Blackjack Match the Dealer Rules: How the Side Bet Works
Side bets in blackjack introduce a different element to the game, and Match the Dealer is one that many players will recognise. Understanding how it functions and the point in the game it is placed can help inform your decision about whether it fits your approach.
This blog post outlines the rules, timing, typical house edge and RTP, and who the bet may appeal to. The focus is on factual information to support informed choices.
Let us start with what the bet actually is.
What Is the Match the Dealer Side Bet in Blackjack?
The Match the Dealer side bet is an optional wager placed alongside the main hand. It is made before the deal begins and pays out if one or both of the player’s first two cards match the dealer’s up-card.
A match can be based on rank, and at certain tables, on both rank and suit. For example, if the dealer’s up-card is the 7 of hearts, a 7 of clubs would generally be a rank match, and a 7 of hearts a suited match. Potential payouts are based on the table’s specific paytable, which may vary by casino.
The regular blackjack hand then plays out as usual, and the side bet is settled independently of the outcome of the main hand.
With that in mind, here’s how a match is determined and paid.
How Do Match the Dealer Rules Work?
To place a Match the Dealer wager, a separate chip is put in the designated side bet area before any cards are dealt. The bet uses the dealer’s up-card and the player’s first two cards.
Most versions offer one payout level for a rank match and a higher one for a suited match. Both of the player’s cards are compared to the dealer’s up-card, meaning it’s possible to receive one match, two matches, or none. Using the earlier example, if the dealer shows the 7 of hearts and the player receives a 7 of clubs and a 7 of hearts, this would result in both a rank and a suited match, each paid according to the paytable at that table.
Side bets are settled as soon as the first three cards are revealed. What happens after this point in the main hand has no bearing on the side bet. Because payout structures may vary, it’s recommended to review the specific paytable before playing.
Now that the mechanics are clear, let’s look at how timing works.
When Can You Place a Match the Dealer Bet?
Match the Dealer is typically only available before a new round begins. Chips must be placed in the dedicated side bet area on the table layout before the first card is dealt.
Once the dealer begins the deal, no further side bets can be placed or amended. The outcome of the side bet is determined by the initial cards.
As game formats and payout structures may differ between casinos and tables, you might want to check the available information at the table beforehand if you’re considering placing a bet.
With the timing explained, here’s how the numbers break down.
House Edge and RTP: What Players Should Know
Each side bet has a defined house edge and Return To Player (RTP) rate. These are two sides of the same concept, showing how a game is expected to perform over a large number of plays.
The house edge refers to the percentage that the casino is statistically expected to retain over a long period of time from all wagers placed on a particular bet. In contrast, the RTP—or Return To Player—is the percentage that is expected to be paid back to players, on average, collectively over that same period. For example, if a side bet has an RTP of 95%, this means that, in theory, £95 may be returned for every £100 wagered, and the remaining £5 represents the house edge. In this case, the house edge would be 5%.
It’s important to understand that the RTP is calculated over a very high number of rounds, sometimes in the millions. It does not predict or guarantee individual outcomes. Actual returns in any one session can vary significantly from the average.
For Match the Dealer, the RTP is typically lower than that of the main blackjack hand due to the higher house edge. The exact figure depends on the paytable and rules. Tables that offer higher payouts for suited matches may have slightly adjusted figures.
These statistics may be useful for understanding how a particular bet tends to perform over time, but they are not a tool for predicting specific results. As always, consider how much you’re comfortable staking and make use of the available tools to help you manage your play.
With that in mind, here’s a look at whether this side bet fits your playing style.
Is Match the Dealer Worth Playing?
This side bet may appeal to those who enjoy an additional element to each round. It offers the potential for separate outcomes on the first deal, particularly where suited matches may occur. In exchange, it typically comes with a higher house edge than the base game, which can affect how long a bankroll lasts.
Since the outcome is settled right after the initial cards are dealt, it does not influence the decisions you make during the main hand. If you choose to place the bet, it’s best to understand how the paytable works and how that relates to the RTP. If it doesn’t align with your preferences, simply continuing with the main hand remains an option.
If you ever feel uncertain about your play or your spending, it’s wise to pause and consider the responsible gambling tools and support available to you. Setting limits, taking breaks, or seeking advice can help you manage your play and enjoy gambling responsibly.
Play Blackjack Online at King Casino
If you’re thinking about playing online, we’ve got a variety of blackjack tables here at King Casino, all licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). You’ll find both live dealer options and Random Number Generator (RNG) based games, each using certified random outcomes.
There are tables with a range of features and stake levels, including some with Match the Dealer as a side bet. We also provide tools that let you set limits and keep track of your play in a way that works for you.
You’re welcome to explore the games at your own pace and see what King Casino has to offer.
**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.
Side bets in blackjack introduce a different element to the game, and Match the Dealer is one that many players will recognise. Understanding how it functions and the point in the game it is placed can help inform your decision about whether it fits your approach.
This blog post outlines the rules, timing, typical house edge and RTP, and who the bet may appeal to. The focus is on factual information to support informed choices.
Let us start with what the bet actually is.
What Is the Match the Dealer Side Bet in Blackjack?
The Match the Dealer side bet is an optional wager placed alongside the main hand. It is made before the deal begins and pays out if one or both of the player’s first two cards match the dealer’s up-card.
A match can be based on rank, and at certain tables, on both rank and suit. For example, if the dealer’s up-card is the 7 of hearts, a 7 of clubs would generally be a rank match, and a 7 of hearts a suited match. Potential payouts are based on the table’s specific paytable, which may vary by casino.
The regular blackjack hand then plays out as usual, and the side bet is settled independently of the outcome of the main hand.
With that in mind, here’s how a match is determined and paid.
How Do Match the Dealer Rules Work?
To place a Match the Dealer wager, a separate chip is put in the designated side bet area before any cards are dealt. The bet uses the dealer’s up-card and the player’s first two cards.
Most versions offer one payout level for a rank match and a higher one for a suited match. Both of the player’s cards are compared to the dealer’s up-card, meaning it’s possible to receive one match, two matches, or none. Using the earlier example, if the dealer shows the 7 of hearts and the player receives a 7 of clubs and a 7 of hearts, this would result in both a rank and a suited match, each paid according to the paytable at that table.
Side bets are settled as soon as the first three cards are revealed. What happens after this point in the main hand has no bearing on the side bet. Because payout structures may vary, it’s recommended to review the specific paytable before playing.
Now that the mechanics are clear, let’s look at how timing works.
When Can You Place a Match the Dealer Bet?
Match the Dealer is typically only available before a new round begins. Chips must be placed in the dedicated side bet area on the table layout before the first card is dealt.
Once the dealer begins the deal, no further side bets can be placed or amended. The outcome of the side bet is determined by the initial cards.
As game formats and payout structures may differ between casinos and tables, you might want to check the available information at the table beforehand if you’re considering placing a bet.
With the timing explained, here’s how the numbers break down.
House Edge and RTP: What Players Should Know
Each side bet has a defined house edge and Return To Player (RTP) rate. These are two sides of the same concept, showing how a game is expected to perform over a large number of plays.
The house edge refers to the percentage that the casino is statistically expected to retain over a long period of time from all wagers placed on a particular bet. In contrast, the RTP—or Return To Player—is the percentage that is expected to be paid back to players, on average, collectively over that same period. For example, if a side bet has an RTP of 95%, this means that, in theory, £95 may be returned for every £100 wagered, and the remaining £5 represents the house edge. In this case, the house edge would be 5%.
It’s important to understand that the RTP is calculated over a very high number of rounds, sometimes in the millions. It does not predict or guarantee individual outcomes. Actual returns in any one session can vary significantly from the average.
For Match the Dealer, the RTP is typically lower than that of the main blackjack hand due to the higher house edge. The exact figure depends on the paytable and rules. Tables that offer higher payouts for suited matches may have slightly adjusted figures.
These statistics may be useful for understanding how a particular bet tends to perform over time, but they are not a tool for predicting specific results. As always, consider how much you’re comfortable staking and make use of the available tools to help you manage your play.
With that in mind, here’s a look at whether this side bet fits your playing style.
Is Match the Dealer Worth Playing?
This side bet may appeal to those who enjoy an additional element to each round. It offers the potential for separate outcomes on the first deal, particularly where suited matches may occur. In exchange, it typically comes with a higher house edge than the base game, which can affect how long a bankroll lasts.
Since the outcome is settled right after the initial cards are dealt, it does not influence the decisions you make during the main hand. If you choose to place the bet, it’s best to understand how the paytable works and how that relates to the RTP. If it doesn’t align with your preferences, simply continuing with the main hand remains an option.
If you ever feel uncertain about your play or your spending, it’s wise to pause and consider the responsible gambling tools and support available to you. Setting limits, taking breaks, or seeking advice can help you manage your play and enjoy gambling responsibly.
Play Blackjack Online at King Casino
If you’re thinking about playing online, we’ve got a variety of blackjack tables here at King Casino, all licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). You’ll find both live dealer options and Random Number Generator (RNG) based games, each using certified random outcomes.
There are tables with a range of features and stake levels, including some with Match the Dealer as a side bet. We also provide tools that let you set limits and keep track of your play in a way that works for you.
You’re welcome to explore the games at your own pace and see what King Casino has to offer.
**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.
