typically offers a lower potential payout than a perfect match but more than a basic rank-only match.
Some tables pay only for perfect and coloured matches, while others also include a lower payout tier for rank-only matches. Where both of your cards qualify, some tables may pay for each match, while others only pay for the best available one. The table’s paytable will make this clear.
If you’re exploring how to participate, the next section outlines how to place this type of bet and how it fits into the overall game.
How to Place a Match the Dealer Bet
The Match the Dealer betting area is typically marked on the table layout. Before the first card is drawn, place your stake in this area according to the table’s rules regarding minimum and maximum bets.
After the cards are dealt, the dealer checks whether your two cards create any qualifying matches with their upcard. If they do, the side bet is settled immediately. This process does not depend on further decisions like doubling or splitting your main hand.
You can decide whether or not to use the side bet on each hand, depending on how you’re structuring your play during the session.
What Are the Odds of a Match the Dealer Win?
The likelihood of landing a match depends on the number of decks in use and the payout rules at the table.
In games with more decks, there are more copies of each card, so the chance of a perfect match increases. In games with fewer decks, there are fewer total cards, which may affect the chances of matching by rank.
For example, in a six-deck game, once the dealer shows an upcard, there may be several cards of that rank still available in the shoe, including duplicates of the same suit. Since both of your initial cards are evaluated, there are two opportunities for a match. In a single-deck game, a perfect match is not possible because only one card of each suit exists, but matches by rank or colour may still occur.
Potential payouts may also depend on whether the table pays for each match or only the highest one. Return To Player (RTP) percentages and house edge levels for side bets are usually different from those in the main blackjack hand, and tend to be lower overall. For that reason, players may choose to approach side bets as occasional additions rather than a main part of their game.
If you plan to use this feature, consider setting a separate limit for side bets within your overall session budget. Keeping side bets within a defined portion of your total spend can make it more straightforward to manage your play and stay aware of how your balance is being used.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.