Sun City resident Anne Fortin knows how to beat the odds.
“I worked for Hollywood Casino for 5 years. I was hired in June 1993 and received 8 weeks of training and received certification from the State of Illinois. I was trained on blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, and the roulette table. Blackjack is the most popular table game. When you sit down at a blackjack table and face off against a dealer, you are playing the best odds in the house.”
Sometimes referred to as ’21,’ blackjack is by far the most popular casino table game in existence. Its popularity stems from the fact that it is fun and easy to learn and available at almost any casino.
Sun City resident Anne Fortin was a professional Black Jack dealer for five years. Today she teaches black jack and uses her skill to help raise money for local charities. (Photo by Christine Such/Sun Day)
Fortin explains, “Played correctly, house advantage is built into the game at half of one percent. Other games are much higher.”
Fortin has plenty of advice on playing the game.
“The best advice I can give is come to one of my classes,” she said. “I do classes for groups, parties and any events.”
But blackjack dealing isn’t her only trade. She also uses her skill to help others.
“Recently I did a few charitable fundraisers raising money for Relay for Life. For a donation, we played games and I instructed the players,” she said.
Fortin’s advice about the game is extensive.
“Second,” Fortin continues, “Read up on the game. Get a book and read and know the rules.”
Is casino blackjack a game of luck or skill? Some insist that it comes down to luck, since the cards are randomly dealt. Others maintain that skillful strategic play will lower the house edge and give you the best possible results regardless of the hands you are dealt.
Fortin said, “The game got a ruling from the state Supreme Court that it is not a game of chance, but a game of skill.” Supreme courts in Nevada and New Jersey ruled that casinos could not bar skilled blackjack players, known as card counters.
The last points Fortin stresses are, “Don’t play on your hunches. Learn the game. Never split tens, fours, or fives.” Splitting tens essentially sacrifices a great hand for a very slim chance at an even better one.
“But always split eights and aces. Splitting gives you a much better chance to get a strong hand,” Fortin advises.
For more information about Blackjack rules, strategy, and etiquette, you can contact Fortin to host a get together for your club, neighborhood etc. at 224-858-4433
