How Do Side Bets Work in Blackjack?

Most blackjack games have what are called “side bets.” These are bets that can be made in addition to the main bet and are settled separately.

They usually involve trying to predict what the first two cards dealt to the player will be, or whether the player will get a blackjack. Side bets often have higher payouts than the main bet but they also have a higher house edge, so they should be used sparingly.

There are many different side bets that can be found in blackjack games, but some of the most common are the Perfect Pairs bet, the Match the Dealer bet, and the Insurance bet.

The Perfect Pairs bet is a side bet that pays out if the first two cards dealt to the player form a pair. The payout for this bet varies depending on how rare the pair is.

For example, a pair of aces would have a higher payout than a pair of twos. This bet usually has a house edge of around 5%.

The Match the Dealer bet is a side bet that pays out if the player’s first two cards match the rank of the dealer’s up-card. For example, if the dealer’s up-card is an ace and the player’s first two cards are also aces, then the player would win this side bet.

This bet usually has a house edge of around 3%.

The Insurance bet is a side bet that pays out if the dealer has a blackjack. This bet is only offered when the dealer’s up-card is an ace and it costs half of the original bet to make.

Even though this may seem like a good deal at first, insurance actually has a high house edge of around 7%. It is generally not advisable to make this bet.

In conclusion, side bets can be found in many blackjack games and they offer an opportunity to win more money. However, they also come with a higher house edge so they should be used sparingly.