Lesson description
Side bets promise fun and big payouts, but they can lead to big losses. Mr Blackjack helps you decide whether side bets are worth your time and money.
Should you play or not play side bets when the option is there? That is entirely up to you and your motivations for playing. Many players will give advice recommending specific side bets or strategies, but ultimately the right answer depends on several factors.
Before making any side bets, players should keep the following considerations in mind:
Keep in mind the house edge is high on side bets. You probably won’t make any money on these in the long run. However, if that jackpot hits on your hand and you didn’t bet on it, how will you feel about that? This brings me to the second factor to consider:
How well can you keep your emotions in check when facing big losses or wins? Consider you cheaped out that $5 bet on that one hand because your stack was dwindling. How will you feel if you missed out on a 1,000:1 payout? Will you hate yourself? Will you keep second-guessing yourself?
You have to decide to play every hand side bet or not play every hand, and you have to be ok with your decision.
Finally, does this side bet add excitement to your night playing blackjack? Or do you do it because you feel forced to do it? If that is the case, find a table with no side bets. If the side bets are offered, I am not able to resist. That’s why the casinos have them.
So it’s entirely up to you. Look for proper payout grids and high potential jackpots and have fun.
