Blackjack Riders ¦ Standee Blackjack

Blackjack riders are bets placed by someone standing behind a seated player, and for this reason are sometimes referred to as over-the-shoulder bets or Standee Blackjack.

They are not allowed at all casinos, and even where they are accepted, the total of the blackjack riders and the seated player’s bets cannot exceed the table maximum.

Although those individuals placing blackjack riders have a vested interest in the outcome of each hand, it is the seated player who determines how to play it. In other words, the seated player is in the driving seat and the person betting over his shoulder is literally just going along for the ride.  This often happens when all the seats at the BJ table are taken and the 'rider' spots a good player sticking to perfect basic strategy.

However, there are some exceptions to that last point. In a very few casinos, the person who bets the largest amount in the betting circle gets to make the playing decisions, so in those instances blackjack riders can decide when to hit, stand, split and so on. To continue the metaphor introduced a moment ago, this would make blackjack riders act like back seat drivers.

If the rider makes good money from the player's decisions, they should tip the player when they decide to leave, or at least offer to do so.

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