Blackjack is a game that is constantly being discussed and analyzed. Many people would say that the game is simply not winnable. In other words, you can only win by pure luck, and you have no way of knowing whether you will win or lose on any given hand. Although Blackjack is a game of chance, it is may be considered winnable if players can follow strategies and increase their odds of winning above 50%, in which case they would be able to make money over a longer period of time. Researchers have indeed found that Blackjack can be a winnable game after they conducted statistical analyses of Blackjack.

The First Research

Professor E.O. Thorp was the first person to conduct a major statistical analysis project of the predictability of Blackjack. In 1963, Thorp developed a strategy to help players increase their odds of winning Blackjack. By running statistical analyses, computer simulations, and developing two strategies, Thorp was able to increase player odds of winning; and thus, change the face of Blackjack forever.

Thorp’s first strategy was that players should count fives, and this strategy increased their odds by 0.13% over the average player. Later he came up with a second strategy for counting tens and found that the player’s advantage was shown over and over again as players used the strategy in the casinos.

The Problem with the Theories

The problem with Dr. Thorp’s theory and the theories of other researchers is that many people still do not believe them. Many people believe that card counting is but a myth and that the results were skewed by the researchers. However, anyone who has mastered card counting and used the technique regularly will tell players that it is the only way to help guarantee that you end up making some money rather than losing all of it.

Although the margin found by researchers is small, generally only 0.5% - 1.5%, the game has been proven to be winnable. Additionally, a very small margin can add up in the end if the player uses it consistently.