The Best Blackjack Players of All Time Listed

Black Jack is a classic card game that has been played for centuries, dating back to the 16th century. It is a game that many love for its simplicity, yet it can be complex enough to challenge even the most experienced players. The game’s origins are somewhat uncertain, but several theories about where it came from exist. 

One theory about Blackjack history is that it originated in France in the 1700s, called Vingt-h-Un, which translates to twenty-one. The game was introduced in the United States in the 1800s and quickly became popular, especially in the southern part of the country. During this time, the game became known as “blackjack” due to the special bonus payout for hands containing a blackjack and an ace. 

Another theory is that blackjack has roots in Spain, where a similar game called One and Thirty was played. In this game, the goal was to get a hand worth 31 points, achieved by using a deck of cards that only had 7s, 8s, 9s, 10s, jacks, queens, and kings. 

Regardless of its origins, blackjack has become one of the most popular card games in the world. It is played in casinos all over the globe, and it has also become popular online, where players can enjoy the game from the comfort of their homes. 

The popularity of blackjack can be attributed to several factors. For one, it is a game that is easy to learn and understand but also requires skills and strategies to play well. This means players can enjoy the game regardless of their skill level. 

Another reason for the game’s popularity was its low house edge, which means that the odds of winning are relatively good compared to other casino games. The house edge in blackjack is typically around 0.5%, much lower than the other games like roulette or slots. 

In addition to its popularity among players, blackjack has produced some legendary players who have become famous for their wins, strategies, and skill. While these players have different styles and strategies, they all are experts in the game. Whether playing in a blackjack tournament or at a live dealer blackjack table. 

Don Johnson

A professional gambler who has won millions of dollars playing blackjack, He is known for his ability to negotiate deals with casinos, such as getting a consolation when losing or being able to play with a larger bankroll. He made headlines in 2011 when he made 15 million dollars playing blackjack at the Atlantic City Casino.

Bryce Carlson

He is famous for having written several books on casino games, including “Blackjack for Blood” and “Blackjack Bluebook II.” He is known for his mathematical approach to the game and has mastered the art of the blackjack calculator, using statistics and probability to make strategic decisions at blackjack tournaments. 

Carlson has developed a unique tournament strategy that involves placing large bets early in the tournament to build a lead and then playing strategically to maintain the lead. He has won over 1 million dollars in blackjack tournaments.

Henry Tamburin

Blackjack expert Henry Tamburin has written several books on the game, including “ Take the Money and Run”. He is also known for his blackjack institute, which provides training and education to players who want to bring out their A game at blackjack. 

Tamburin has spent over 50 years playing and studying blackjack and has developed many successful strategies that he shares with his readers. 

Stanford Wong

Author of several popular blackjack books like “Professional Blackjack,” “Blackjack Secrets”, and “Basic Black Jack,” Wong is also known for his card counting skill and has developed several successful blackjack strategies. 

In 1985, Wong also formed and trained a team of players to compete in blackjack and other gambling tournaments. The squad of six players won $200,000 in prize money from eight events.

Lawrence Revere

Being a mathematician and a blackjack player, Revere developed the “Revere Point Count System”, which is still widely used. His book, “Playing Blackjack as a Business,” is considered one of the best strategy guides. Revere has also won a whopping 1 million dollars playing the game.

Russ Hamilton

Russ Hamilton, a professional blackjack and poker player who won the World Series of Poker Main Event in 1994, is known for his aggressive playing style. He is also known for his ability to read his opponents. Hamilton has also been involved in several blackjack scandals, one of which involved UltimateBet, an online poker site.