A platform for playing blackjack is used to implement a method of playing blackjack with a side wager. Each playing position on the platform has a side bet betting area having a first card betting area and a second card betting area. A player places an optional additional bet in the first card betting area or the second card betting area associated with the player's playing position. Each player is dealt two cards. If the player's first card ranks higher than the player's second card and the player placed a bet in the first card betting area, the player wins. If the player's second card ranks higher than the player's first card and the player placed a bet in the second card betting area, the player wins. The game continues to completion according to the traditional rules of blackjack.