The Either Pair side bet is a straightforward wager that wins if either the Player’s first two cards or the Banker’s first two cards form a pair. It is a combined bet that covers both possibilities. Since the probability of this occurring is higher than for a specific Player or Banker pair, the payout is lower, typically around 5:1. This is a great option for players who want action on a pair but don’t want to choose a specific side.
How the Either Pair Bet Works: A “Two-for-One” Wager
The Either Pair bet is one of the simplest and most action-packed side bets available in Baccarat. Its beauty lies in the fact that it gives you two opportunities to win on every single hand.
Winning Condition: A pair of the same rank (e.g., two 8s, two Queens) appears in the first two cards of the Player’s hand OR the Banker’s hand.
Losing Condition: If neither the Player nor the Banker hand starts with a pair, the bet is lost.
Think of it as a “two-for-one” deal. Instead of betting on just the Player Pair or just the Banker Pair, you are placing a single wager that covers both outcomes. It is important to note that if both the Player and Banker hands form a pair in the same round, you are still only paid once for the single winning event.
The Numbers: Probability and Hit Frequency
As the introduction suggests, because the Either Pair bet covers two potential outcomes, your chances of winning are significantly higher than when betting on a specific pair. Let’s look at the math.
The probability of a specific hand (Player or Banker) forming a pair is roughly 7.47%. Since you are now betting on either of them to get a pair, the combined probability of winning the Either Pair bet is approximately 14.3%.
This means you can expect to win this bet, on average, about once every 7 hands. This frequent-hitting nature is the primary appeal of the wager. Compared to waiting for a specific pair (which occurs on average once every 13-14 hands), the Either Pair bet provides much more consistent action and winning moments.
The Return: Analyzing the 5:1 Payout
The trade-off for this higher hit frequency is a significantly lower payout. While a specific Player or Banker Pair bet typically pays 11:1, a winning Either Pair bet pays 5 to 1.
This means a $10 wager on Either Pair will return a $50 profit. The casino is essentially offering you a deal: double your chances of winning, but in exchange, the payout is cut by more than half. This risk-reward balance is what defines the bet’s character.
The Bottom Line: Calculating the House Edge
So, is this trade-off a good deal for the player? To answer that, we must calculate the house edge. By combining the ~14.3% win probability with the 5:1 payout, we can determine the casino’s long-term advantage.
For a standard eight-deck game, the house edge for the Either Pair side bet is often around 13.67%.
Is This a Better Bet Than a Specific Pair?
This is a surprising insight for many players. Let’s compare the house edges directly:
Either Pair Bet House Edge: ~13.67%
Player/Banker Pair Bet House Edge: ~10.36%
Despite winning more often, the Either Pair bet often has a significantly worse house edge than betting on a specific Player or Banker Pair. The reduced 5:1 payout does not fully compensate for the increased odds of winning, making it a less valuable bet from a purely statistical, long-term perspective.
Strategy: Who Should Bet on Either Pair?
The Mathematical Answer: The Either Pair bet is a high house edge wager and is not recommended for players using a strategy focused on optimal mathematical value. In most cases, a specific Player or Banker Pair bet, while still a high-risk bet, offers better long-term odds.
The Entertainment/Psychological Answer: The value of the Either Pair bet lies in its high hit frequency. For players who enjoy the thrill of winning often and find the long waits between hits on an 11:1 bet tedious, the Either Pair is a perfect choice. The satisfaction of cashing a winning ticket every 7 hands (on average) can create a more engaging and enjoyable gaming session. It is a bet designed for action lovers.
Conclusion: The Frequent-Action Side Bet
The Either Pair side bet is designed for a specific type of player: one who prioritizes the frequency of wins over the size of the payout. It successfully combines two bets into one, providing consistent action and excitement on nearly every deal. While its house edge is high, making it a statistically poor choice for value-focused players, its ability to deliver frequent winning moments has cemented its place as a popular option for those who want to maximize the thrill and engagement of their Baccarat experience.