Famous Female Blackjack Players

The First Qualified Blackjack Performer - Eleanore Dumont

The first famous female Blackjack performer was none other than Eleanore Dumont. Born in France, she brought to the rugged gold mines of America her refined, European manners. An expert dealer, she opened gambling facilities during the hey day of the Gold Rush in mining towns across the West. She allowed no cursing or unkept men in her establishment and, oddly enough, banned women from playing at her tables. Ever refined, keeping men at arms length, once she amassed her fortune she fell head over heels in love with a con artist who would take every dime and sell her ranch.

She rebuilt her establishment, but as she aged she lost much of the mystery and allure that had once enticed so many gamblers who contributed to her wealth. As she passed her child bearing years she grew heavy facial hair and was called, behind her back of course, Madame Mustache. The Madame, however, stemmed more from her decision to branch out into the prostitution business, running both a gambling house and brothel in her late years.

Card Counter Blackjack - Cathy Hulbert

The only woman to hold the honor of being called one of the world's best Seven Card Stud poker players by Card Player magazine, Cathy Hulbert is a popular female player revered by Blackjack players across the globe.

It was during her college days that Hulbert honed her skills at the card table. After graduating college she left her gambling activities behind and worked for the Senate in New York. It wasn't long before she realized gambling was her passion. Packing her suit case, she moved to Las Vegas, landing a job as a blackjack dealer. An encounter with Ken Uston altered the course of her life. Part of the Czechs team of card counters, she became his eager student and eventually joined his group. She toured with The Czechs during the 60s and 70s, accumulating a small fortune in winnings.

Expelled from several casinos and even arrested, Cathy quietly changed her MO. She would often pose as a man, donning a wig and fake beard. She eventually switched to slots and, while not a game that is known for substantial payout, managed to do quite well. Today she still plays professionally.

Current Female Players

Today, there are a number of well known female blackjack players touring the circuit. Jennifer Tilly, a brash, Oscar nominated actress can often be seen playing televised tournaments. Annie Duke is another famous player better known as The Duchess of poker. These and other female players credit their success to skill and plain old women's intuition - and it seems to be working.

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