The Exclusive World Series of Blackjack
Created in 2004 by the GSN cable network, the World Series of Blackjack is not at all like other blackjack tournaments whether on land or online. Firstly, it is a televised show which, in its third season in 2006, began appearing weekly on GSN's & Casino Night program.
Secondly, the World Series of Blackjack is a closed tournament. Players are either invited to join or must compete in satellite blackjack tournaments to win a spot at the tables. When they first started playing, the World Series of Blackjack had only 25 participants, but by 2007, in their fourth season, there were 40 participants.
How the World Series of Blackjack Operates
Six decks are used in the World Series of Blackjack and the rounds are edited down to one hour in order to keep the viewers absorbed. Each player begins with $100,000 in chips. The minimum bet is $1,000 and the maximum is $50,000. If a player can't make the minimum bet, he is eliminated.
There are two interesting twists to the World Series of Blackjack which are not found in any other blackjack tournaments. One is the Burger King Power Chip (obviously Burger King is a sponsor). Each player receives one of these chips for each round. The chip can be played at any time during the round giving the player a chance to replace one of his cards with the next card in the shoe. The second twist is the Knockout Card. There are two Knockout cards in the six deck shoe. When the first one is dealt, the player with the least amount of chips is automatically eliminated and the minimum bet is raised to $2500. If only 4 or fewer players are left, no player is eliminated but the bets are still increased. When the second Knockout card turns up, again the player with the least amount of chips is eliminated (unless only 3 players remain), and the minimum bet increases to $5,000.
After 25 rounds are completed, the player with the most chips wins, or, if all players but one are eliminated, the remaining player wins.
Other Blackjack Tournaments
The World Series of Blackjack is a tournament for really good, experienced and professional players. It is also about big money. But there are also other blackjack tournaments both at land casinos and online casinos that can be fun and exciting.
The unique experience in these blackjack tournaments is that you play against other real players and not against the dealer. Online blackjack tournaments require a network connection and video streaming. They are often called elimination games, because as each player loses he is eliminated and the circle of players gets smaller and smaller until only one is left and he wins the jackpot.
These blackjack tournaments generally require a registration in advance, and the player must show that he is up to the tournament organization's standard of blackjack ability. An entry fee is usually required which goes into the jackpot and there is also a house fee which is the casino's take.
The World Series of Blackjack is an exciting adventure to watch, but less publicized blackjack tournaments are fun and exciting to play.
