A method for playing live and electronic Blackjack-style games with an optional bonus bet wherein a player bets that he or she will be dealt a natural Blackjack hand. Unless the dealer is also dealt a natural Blackjack hand, the player continues playing Blackjack with his or her natural Blackjack hand reevaluated as a hard hand eleven. If the player beats the dealer, the player is paid 3:2 for his or her base bet and at a significantly higher payout for his or her bonus bet without interfering with the rhythm of the game for other players who want to play Blackjack conventionally. If the dealer is also dealt a natural Blackjack, a player with a natural Blackjack is paid at a significantly higher payout for his or her bonus bet while the base bet is a push.