Royal Match?

I see this side bet 'Royal Match' offered some places. Is this an option worth playing?

if it's single deck with 3/10 payoff there are a few rare occasions where it will be a substantially postive eV play. Any positive count with any single suit depleted with other suits virtually intact makes the bet at least break-even. Just watch for a lot of any single suit comming out in the first round and couple that with a + count and you've probably got a postive eV situation. The house edge in single deck is totally dependent on the effect of removal. Anytime one suit is substantially depleted relative to the other suits you've got a slight edge.

It will often be a good bet at casinos right after a card change when there is no wash of new cards. The cards come out in suited clumps.

The 2.5/25 payoff is unbeatable.

If you find a double or six deck with 3/10 payoff you have a strong edge. Grosjean's book has a detailed analysis of this bet.

Anytime one suit is substantially depleted relative to the other suits you've got a slight edge.

A slight edge, but the wager is much more volatile than regular blackjack. On a risk/reward basis counting the bet it almost never worthwhile.

It will often be a good bet at casinos right after a card change when there is no wash of new cards. The cards come out in suited clumps.

Good observation.

Will look for the occasional opp. suggested. Will avoid playing on an every hand basis. Good cards to you both!

The problem with the RM is that it substantially reduces the speed of the game if anyone is playing the side bet. Overall, you are far better off picking a table that does not have it, or one where no one is playing it.

Can you please explain what you mean by 3/10 or 2.5/25 payoffs?

Thanks

Can you please explain what you mean by 3/10 or 2.5/25 payoffs?

3/10 means any first two cards (plus additional hit cards, if allowed by the casino) that are of the same suit pay 3-1. A king and queen of the same suit pay 10-1.

2.5/25 means any first two cards (plus additional hit cards, if allowed by the casino) that are of the same suit pay 2 1/2 - 1. A king and queen of the same suit pay 25-1.