Blackjack is a well-known game for all gambling enthusiasts. However, even if you’ve never had an opportunity to play it, chances are – you’ve at least heard about it. This game is one of the most popular games on the planet, and that is – according to innumerable people – for a very good reason.
What is blackjack? Simply put, it is a card game that’s being played between the players and the dealer, in order to eliminate players with lower card count from the game, until there’s only one winner with the best cards, who have better cards than the dealer but haven’t exceeded 21. If your hand value turns out to be higher than 21 or if the dealer gets a better hand, then you lose the game. Although many people consider blackjack to be the same game as poker, these two games are completely different. Poker is a game with more drama, it is more complicated to master, but it also comes with much higher prices.
However, blackjack is equally fun (some would say – equally dramatic), and it doesn’t require so many years of dedication, learning and of course – experience. However, it requires analytical skills and a lot of stamina. Check here to find out more about the blackjack rules.
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There are a few strategies that can be used in blackjack, and you’ve probably heard about them all. But more importantly, you’ve most certainly seen card counting, players concentrating on counting even in the loudest casino, chips on the table, placing bets per hand, the fancy dealer dealing cards to the players, and finally – winners proudly taking their earned money home. Sounds familiar? That’s because you’ve seen it all in the movies. The best casino scenes that have stayed in your memory had been made about no other game, then blackjack. If you haven’t, then you need to put some of the most famous movies with blackjack scenes on your movie recommendation list.
According to some surveys, movies with blackjack in their plot, multiple or single scenes, are what made a whole lot of people indulge in this game and try it. The reason behind this is the fact that this game seems fun, challenging and interesting. And what is shown in the movies, is not at all far from reality. Blackjack is great for movie appearances because it represents everything a successful gambler should have – a strategy, the ability to concentrate, discipline, intelligence.
Other than having pure luck (but luck is also very favorable!), pro gamblers or the main actors become casino stars with great intellectual skills and attractive personalities, which is the reason everybody loves to watch them.
But which movies are we talking about?
Here’s our list of movies you need to watch if you love watching people play blackjack. Or if you just love casinos!
1. Licence to Kill
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This legendary movie is the 16th in the James Bond series. Bond, who is played by the famous Timothy Dalton, speaks vengeance for the death of his wife by entering the drug organization and pretending to be a hitman. This movie is captivating for its viewers because agent 007 is good at everything, even gambling! Not only is he good, but he also enjoys spending time in casinos, playing different types of casino games. However, one particular scene leaves us speechless. It’s the scene where he gambles with an enormous amount of money. Watch the movie and find out if he won!
2. Casino
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This is one of the most popular movies of all times! It doesn’t come as a surprise that this crime film has fantastic reviews and is rated almost with a 9 on IMDb. Made in 1995 by Martin Scorsese, it features two of the most fantastic actors – Sharon Stone and Robert De Niro, but let’s not forget about the amazing Joe Pesci, who also had a significant impact on this movie.
As the name says itself, the main actors are managing all the operations at the Tangiers Casino in Vegas, having to deal with numerous obstacles, including mafia, greed and murders. In one of its scenes, one of the main actors catches a player cheating in blackjack, by giving the information about the dealer’s cards to another player. This gangster epic is worth watching, as it teaches us so many things about life, people, human nature, habits, betrayal and interest.
3. Croupier
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Wh doesn’t want to watch Clive Owen playing some blackjack? This is exactly what this movie is about. Well, not entirely, since there’s so much more to it. It’s an astonishing story about a man who chooses to sell his soul to work in a casino. Why did he do that? He was a writer who didn’t have enough money to survive, so he started working as a croupier in one of the casinos in the city of London. Although he is well educated and well aware of the fact that gamblers eventually have to lose, as well as the fact that gambling is an activity that can influence someone’s life in many ways, he still indulges in it.
Finally, gambling not only impacts his business life, but this personal too. However, this movie is an interesting insight into the real world of casino gambling. It shows the player’s perspective in a realistic way, as well as the strategies and ways to play blackjack. It’s not only a movie full of useful tips, but it’s also highly entertaining and it sends a good message!
4. 21
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The best blackjack movie according to many, has a plot that is exactly about this casino game. It’s not just a sporadic scene or two, but the movie is rather based on the rules for playing blackjack and the game itself, along with its details. Featuring Kevin Spacey, 21 is based on a true story, and it follows six students who are getting taught by their professor, to become experts in cards counting or in other words – blackjack. The story takes place in Vegas, and the ultimate goal is normally – to beat the house. However, things don’t always go as planned. It’s a great movie everyone who wants to learn about card counting, forbidden and allowed moves you can make in blackjack as well as the possible outcomes.
