There are basically three outcomes possible when playing blackjack: you can either get a pair of cards that add up to 21, you can get a card that adds up to 21 but have another card that negates the original total (called a “natural”), or you can get a card that does not add up to 21.
The odds of getting any given combination of cards are 1 in 52. This means that, on average, you will get at least one combination of cards that totals 21.
However, the odds of getting two different combinations that total 21 (for example, getting an Ace and a 2) are much higher – at 1 in 26. Thus, it is usually best to aim for combinations that will give you the best chance of hitting a natural. .
So, in summary, there is an average of one combination of cards that totals 21, but the odds of getting two different combinations that total 21 are much higher. So, while it is not impossible to get a perfect pair in blackjack, it is usually not very likely.
