Fancy trying something a bit different the next time you’re looking at blackjack? Match the Dealer is a side bet that’s becoming a regular sight at many UK online casinos, but it’s still new to a lot of players. It’s not just about beating the dealer, as this extra bet follows its own rules with separate payouts and odds to consider.
Whether you’re brand new to blackjack or just curious about what Match the Dealer is, we're here to clear up the confusion. Read on to learn more.
What Is Match the Dealer in Blackjack?
Match the Dealer is a side bet you can choose to place alongside your main blackjack wager. It works independently of the main hand and is settled based on your opening two cards and the dealer’s upcard.
Instead of focusing on beating the dealer’s total, this bet asks whether one or both of your starting cards will match the rank of the dealer’s visible card. In some versions, a suited match pays more. For example, if the dealer shows a King, any King in your first two cards matches by rank, and a King of the same suit can return a higher payout.
You’ll usually find the rules and paytable in the game’s info section. Live and digital tables can differ, and some use six decks while others use eight, which affects how often matches occur. A quick check of the paytable will most likely tell you exactly what counts and what pays.
If you decide to try your hand at blackjack, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Does Match the Dealer Work?
Match the Dealer is offered as a separate wager before the cards are dealt. The bet is settled by comparing your two initial cards to the dealer’s upcard.
You’re backing one of your cards, or both, to match the dealer’s rank. If your first card is a Queen and the dealer’s upcard is also a Queen, that’s a match. If both of your cards match the rank, many tables pay a higher amount. Some versions add enhanced payouts when a match is also suited, so a Queen of Hearts matching a Queen of Hearts can return more than a simple rank match.
Because rules and deck counts vary between tables, it might be wise to glance at the paytable on the game you’re playing. It sets out the payout structure and any suited enhancements.
What Are the Odds in Blackjack Match the Dealer?
The odds depend on the number of decks and the game’s exact rules. With multi-deck shoes, there are many cards of each rank in play, which is why matches are possible in the first place.
As a guide, in common six to eight deck games:
- The chance that at least one of your two cards matches the dealer’s rank typically sits in the low-to-mid teens as a percentage.
- A suited match on at least one of your two cards is less frequent, usually only a few percent.
- Both of your cards matching the dealer’s rank is uncommon and sits well below 1%. If both also match the suit, that outcome is rare.
Exact figures are shown on each table’s rules or paytable, along with the house edge for the side bet. Because the deck size and payouts can differ, it might be worth checking those details on the game you’re playing.
Blackjack Match the Dealer Payouts Explained
Match the Dealer has its own fixed payouts, set out on the table or in the paytable. These are typical examples you might see, though amounts can vary by game:
- One card matching the dealer’s rank often pays around 4 to 1.
- One card matching both rank and suit can pay more, commonly around 11 to 1.
- Both cards matching the dealer’s rank tends to pay higher again.
- Both cards matching rank and suit can be the top return on the paytable, sometimes shown at around 22 to 1.
When Can You Place a Match the Dealer Side Bet?
In blackjack, the Match the Dealer side bet is taken before any cards are dealt. On most online tables, there’s a clearly marked area next to your main bet where you can put it down for that hand.
Matching One Card vs Two Cards
If you take the bet, you’re watching your two starting cards against the dealer’s upcard. Matching just one card by rank triggers the standard payout listed on the table. Matching with both cards qualifies for a higher return, but it happens far less frequently than a single match.
Suit Matches and Rank Matches
Rank matches are the backbone of this bet, as any card of the same value as the dealer’s upcard counts. Some versions also pay extra for a suited match, which is when your matching card is the same rank and suit as the dealer’s upcard. Suited matches are naturally rarer than rank-only outcomes, and the paytable reflects that with higher returns.
Is Match the Dealer Worth Playing?
It comes down to what you want from your blackjack session. Match the Dealer adds an extra outcome to follow and can make the opening deal potentially more engaging.
That said, the side bet usually carries a higher house edge than the main game. The paytable shows both the payouts and the house edge for the version you are playing, which makes it simple to weigh the entertainment value against the cost over time. If you like having another possibility to watch for while the hand develops, it may suit you. If you prefer keeping things focused on the core blackjack strategy, you might choose to leave it off.
How Does Match the Dealer Compare to Other Blackjack Side Bets?
Match the Dealer sits alongside other optional bets such as Perfect Pairs, 21+3, and Insurance, but each one measures something different.
Perfect Pairs pays if your first two cards form a pair, with higher payouts for identical pairs. 21+3 uses your two cards with the dealer’s upcard to make poker-like combinations such as flushes or straights. Insurance is a separate wager on the dealer holding blackjack when showing an Ace.
Compared with these, Match the Dealer is straightforward: it only cares whether your cards match the dealer’s upcard by rank, with some versions adding suited enhancements. Because each side bet tracks different events, their frequencies, payouts, and house edges are not the same. The rules pages and paytables explain the specifics so you can pick the ones that make sense for you.
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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.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.