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Pocket Rockets
Introduction
Pocket Rockets is a simple blackjack side bet that pays based on the player's first two cards. The term "pocket rockets" is a figure of speech for a pair of aces in poker. In that spirit, aces are the focus of this side bet.
Rules
The following is the pay table for Pocket Rockets. Wins are on a "to one" basis.
Pocket Rockets Pay Table
| Player Hand | Pays |
|---|---|
| Two suited aces | 100 |
| Two unsuited aces | 10 |
| Blackjack | 1.5 |
| One ace | 1 |
| Total of 11 or less | 1 |
Analysis
The next table shows the probability and contribution to the return, based on six decks. The lower right cell shows a house edge of 9.20%.
Pocket Rockets Return Table
| Player Hand | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two suited aces | 100 | 60 | 0.001237 | 0.123671 |
| Two unsuited aces | 10 | 216 | 0.004452 | 0.044521 |
| Blackjack | 1.5 | 2,304 | 0.047489 | 0.071234 |
| One ace | 1 | 4,608 | 0.094979 | 0.094979 |
| Total of 11 or less | 1 | 10,320 | 0.212713 | 0.212713 |
| All other | -1 | 31,008 | 0.639129 | -0.639129 |
| Total | 48,516 | 1.000000 | -0.092011 |
Video
Please enjoy this video of Angel Espino, the creator of Pocket Rockets, about the side bet.
Where to Play
At the time of this writing (August 10, 2022), Pocket Rockets can be played at the following casinos:
- Saratoga in Blackhawk, CO
- Brass Ass in Cripple Creek, CO
External Links
Discussion about Pocket Rockets in my forum at Wizard of Vegas.