Thus, it’s no surprise to learn that the Match the Dealer side bet is widely available in Las Vegas on both standard blackjack and Spanish 21 tables. Veteran casino gamblers probably recognize the Colorado-based Masque Publishing as the company responsible for coining a blackjack variant known as “Spanish 21.” In that game, the traditional 48-card deck of playing cards used in Spain replaces the 52-card deck, with the four 10s removed entirely. Match the Dealer is a side bet which was originally developed in 1999 by casino game designer Masque Publishing.

To catch up my previous series installments on a few other blackjack side bets, check out the links below:Īnd to finish things off, this page is devoted to an especially easy to learn blackjack side bet known as “Match the Dealer.” Introduction to the Match the Dealer Side Bet

While you busy yourself with the task of sorting through basic strategy guidelines in the base game, a blackjack side bet offers another dimension more akin to pure gambling.īased on my personal love of blackjack side bets, I took the time to write up detailed guides on my five favorite offerings. These optional wagers can come in many forms, but their basic purpose is to provide players with a secondary “sweat” on each hand.

As soon as they see their starting hand total relative to the dealer’s up card, the subsequent gameplay process plays out like clockwork.įor this reason, many blackjack regulars enjoy adding an element of chance to the equation by placing side bets. Because every decision is bound by cold logic and ironclad probabilities, experienced players can tend to go on autopilot. With all that said, however, blackjack in its most basic form can admittedly get a bit boring – especially for basic strategy players. Instead, the game allows sharp thinkers and strategists a rare opportunity to take on the house on (nearly) level ground. Unlike other casino classics like the slots and roulette, blackjack doesn’t leave a player’s fate up to the whims of fate and random luck. By combining player decision points and partial information to create a highly strategic experience, blackjack levels the playing field between players and the house. My idea of a good time gambling in Las Vegas largely means applying basic strategy and grinding close equity spots at the blackjack tables.īlackjack’s staying power as a staple of the casino table game scene isn’t an accident.

Blackjack buster bet payout