What Is?

We think it's a well-known fact that blackjack is one of the most popular and traditional casino table games, played by millions of people online and in casinos all around the world. So, we have put together six lesser-known interesting facts about blackjack that you probably haven't heard. Check them out below…

1 – Blackjack is one of the oldest casino games

Blackjack has deep roots, with origins tracing back to the 17th century. The game is believed to have evolved from a Spanish game called “Twenty-One” (or “Veintiuno”), mentioned in Miguel de Cervantes’ novella Rinconete y Cortadillo, written around 1601-1602.

The modern version of blackjack emerged in French casinos around 1700, where it was known as “Vingt-et-Un.” The game eventually made its way to America and became a casino staple.

2 – Card counting isn’t illegal—but it’s frowned upon

Card counting is often depicted as a shady, illegal activity in movies, but that’s not entirely accurate. In reality, card counting is simply a strategy used by players to keep track of the cards that have been dealt in order to determine the probability of specific outcomes.

It’s a skill-based approach rather than cheating. However, casinos reserve the right to ban players they suspect of counting cards. Advanced card counters can significantly reduce the house edge, which is why casinos are vigilant in spotting them.

3 – The house edge is surprisingly low

One of the reasons blackjack is so popular is because of its low house edge, which can be as low as 0.5% when played with optimal strategy. This means that, on average, the casino expects to win just 50 pence for every £100 wagered.

Compare this to other games like roulette or slot machines, where the house edge can range from 2% to 15%, and you can see why serious gamblers are drawn to blackjack. If you’re interested in learning more about house edge, check out this page on blackjack.

4 – Blackjack pays out differently around the world

In most American casinos, a natural blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card) typically pays 3:2. However, in some casinos, especially outside the U.S., blackjack payouts are less favourable, often paying 6:5 or even money.

This change in payout significantly increases the house edge and can turn what’s usually a player-friendly game into a less favourable one. Always check the payout rules before sitting down at a table.

5 – The dealer’s hidden card—the hole card

In American blackjack, the dealer is dealt two cards, one face up and one face down. The face-down card, known as the “hole card”, isn’t revealed until the players have made their decisions.

The dealer checks the hole card if the face-up card is an Ace or a 10-value card, and if the dealer has blackjack, the round ends immediately.

This rule adds a layer of strategy, as players need to consider the possible value of the hole card in their decisions. However, in European blackjack, the dealer doesn’t receive the hole card until all players have completed their hands, changing the dynamics of the game.

6 – There’s more than one type of blackjack

Whilst the classic version of blackjack is the most common, there are numerous variations that add unique twists to the game. For example, “Spanish 21” removes all 10s from the deck, which increases the house edge but offers players more favourable rules on doubling down and late surrender.

👀 “Blackjack Switch” allows players to switch the top cards of two hands to improve their chances, though it comes with a rule that pushes (ties) on a dealer 22 rather than busting.

Understanding the nuances of these variations can make the game more interesting and help you choose the best version to play.

Where's the best place to play blackjack

In our opinion, nothing beats a bit of blackjack in a real brick-and-mortar casino, where you can interact with the dealer and the players on either side of you.

The energy can really build during a game, and you might find yourself feeding off loads of positive energy—or even negative energy, at which point you might decide to step away from the table and find yourself another.

But you can't beat the real-life interaction, that's for sure. That said, it's so much easier just to pick up your phone or sit down at your computer or laptop and load up a live casino game of blackjack, which, incidentally, is so much better online now than it used to be.

You can still interact with dealers, and you can still get a sense of players sitting next to you at the table, so it's certainly the next best thing, in our opinion.

More than a simple card game

You see, blackjack is more than just a simple card game; it’s a fascinating mix of history, strategy, and psychology.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, understanding these lesser-known aspects can enhance your appreciation of the game and potentially improve your chances at the table.

So, next time you sit down to play, remember these facts—you might just see blackjack in a whole new light.