Abstract: A method of playing the card game of Twenty-one or “Black Jack” involving a variation modification which allows a player to place a side wager in addition to the initial wager or ante, wherein the side wager allows a player to win if one of the printed cards grouped together on the layout, referred to as the “players hand”, matches the dealer's up card. This additional wager is paid according to predetermined odds, such as two-to-one odds, or three-to-two odds. The house only wins the side wager if there is no matching card. The dealer now reconciles the payoff or collection of the side wagers according to house policy. The side wager variation is now complete and the Twenty-one game is played out according to the conventional method of play and the normal winning and losing hands are paid or collected by the dealer.

Abstract: A method for playing a poker game is introduced herein that provides monetary protection for the non skilled poker player while competing with highly skilled poker players. The method also provides leveling the playing field for non skilled poker players competing against other non skilled poker players.