They involve predicting which cards the player, and sometimes the dealer will receive. Wagers are made before any cards are dealt and each side bet is based on chance rather than skill, although you can count cards to help you choose the most likely combinations for your best side bets.

If your first two cards and the dealer's top card make a straight, a flush, or a three of a kind, you've won! One of the reasons for its popularity is that it's so easy to play. The bet is placed in a small circle off to the side of the main wager, which is why it's called a side bet.