As cards are played throughout numerous games, counters adjust their bet anticipation of the remaining cards within the shoe.Ĭan you use card counting for popular blackjack side bets like 21+3? Unfortunately, no card-counting method would penetrate the deck and give you a running count that lets you make an accurate guess on whether the next hand will have a specific set of hands. Through this method, card counters ensure a low house edge throughout their game since they have accurate information on the cards that will likely come out in the next hand. What if there is a way to get information on side bets in blackjack, such as card counting?Ĭard counting is a method where players assign value to each card and keep a running count. Information is crucial for any advantage players to gain a better edge against the house, which is why there are professional blackjack and poker players, and there are barely any pro-slot players. Because you are betting blindly on a chance your next hand will have a specific hand, side bets have an average house edge of 10%. There are no methods to know what kind of cards will appear or if the next game will have the cards needed to complete one of the payout conditions. Players add a stake on the table felt or digital blackjack table before a game to initiate a side bet.
The issue with side bets is the players' lack of options or information. Having 10 ♠ while the dealer has five is when you have zero chances of going bust, while the croupier can lose to your score or go over 21. Doubling down is an option where you double your stakes and only draw one card.
These situations include doubling down with a ten if the dealer has a five up-card. Failing to follow a blackjack chart will grant a player a 2% house edge.īlackjack is one of the few casino games where you can adjust your bets to take advantage of situations where you have a better chance of winning. These scenarios include standing with a pair of 10 ♠ instead of splitting them and surrendering a hard 16 hand. With the house edge of 0.5%, the casino can only take $50 out of the $1,000 stake made while others take $950 in winnings.Ī player can only achieve a house edge of 0.5% by using options in specific scenarios that give them a better chance at winning and minimizing their losses. Let us say 100 players played with a stake of $1,000 in total. That 0.5% is the casino's profit from the wagers made on a blackjack table. When playing with the proper blackjack basic strategy, the house edge is set at 0.5%. Professional bettors supporting their careers through gambling winnings tend to choose blackjack due to its significantly low house edge. Side bets are not the kind of action any professional players would take due to the house edge. To quickly answer your question, side bets are not money-makers for most bettors in terms of consistent winnings.