7 May 2025
Blackjack has captivated the minds of various people through the ages. Whether it be in land-based casinos or mobile-friendly online casinos, the allure of blackjack is undeniable.
Join us as we travel through time, learning about some historical figures who have been enticed by the excitement of blackjack. These include:
- Napoleon Bonaparte
- Al Francesco
- Edward Thorp
- The Four Horsemen of Aberdeen; and,
- Ken Uston
Napoléon Bonaparte: Vingt-et-un
Known for his famed military leadership, Napoleon Bonaparte, the former emperor of France, was a fan of vingt-et-un. As a means to relax, he would regularly play the game after a long battle. Ironically, however, he is also rumoured to have banned card games among his soldiers.
Image of Napoleon Bonaparte Crossing the Alps
Al Francesco: The Gambling Strategist
As “The Godfather of Blackjack,” Al Francsesco was an American blackjack player and known strategist. He introduced the concept of team play, personally recruiting and training card counters to work together in beating the casinos. His teams would be found stationed at various blackjack tables to count the decks, eventually signalling the “big player” to place large wagers.
Edward Thorp: Mathematics VS The Dealer
As you learn more about the history of blackjack, it would be hard not to come across Edward Thorp. Possibly one of the most well-known historical figures when it comes to blackjack, he is a renowned mathematician who wrote the book, “Beat the Dealer,” which was published in 1962.
Edward Thorp held the following degrees and professions:
- M.A. in Physics
- Ph.D. in Mathematics
- Former professor of mathematics at UCLA, MIT, NMSY, and UC Irvine, where he also taught quantitative finance.
Photo of Edward Thop
The Four Horsemen of Aberdeen
Composed of Roger Baldwin, Herbert Maisel, James McDermont, and Wilbert Cantey, the Four Horsemen of Aberdeen was a legendary blackjack team that sought to bring an innovative approach to playing the game. Due to their pioneering work in publishing the first accurate basic strategy for the game, they were inducted into the Blackjack Hall of Fame in 2008, joining other historical figures.
The Four Horsemen of Aberdeen
Ken Uston: The Big Player
Back in 1977, Ken Uston published The Big Player, which he co-authored with Roger Rapaport. Through this book, he exposed the secrets of Al Francesco’s big player teams, which eventually caused a falling out between them. His playing career spanned two decades, playing at the highest levels by this time.
Ken Uston is also the author of other books related to the topic, such as:
- Two Books on Blackjack (1979)
- Million Dollar Blackjack (1981)
- Ken Uston on Blackjack (1986)
Image of Ken Uston
Blackjack: A Card Game of History
From emperors to authors and mathematicians, blackjack has captured the brilliant minds of some of history’s well-known figures. Their contributions to the game have left an enduring legacy to the world of gambling. This is a legacy that is sure to last for years to come.
Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, you will be able to enjoy the game in the best casinos for a long time yet.
