Blackjack Hand Rankings: Is a Straight Flush Possible?
If you’ve ever looked at casino games, you might notice that some terms turn up more in poker than blackjack. That can be confusing, especially if you are still getting used to how each game works.
It is easy to assume that rules and hand rankings carry over across card games, but that is not the case. Some hands that matter in one game simply do not apply in another.
This article sets out which card combinations count in blackjack, where the focus is not on poker-style hands. Rules can vary slightly between games, so it might be a good idea to check the information page for the table you are playing. Read on to learn more.
What Does A Straight Flush Mean In Blackjack?
A straight flush usually means having five cards in sequence, all from the same suit, such as five, six, seven, eight and nine of hearts. It is a familiar term from poker.
In blackjack, the goal is different. You are aiming to reach a total as close to 21 as possible without going over, so the value of your cards matters more than suits or sequences.
Some versions offer optional extras that reference poker-style outcomes. These appear as side bets or special features, and they have their own rules and payouts. It is worth checking the paytable on the table you choose so you know exactly what counts.
With that in mind, it helps to see why those suited runs do not form part of the core hand ranking in blackjack.
Why Straight Flushes Don’t Count As Blackjack Hands
Blackjack is about totals. Suits and ordered runs are not part of how hands are judged, so a four, five and six of hearts is treated the same as a four, five and six of clubs. Only the total matters.
That is why a straight flush has no special standing in standard blackjack. The game does not assign extra value to sequences or matching suits, and most variants follow the same principle.
There are exceptions only where a separate feature explicitly calls for poker-style groupings. Those are add-ons to the main game and are described in the table rules if they are available.
If you do 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 Side Bets Treat Suited And Sequential Hands
Some blackjack tables include optional side bets that sit alongside the main hand. These do not change how the core game works, but they often use combinations players would normally associate with poker.
Common Side Bets That Reference Poker-Style Hands
A widely offered side bet is “21+3”. It looks at your first two cards plus the dealer’s up-card, paying for outcomes such as a flush, a straight, or a straight flush. It is essentially a small three-card comparison running in parallel with your blackjack hand.
“Perfect Pairs” focuses on your initial two cards. It pays for any pair, with higher returns for pairs of the same colour and higher still for a pair of the same rank and suit. In multi-deck games, the top tier is the pair that matches both rank and suit exactly.
These features are separate from the main decision of whether to hit, stand, split or double, and they are settled by their own paytables.
Payouts And Variations Players Should Know
Payouts for side bets vary by table. For example, a straight flush in “21+3” commonly pays up to 40:1, though some versions pay 30:1. “Perfect Pairs” typically steps up from mixed pairs to same-colour pairs, with the highest return for a matched rank-and-suit pair.
Side bets usually carry a higher house edge than the main blackjack game, and the events they pay on occur infrequently. The paytable on each table lists the exact returns and conditions, so a quick read-through might help you understand what is on offer before you consider placing them.
If you enjoy the main game but are curious about these extras, you can choose tables that include them or stick to classic versions without them.
Play Blackjack Online
If you would like to try blackjack online, you might want to explore Dream Jackpot. The site is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and the game pages set out the rules, bet limits and paytables clearly before you begin. You will find classic formats as well as versions with optional side bets.
Dream Jackpot is designed to work smoothly on desktop and mobile, with tables at a range of stakes so you can choose a level that suits you. Each game includes an information section covering card values, when options such as splitting or doubling are available, and how any side bets pay. Support is on hand if you need help with your account or safer gambling tools.
So, while a straight flush is a celebrated poker hand, it is not a recognised result in the main game of blackjack. If you want that style of combination, look for tables with side bets, and check the rules and paytables first to see exactly how they work. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
**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.
