Abstract: A conventional Twenty-One game is modified to include a second wager or HEDGE BET.TM. which is made by the player before any cards are dealt. The player wins the HEDGE BET.TM. if the dealer's first two cards are a standing hand. After making the HEDGE BET.TM., the Twenty-One game is played out according to conventional rules of play and the normal winning and losing hands are paid or collected by the dealer. The dealer also reconciles the HEDGE BET.TM. based on whether the dealer has achieved a standing hand. This additional wager is attractive to players since it affords a further opportunity to bet on each hand and to win if the dealer achieves a standing hand, in which the odds appear to favor the player due to a wide range of two card combinations that will result in the dealer's standing hand. The player's odds of winning the HEDGE BET.TM.