The six most interesting blackjack facts

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world and that is no coincidence. It blends strategy, math, history with a good dose of excitement. Below you will find some of the most remarkable facts about the game. They might not guarantee a more profitable session, but they will make each round a bit more interesting.

Blackjack is older than you think

Blackjack is now a standard game in our online casino, yet its roots reach back to the seventeenth century. In France people played Vingt et Un which eventually became the game we know today.

Even Napoleon was a devoted fan. During his exile on Elba he played the card game obsessively because it offered both relaxation and strategic challenge. The history of blackjack goes much deeper than modern casino culture.

Card counting is not illegal

Card counting is sometimes viewed as something forbidden, but that is not the case. It is simply a clever strategy where players try to predict which cards remain in the shoe.

In some countries such as the United Kingdom casinos may ask you to stop if they notice you are counting cards. In Belgium it is allowed as long as you do not use external tools. It remains a fascinating technique admired and used by many players.

The most dangerous hand in blackjack is 16

Sixteen is a risky number because it almost always feels too low. Statistics confirm that this is the hand that loses most often. If you hit you are likely to bust. If you stand you only win when the dealer goes over twenty one. The awkward position of sixteen makes it the hand where strategy truly matters.

According to basic strategy which is mathematically optimal you sometimes need to hit and sometimes to stand depending on the dealer card. Basic strategy makes you avoid common mistakes and reduces the house edge to about 0.5 percent. Blackjack therefore offers one of the highest RTP rates and is among the most profitable casino games for players who enjoy strategic thinking.

The Blackjack Hall of Fame

The Blackjack Hall of Fame is located at the Barona Casino in California. It honors the best blackjack players and strategists in the world. One new member is added each year. The members receive a remarkable reward. They can use all facilities of the hotel for free as long as they never again play blackjack at the casino tables. It is an honor with an ironic price.

The man who won 15 million

Don Johnson is one of the most famous blackjack players ever. In 2011 he won around fifteen million dollars in six months because he used the rules to create a perfect strategy combined with strict discipline. His story is legendary and is still used as an example of how knowledge and strategy can make a real difference.

What is the chance of getting a blackjack

Each time you receive cards you have roughly one in twenty chance of getting a blackjack. This small but meaningful probability keeps every hand exciting. A blackjack also pays more than a regular win. The exact chance is 4.8% which usually gives a payout of 2,5 five times your bet. You can also protect yourself against a dealer blackjack by using insurance.

Discover blackjack at PepperMill Casino

Blackjack remains a game full of tension and thrill. Whether you enjoy math, strategy or pure excitement there is always something new to learn. Try our blackjack variants and see for yourself why this card game remains popular after all these centuries.