ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BLACKJACK

Whether you are a student of probability, a historian of gambling, or a player eager to sharpen your edge, this online book and website is designed to guide you through every corner of the blackjack universe.  If you are new to the game of blackjack you should be familiar with the Rules of the Game first before continuing this journey.

Blackjack is one of the most studied games in the history of gambling, distinguished by its unique combination of simplicity, strategic depth, and mathematical tractability. Unlike most casino games, blackjack offers players the opportunity to influence expected outcomes through optimal decision-making. This quality has made it a central subject of research in probability theory, operations research, and applied mathematics, as well as a focal point in the study of gambling history and advantage play. 

A typical modern blackjack layout with preferred blackjack payoff of 3 to 2 and an optional side-bet. However, we would prefer that the dealer “stands” on all 17s.

Blackjack, often referred to as “21,” occupies a singular position in the canon of gambling literature—not merely as a game of chance, but as a domain where mathematics, psychology, and history converge. This updated edition of The Encyclopedia of Blackjack, formally titled Blackjack: A Professional Reference seeks to reaffirm and expand upon the foundational principles that have defined the game for generations, while integrating contemporary insights and scholarly rigor.

Scope and Structure

This encyclopedia is organized thematically and alphabetically, encompassing thousands of entries that span technical concepts, terminology, biographical profiles, legal frameworks, and cultural phenomena.  Most entries are cross-referenced and include citations to primary sources, peer-reviewed studies, and archival materials. Appendices and special sections include accurate strategy charts, annotated bibliographies and even some publication indexes for further research.  Feedback and suggestions for improvement are always welcome.

This edition expands coverage of four critical areas:

Historical Development – Tracing the evolution of the game, the contributions of mathematicians, authors, and professional players, and the continuing dynamic between casinos and advantage players.

The origins of blackjack can be traced to early European games such as Vingt-et-Un (“Twenty-One”), which emerged in France during the 18th century, and related banking games found in Spain and Italy. The modern form of the game developed in the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries, where casinos popularized the name “blackjack” through promotional rules granting bonuses for certain hands. By the mid-20th century, blackjack had become a dominant fixture in casinos worldwide.

Basic Strategy – Mastering blackjack basic strategy remains the foundation of optimal and competent play and is the baseline against which all further methods of advantage play are measured.

A critical advancement in the understanding of blackjack occurred in the 1950s with the application of probability analysis to the game. The landmark 1956 paper by Roger Baldwin, Wilbert Cantey, Herbert Maisel, and James McDermott established the first mathematically derived set of optimal decisions, later termed basic strategy. This body of work demonstrated that players could minimize the house advantage—often to less than 0.5%—through consistent adherence to the correct strategic decision in every possible situation. 

Card Counting – Subsequent research expanded on these findings by introducing methods to adjust betting and playing decisions based on the composition of the remaining deck. Edward O. Thorp’s 1962/66 book Beat the Dealer popularized card counting, a system that assigns weights to different card values to approximate the true ratio of high cards to low cards remaining. When the deck is rich in high-value cards, the player’s expected return increases; conversely, when low-value cards predominate, the house edge rises. Numerous card counting systems — ranging from simple, unbalanced counts to advanced multi-level counts—have been developed and tested, confirming that disciplined players can obtain a long-term advantage under favorable playing conditions.  Is there such a thing as a best card counting system?

A number of excellent card counting systems are available that are noted in this book with a . Whatever system you select you should verify that accurate playing indices for the most important plays are available and that the system is practical to use in the casino environment. Take a look at the Card Counting System Comparison Chart for additional insight.  What is the most popular card counting system?

Product Reviews – an attempt has been made to provide unbiased reviews and/or assessments of all blackjack books, publications, videos and software.  As an introduction to some of the best books on the market, be sure to read The Best Blackjack Books of All Time.

Significance and Scope of this Work

The dual emphasis on strategy and probability has made blackjack an enduring subject of academic inquiry and practical application. The game provides a rare case study in which theoretical analysis directly informs practical outcomes in a commercial setting. Moreover, blackjack’s history illustrates the interplay between mathematical discovery, casino countermeasures, and the evolution of gambling culture.

The Encyclopedia of Blackjack has been designed as a comprehensive reference, consolidating historical developments, strategic analyses, biographical profiles, reviews of books, videos and software, and cultural discussions into a single resource. Its purpose is not only to document the state of knowledge surrounding blackjack but also to provide a structured framework for ongoing study.

Summary

Blackjack represents a convergence of history, mathematics, and applied strategy. This encyclopedia seeks to preserve, organize, and expand upon the accumulated body of knowledge surrounding the game, providing both a scholarly reference and a practical guide for those engaged in its study.  It is a tribute to the game’s enduring legacy.

Blackjack is easy to learn, but it rewards those who never stop studying. With the right knowledge and discipline, the game transforms from a gamble into a challenge of skill. This encyclopedia is here to provide that knowledge, illuminate the history, and inspire both respect and mastery for the most analyzed game in casino history.¹⁾This new introduction was written in August 2025.  If you are interested, check out the original introduction to this book, written in the 1990s.  There, you will find information and some history of the author’s own blackjack journey.

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