Blackjack, also known as 21, is a popular card game that players have enjoyed for centuries. With simple rules and fast-paced gameplay, it’s no surprise that the game has captured the attention of players around the world. Over the years, there have been some incredible stories of players winning big in the game.
$40 MILLION AT MGM GRAND
Wow! I wonder who won $40 million? You guys must have heard of him already. This is Kerry Packer. In fact, we have two big stories for you about Kerry Packer’s victories. One person ranked #2 on the list of the greatest blackjack wins in history? It’s so unfair. And what’s even more incredible is that Kerry Packer was already a millionaire. And he still is.
In 1991, Kerry Packer played his first big winning streak. It was at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. He chose a public blackjack table for people to cheer him on like in the movies. Details of the rounds he played are not available given that this happened almost three decades ago.
But Packer won a whopping $7 million in one night. This $7 million in one night win impressed Hilton so much that they offered Packer a special suite for the duration of his stay. Of course, give the millionaire free stuff. Rumor has it that this room was decorated with casino chips and the like in memory of his big win when he celebrated dinner with his family and friends. We are sure that he was very impressed with Hilton’s majestic gesture.
$15.1 MILLION IN ATLANTIC CITY
Don Johnson is the CEO of Heritage Development and, like Kerry Packer, is already a millionaire. Don Johnson has been an avid blackjack player throughout his life. Throughout his life, he played in many of the major casinos in Atlantic City. He had many winning streaks, but the one we’re interested in happened between December 2010 and April 2011.
From December 2010 to April 2011, Johnson won an astounding $15.1 million playing blackjack. But this is not a victory in one night, but a victory in 5 months. Don Johnson is considered a strategic blackjack player. It includes many mathematical strategies and card nuances during the game. And being a millionaire means he can place huge bets without worrying about the consequences of losing. So when he is lucky and wins, it becomes a huge victory.
$1.5 MILLION AT TREASURE ISLAND CASINO
This is the story of how “barefoot” Joe won $1.5 million. Who is Barefoot Joe, you ask? He is as simple a man as you and me, having won $1.5 million at the Treasure Island casino in 1995.
Joe’s wife kicked him out, and Joe was homeless when it happened. After receiving a check for $400, he decided to try his luck at the casino. Joe came to Treasure Island without shoes, hence the name “Barefoot Joe”. No one knows his exact identity, but his story has spread far and wide.
On his lucky night, Joe won an unimaginable $1.5 million. But because of his aggressive nature and the way he played, people say he lost everything that very evening. He paid no attention to any blackjack strategy, he split 10 and doubled down on the strong 12 and 13. Such reckless play cost him everything.
Strategies for winning at blackjack
Basic Strategy: This strategy involves playing your hand based on the dealer’s upcard and two of your own cards. This is a mathematically proven strategy that minimizes the house edge and involves winning, standing, splitting pairs and doubling in the most optimal way.
Card Counting: This strategy involves keeping track of the cards dealt and adjusting bets accordingly. This takes a lot of practice and skill and is usually only effective in land-based casinos where the dealer uses a multi-deck shoe. It is also illegal in many casinos.
Avoid insurance bets: Many players are tempted to accept an insurance bet when the dealer shows an ace. However, this is not a profitable strategy in the long run, as the odds of the dealer having a blackjack are not in your favor.
Set win/loss limits. Before you start playing, set a limit on how much you are willing to win or lose. Stick to that limit and leave when you reach it. This will prevent you from getting too greedy or losing more than you can afford.
Avoid Emotions: When playing blackjack, it is important to keep your cool. Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment or make you make impulsive decisions. Stick to your strategy and don’t chase your losses.