Is It Wise to Make Side Wagers in Blackjack?
Side wagers in blackjack often carry the reputation of being high-risk 'sucker bets' due to the steep house edge they come with. Many gamblers ponder whether they can still turn a profit from these side bets like they do in the standard blackjack gameplay. In our discussion, we aim to shed light on this by reviewing the house edge tied to both side wagers and the routine game.
Do Side Wagers in Blackjack Yield Profits?
In straightforward terms, side wagers aren't reliable revenue generators for most gamblers. Seasoned players who make a living off gambling typically gravitate towards blackjack for its notably low house edge. By employing the basic blackjack strategy correctly, the house edge can hover around 0.5%. This entails that the casino's earnings from bets placed at a blackjack table are a mere 0.5% of the total bet amount. For instance, should 100 players each wager $1,000, the casino comes away with $50, leaving the players with a collective win of $950.
Attaining this 0.5% house edge involves utilizing select strategies in certain situations that enhance a player's winning odds and reduce potential losses. Such instances may include standing on a pair of 10s instead of splitting them, or choosing to surrender a hand valued at 16. Straying from the basic strategy can bump the house edge to roughly 2%.
In contrast to side wagers, traditional blackjack allows players to modify their bets to capitalize on opportunities with better winning probabilities. For example, opting to double down on a ten when the dealer shows a five as the up-card can tilt the odds in favor of the player. Doubling down enables the player to increase their bet, receiving just one additional card. With ten against the dealer's five, players face no risk of busting, whereas the dealer might go bust or exceed 21.
The Issue with Side Bets
The trouble with side wagers arises from the limited choices and information available to players. These bets are locked in before play starts, with no knowledge of the cards that will be dealt or if the forthcoming hand will match payout criteria. Consequently, side wagers generally bear a house edge close to 10%.
Side Bets and Card Counting
Information is pivotal for advantage players looking to get an edge over the house. Card counting involves assigning values to every card with a running tally. This method equips counters with precise insights into cards that might be dealt next, keeping the house edge low. Yet, card counting doesn't typically apply to favored side wagers like 21+3, which necessitate assembling distinct poker hands or pairs.
Card Counter Friendly Side Wagers
Although most side wagers are impervious to card counting, exceptions do exist. Side wagers like Lucky Ladies and King's Bounty can be susceptible to card counting techniques.
Lucky Ladies hinges on having a hand worth 20, with a queen of hearts pair promising substantial returns. Eliot Jacobson, Ph.D., suggests the 'ten counts' technique can be advantageous for this wager.
Another intriguing side wager is King's Bounty, focused on hands worth 20 and specific king cards. The 'ten counts' approach may prove fruitful here as well, potentially yielding better returns. With a solid strategy, card counters may profit from King's Bounty.
Conclusion
Ultimately, blackjack side wagers aren't a dependable path to profits and aren't seriously considered by pros. Common side wagers in most blackjack setups aren't open to card counting. Although exceptions such as Lucky Ladies and King's Bounty exist, generally it's unwise to count on side wagers as a source of earnings in blackjack. Instead, these side wagers should be seen as mere entertainment and not as a predictable moneymaking venture.