Rummy Blackjack: How the Rummy Side Bet Works

Side bets are popular additions to blackjack games that allow players to put in an extra wager that can pay out bonuses separate from the main game. There have become numerous versions of these side wagers and the Rummy Blackjack side bet is one of those that can be found in some casinos and online.

This side bet incorporates blackjack and some favorable rummy hands to offer players some potentially nice payouts. Keep reading to learn all about the Rummy Blackjack side bet including rules, strategies, and benefits of the game.

Understanding the Rummy Side Bet

Like other similar games, the Rummy Blackjack side bet is completely optional and can be played on any hand. Players make the bet before any hand in a circle or area in front of the player location that is designated especially for this bet.

The wager makes use of the player’s first two cards and the dealer upcard to determine winnings. Players win if those three cards make either a straight, flush, or three of a kind. Here’s a look at the payouts at many casinos for each of these:

Hand	Payout
Three of a kind	9 to 1
Flush	4 to 1
Straight	4 to 1

The bet doesn’t have an overall effect on the basic game play and players will still want to utilize basic strategy on their hands. You can win both the main hand and the side bet in the Blackjack Rummy side bet.

Rules of Rummy Blackjack

As noted, Rummy Blackjack plays out with traditional blackjack rules – with players hoping to get as close to 21 while beating the dealer and not busting. All player can act on the main hand – standing, hitting, doubling down, and splitting as needed.

The rummy side bet is simply a separate bet you can make at any time before a hand begins. The hand will then play out as normal with each player receiving a hand. The first two cards determine whether the player has won the side bet. The dealer may then immediately pay out a winning Rummy Blackjack side bet or collect the bet if it’s a loser.

The hand then continues with the player acting on the main hand. The dealer will then pay out winning wagers and collect losing wagers when the action is complete.

Strategies for Playing Rummy Blackjack

There are no real playing strategies when it comes to the Blackjack Rummy side bet. You simply decide whether you want to make the wager before any hand. It’s important to remember that the game does come with a higher house edge than the traditional game.

Blackjack is a game with a low house edge, below 1% on some games with favorable rules. However, some of these side bets tend to have a higher house edge and Blackjack Rummy checks in at around 4.2%. Players must weigh this when considering this wager and it’s important to make sure you have the bankroll to make the wager.

Those who want to reduce the house edge as much as possible may want to pass on making this bet and instead stick to the main game. As always, using basic strategy offers you the best chance at winning in the main game. This offers you the best mathematical play based on the dealer upcard and the best chance to reduce the house edge as much as possible.

Those with bigger bankrolls may feel comfortable making this bet more often. The same may apply to players who are simply out for some entertainment and not as concerned about the higher house edge. Players with smaller bankrolls or who are concerned more with the higher house edge may want to make the Rummy Blackjack side bet more sparingly.

Advantages of the Rummy Side Bet

Many players enjoy these types of side bets simply for the added fun that they can inject into the game. Players may enjoy the anticipation of whether their first two cards will link up well with the dealer upcard to make one of the winning hands. There are some pros and cons and here a look at some of those for the rummy side bet in blackjack.

Advantages

Easy to play and learn.
Available at any time – you choose when to make the bet.
Adds to the game’s entertainment value.
Some higher payouts than the traditional game.

Disadvantages

Higher house edge of more than 4%.
Can drain a bankroll over time if the bet is made often.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Rummy Blackjack

While this can be a fun side bet to make, there are some mistakes that players often make at the table, including rummy blackjack. Some of those include:

Making the bet too often with too small of a bankroll. This can drain your funds too quickly.
Not knowing the house edge – about 4.2% and higher than the main blackjack hand when using basic strategy.
Playing at stakes higher than you can afford.
Not using basic strategy, which gives you the best mathematical chance to win.
Becoming intoxicated, which can lead to bigger losses in the long run as players in this state often play more recklessly.

Conclusion

The Blackjack Rummy side bet can be a fun extra wager that is based on the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s upcard. Players are rewarded bonuses for making certain rummy hands. This includes a payout of 9 to 1 on a three of a kind and 4 to 1 for a straight or a flush.

The bet is completely optional and players can make this wager before any hand. The side bet has a higher house edge than the main blackjack hand at about 4% while the main hand, when using basic strategy, can have a house edge lower than 1%.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rummy Blackjack?

This is a side bet based on the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s upcard. The side bet offers players some additional payouts for completing rummy hands (three of a king, straights, and flushes) based on those two cards.

How does the rummy side bet work in blackjack?

Players can make this wager before any hand – it’s completely optional. If the player hits a winning hand, the dealer will pay out winnings right away.

What are the potential payouts for the rummy side bet?

Three-of-a-kind generally pays out 9 to 1 with a flush or a straight paying out 4 to 1. This may vary by casino.

How do I play Rummy Blackjack effectively?

Make sure that you have the bankroll for making this bet over a long period of time, realizing that there is a higher house edge than the main game. It’s also always important to make use of basic strategy when playing to lower the house edge as much as possible.