Best Blackjack Players Of All Time

From an elite game to a gambling option available to every player anywhere in the world, blackjack has come a long way and undergone many changes in its rules before finding its modern face. While there is still some debate about when and where blackjack was invented, recent research shows that the game was introduced to the world in Italy in the mid-15th century.

Simple rules, interesting and dynamic gameplay, and rather high winning odds are what make blackjack such a popular game. In addition, blackjack is the best option for applying card counting techniques, as evidenced by the success of the MIT team that beat casinos for several decades.

Since there's nothing more inspiring to the game than a success story, we decided to compile a list of the best blackjack players who have managed to develop their skills to near perfection. So, keep reading to learn about the outstanding blackjack players and also get some useful tips to help you improve your game.

Top 5 Most Successful Blackjack Professional Players

So, let's find out some facts about the best players to find out how to become a professional blackjack player:

• Bryce Carlson, who started his professional career in the 1970s, is one of the most successful blackjack players in the world. Bryce uses a unique card-counting system to ensure high winning odds. Carlson decided to share his wisdom with other players by releasing his book 'Blackjack for Blood' as well as special software tools to implement his system called the Omega II Blackjack Machine.
• Edward O. Thorp is not only an outstanding blackjack player, but also a professor of mathematics. Drawing on his profound knowledge, he was able to create an almost perfect card-counting system that shows its effectiveness to this day. We recommend reading Beat the Dealer, the Edward O. Thorp's book about the life of a professional blackjack player that sheds light on many aspects of the popular casino game.
• Initially known as a prominent poker player, Russ Hamilton later turned his attention to blackjack as - in his opinion - it is more exciting and potentially lucrative gambling option. After moving to Las Vegas, Russ created the community of blackjack professional players and began promoting the tournament format of the game. With the first tournament held under the title 'Elimination Blackjack', Hamilton's popularity skyrocketed. Then came the 'Ultimate Blackjack Tour', which was televised. Having done a lot to bring attention to the game, Hamilton is undoubtedly one of the best blackjack players of all time.
• Don Johnson is an outstanding player who has managed to stay on top for six months. After spending $100,000 on bets, Johnson sat at the tables of three Atlantic City casinos and was able to play some excellent hands that brought him $15 million in total prize money.
• Arnold Snyder is the creator of an excellent system for beating the casino that combines card counting technique and shuffling style. Notably, by following the recommendations of Snyder's strategy, the player can get some advantage over the house. Best known as the author of 'The Blackjack Formula', Arnold Snyder has also published several other books on beating the house edge.

We have not included Edwin Silberstang, author of 'Winning Blackjack for the Serious Player', because he is a theoretical gambler. Nevertheless, Edwin is an iconic figure in the gambling world, as his how-to-win gambling books have helped many gambling enthusiasts achieve success.

Some Helpful Tips on How to Beat Blackjack for Newbies

You probably want to know if there's a reliable blackjack strategy that will allow you to win money. We've compiled a list of a few tips that, while not answering the question of how to become a professional blackjack player, will help you feel more confident at the blackjack table.

• Know the rules of the blackjack variant you choose. Since there are many variations of the game, you should understand that the concept may be the same, but the rules are different. Take the time to plunge into the gameplay until you are thoroughly familiar with the rules. Ultimately, you will choose the blackjack variant that can be most profitable for you in the long run.
• Learn basic strategy. Blackjack basic strategy is a set of rules and tips that inform you what action to take in any given game situation. Based on mathematics and probability theory, this strategy will help you to minimize your losses.
• Choose a table where you can double down your bet. While many tables allow you to double down with 10 or 11, some versions of blackjack let you double down any two cards regardless of their value. In terms of basic strategy, such games are the most promising in terms of profits.
• Avoid side betting, especially if you are new to blackjack. Although these betting options seem lucrative, more often than not they result in unnecessary bankroll expenditures.
• Know when to quit. Drop the table every time you manage to win good money. There is a common misconception that the more bets you place, the better your chances of winning big. Keep in mind that although blackjack is a game of skill, the element of luck still very important.

So, impressed by professional blackjack player salary, you probably want to rush into the game. However, the listed tips will cool down your head and help you choose a more reasonable way. So, before you invest huge sums of money, it's better to study the game rules thoroughly and practice the free versions of blackjack that abound on the world wide web.

Want some more tips on how to play blackjack for beginners? Then watch this video: