A method of playing a blackjack game permits a player to place an initial wager on either the player's hand or on the dealer's hand. If placed on the player's hand, play continues under traditional blackjack rules. If the initial wager is placed on the dealer's hand, play of the player's hand is substantially in accordance with the house rules for play of the dealer's hand. If both the player's hand and the dealer's hand bust when the bet is on the dealer's hand, a portion of the initial player bet is forfeited to maintain a house advantage.