10 Blackjack facts worth knowing
Blackjack is one casino classic that has well and truly made a name for itself around the globe. But with its vast popularity among players, not many know much about the game, except the basic gameplay and where you can grab a game or two.
With this in mind, we wanted to share with you, ten facts about Blackjack, so you can get to know the game a little better – preparing to play online Blackjack at Betfair Casino, for example.
Here are some interesting facts about Blackjack:
Origins
Did you know, that Blackjack is believed to have originated in French casinos in the 1700s under the name “Vingt-et-Un,” which means “Twenty-One” in French? Since then, the iconic card game has undergone another name change, with many players around the world, now calling the game Blackjack or Twenty-One.
Card Values
Did you know, in Blackjack, each card has a specific value? Number cards (2 – 10) are worth their face value, face cards or royal cards as they’re sometimes referred to (Jack, Queen, and King) are worth a value of ten, and the Ace can be worth either one or eleven, depending on the player’s choice.
Objective
Did you know, that the goal of Blackjack is to have a hand total higher than the dealer’s, without exceeding a total of 21?
If a player’s hand exceeds 21, it results in a “bust” and the player loses the round. If, however, the dealer goes bust, no matter if a player reached 21 or under, they win the game.
House Edge
Did you know, that Blackjack offers one of the lowest house edges among casino games? Depending on the specific rules and variations being played, the house edge can be as low as 0.5% or even less.
Card Counting
Did you know, in Blackjack, card counting is a strategy used by skilled players to track the ratio of high-value cards to low-value cards remaining in the deck? While card counting is not illegal, casinos frown upon it and may take measures to prevent or discourage it.
Did you know, it’s also impossible to card count whilst playing online?
Popular Variations
There are several popular variations of Blackjack, including European Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack, Spanish 21, and Pontoon, each with its own specific rules and twists on the game.
MIT Blackjack Team
Did you know, the MIT Blackjack Team was a group of students and ex-students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who became famous for their card-counting exploits in the 1980s and 1990s? They successfully won millions of dollars from casinos before their activities were uncovered.
Online Blackjack
Did you know, with the rise of online gaming, Blackjack has become one of the most popular games to be played within online casino platforms? Players can choose from various versions of the game and play against the computer or interact with dealers through live dealer Blackjack games.
Blackjack Hall of Fame
Did you know, the Blackjack Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of Blackjack? Inductees include professional players, authors, and influential figures in the Blackjack community. The Hall of Fame’s physical premises are in San Diego, California.
Microgaming
Did you know, Microgaming was the first online casino site to offer online Blackjack games to players when it launched in 1994? Other providers soon followed suit, and online Blackjack quickly became one of the most popular games available in virtual casinos.
Now you know a little more about the gaming classic, will you be sitting at a Blackjack table, either in person or virtually, any time soon?