Blackjack is one of the world’s most popular casino games. The idea of this card counting game is to get a face value of your hand as close to twenty-one without going over this figure. Even if you’re not a gambler, most people understand the basic rules of blackjack. But what are some of the more unusual, lesser known facts about Blackjack?
Author: G4B
Top Tips For Finding The Right Online Blackjack Games
Like almost all other casino games, blackjack’s transition over from the physical world and into the digital world was a resounding success. While blackjack has been popular for decades, it exploded when it became playable on the internet, with millions of people around the world with access to the wide variety of games available, something that fans of blackjack were quick to take advantage of.
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The Top Reasons Blackjack Is Popular Worldwide
For well over a century, the game of blackjack has been in the top 5 most popular casino games ever, and even today it’s enjoyed by millions around the world. Similar to poker, blackjack is a game based on chance, meaning that the players never know exactly what’s going to take place next. Blackjack is a thrilling game that has appealed to countless people over the decades, and these are some of the reasons for the game’s continued global popularity.
The Only Blackjack Glossary You’ll Ever Need
Whether you want to play Blackjack to earn extra income or just enjoy the thrill of trying to get to 21, knowing its key terms is vital. You’ll pick up the meaning of most of these phrases quickly when you play regularly, but a little research beforehand is always a good idea.
Blackjack Superstitions
Superstitions do not only apply to those who have a deathly fear of black cats, are especially careful when they are around mirrors, and refuse to walk underneath ladders! Many Blackjack players also have sets of beliefs that they swear by, even if these don’t make sense to anyone around them.
Is Land Based Or Online Blackjack Better?
If it wasn’t already obvious; the world is going online. Basically everything from buying groceries to organising dates can now be done from your phone. The convenience is excellent, no one is going to argue that, and few would be able to get by without their smartphone close at hand.
Understanding the Variations of Blackjack
One of the best aspects of playing Blackjack is the fact that the rules of this game are so easy to master. Thanks to this simplicity, it is also easy for players to pick up the rules of the game’s many different variations.
The Blackjack industry is full of different versions of this beloved game, and each one has unique rules and betting structures to keep you entertained.
Hosting a Blackjack-Themed Party or Event
There is a good reason why blackjack is one of the world’s most popular casino games. It’s wonderfully challenging yet very easy to learn, and all you need to play it is a few decks of cards and some willing participants.
10 Surprising Facts about Blackjack
While you’ve likely tried your hand at blackjack, how much do you really know about this incredibly popular casino table game? Here are 10 surprising facts about blackjack!
1. Blackjack is Highly Rewarding
Most casino games have a house edge which cannot be easily overcome, but this is where blackjack differs. Card counting, while tricky to master, is just one of the ways to beat the house edge of the casino when playing blackjack.
2. The House Edge of Blackjack is Below 1%
The house edge is defined as the average amount you’re expected to lose per bet, but in blackjack the house edge is less than 1% provided you’re playing in a game with a few decks and the standard 3 to 2 payout for blackjack.
3. Card Counting Works
Card counting is a proven system of beating the house edge in blackjack and while it is frowned upon at land based casinos, it’s not actually illegal. Owing to the effectiveness of this system, there is plenty of information on learning the method.
4. Your Decisions Matter in Blackjack
While the majority of casino games are based on chance, blackjack (and poker of course) is one of the few casino games where the decisions you make affect the outcome and your chances of winning.
5. Blackjack is One of the Oldest Casino Games
The first known mention of blackjack is in Miguel de Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote which dates back to the 17th century – much older than online pokies Australia! The decks of cards used aren’t like we know them today, but the goal of the game is to get to 21 without going over.
6. Aim to Beat the Dealer
While the goal is 21 without going bust, the truth is that you should focus more of your attention on beating the dealer. As long as you have a higher number than the dealer, without going over 21, you’ll be successful.
7. Blackjack is the Most Popular Casino Table Game
Blackjack, craps, and roulette are 3 of the most popular casino table games worldwide, but blackjack is arguably the most popular of all owing to the necessary use of strategy which is an attractive aspect to players.
8. Video Blackjack Offers Less Desirable Odds
While video poker is a great alternative to slots, video blackjack is not a great alternative to table blackjack as it offers far less desirable odds than the original.
9. Side Bets in Blackjack Offer Less Desirable Odds
While the insurance side bet in blackjack may seem like an attractive prospect, the house edge on this bet is close to 7%! Considering that your standard house edge is closer to 1%, side bets quickly become less attractive.
10. Other Players Can’t Affect Your Chances
The fact of the matter is that other players cannot affect your chances of winning when playing blackjack. You’re playing the dealer, not the other players and their mistakes cannot affect you, so there is no need to alter your blackjack strategy.
4 Celebrity Blackjack Players
Blackjack is one of the most popular card games, played online and in land-based casinos throughout the world. While some tout it as the card game for mathematicians, intellectuals and those who are drawn to the allure of beating the house, blackjack is really a card game that anyone can play!
It’s not just card savants, maths geniuses and mere mortals that enjoy playing Bingo for money and other such games that are attracted to the adrenalin-pumping action of blackjack. Celebrities who have cash to burn are well known for seeking out different avenues to turn their money into thrill-inducing experiences.
So it comes as little surprise that there are a host of famous celebrities who seek out the exhilaration that one can only find at the blackjack table. Listed below are four celebrities from the world of film and sports that can’t resist the appeal of blackjack:
1. Matt Damon
It was during his time doing research for the film Rounders that Matt Damon first became interested in the fast-paced and high stakes world of blackjack. His best friend Ben Affleck (featured next on the list) may have had something to do with his fascination with the game and he has since become a notable player around the blackjack table.
These bosom buddies are regular fixtures at high stakes blackjack tables in Las Vegas and Atlantic City casinos. One of their more infamous gambling escapades occurred at a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida where the duo raked in close to a million dollars in a single night.
While there’s no denying that Matt Damon has picked up some tips from Ben Affleck, the Good Will Hunting star has continued to up his game and is rumoured to have gambled using Bitcoin which is said to have made him a fair bit of profit.
2. Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck’s love for high stakes casino card games is no secret. The Academy Award-winning actor is known for his poker prowess, showing his skill in 2004 when he won the California Poker Championship. However, it is Affleck’s love for blackjack that has drawn the most attention from the public, especially when he’s teamed up with close friend, Matt Damon.
It was reported that Ben Affleck was kicked off the blackjack tables at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino when he started winning too much (a reported $95,000 in a single sitting). The star later admitted that he had dedicated a massive amount of time learning card counting and expert blackjack strategy.
3. Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods was the most prolific professional golfer of his generation before a very public fall from grace due to his personal affairs. His prowess extends off the golf course and he is known to enjoy high stakes blackjack games at the Bellagio and MGM Grand Resort where he enjoys VIP treatment and credit rumoured to hover around the $4 million mark.
4. Dana White
UFC president, Dana White has been quite vocal about his love for high stakes blackjack.
He has been reported bragging to the media to have won as much as $5 million playing blackjack, an amount which he says requires him to bring his own trash bags to carry his winnings out the door.