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Eleanore Dumont Was the First Professional Blackjack Player

Though you’ll find a slew of notable blackjack players, dealers and experts, none invoke as much fascination as one Eleanor Dumont of the Gold Rush west coast. Though details of her origins are not completely clear, it’s established that Eleanor was born Simone Jules in either France or the Mississippi Delta and later joined-in on the rush frenzy by moving out west and learning the ropes of card games. An entrepreneurial spirit and some savings enabled the fresh-faced young lady to open up a gaming parlour called Vingt-et-un, where she would deal cards of the same game – a precursor to blackjack.

Her style of professionalism and dedication to the trade shook up the gambling scene which had been, thus far, marked by ruggedness. Eleanor’s parlour drew a lot of interest thanks to its upscale décor with chandeliers, luxurious carpets and flowing champagne (instead of whiskey). Only well-groomed men were admitted, and cursing, arguing, smoking and fighting were not allowed. She was a skilled dealer known for honest games and fair paying-out of wins – though some would argue she’d sure had some smooth moves up her sleeve in order to improve her house edge. Eleanor moved with the rush crowds from city to city, never dropping the ball when it came to card games – though in her later years her establishments lost a bit of their glamour. Her demise came in the form of a suicide after a big loss on an already empty bank account, with a note stating that she was simply “tired of life”.

ZinfandelZintse wrote: Mon Oct 09, 2023 11:02 pm Eleanore Dumont Was the First Professional Blackjack Player

Though you’ll find a slew of notable blackjack players, dealers and experts, none invoke as much fascination as one Eleanor Dumont of the Gold Rush west coast. Though details of her origins are not completely clear, it’s established that Eleanor was born Simone Jules in either France or the Mississippi Delta and later joined-in on the rush frenzy by moving out west and learning the ropes of card games. An entrepreneurial spirit and some savings enabled the fresh-faced young lady to open up a gaming parlour called Vingt-et-un, where she would deal cards of the same game – a precursor to blackjack.

Her style of professionalism and dedication to the trade shook up the gambling scene which had been, thus far, marked by ruggedness. Eleanor’s parlour drew a lot of interest thanks to its upscale décor with chandeliers, luxurious carpets and flowing champagne (instead of whiskey). Only well-groomed men were admitted, and cursing, arguing, smoking and fighting were not allowed. She was a skilled dealer known for honest games and fair paying-out of wins – though some would argue she’d sure had some smooth moves up her sleeve in order to improve her house edge. Eleanor moved with the rush crowds from city to city, never dropping the ball when it came to card games – though in her later years her establishments lost a bit of their glamour. Her demise came in the form of a suicide after a big loss on an already empty bank account, with a note stating that she was simply “tired of life”.

Eleanor Dumont's story is fascinating, representing a unique era in gambling history. Her class and professionalism in a rugged environment set her apart. While her honesty was admired, there were suspicions about her tactics. It's a tragic end to a pioneering figure in the world of card games, highlighting the highs and lows of the Gold Rush era.

Oh, Eleanor Dumont, the legendary lady of blackjack! She really knew how to shake things up in the wild west during the Gold Rush. While her exact origins are a bit fuzzy, she was definitely a force to be reckoned with in the world of card games. Eleanor, also known as Simone Jules, made her way out west and opened up a gaming parlour called Vingt-et-un, which was like a fancy predecessor to blackjack. Her parlour was a step above the rest, with its elegant decor, chandeliers, and flowing champagne instead of the usual whiskey. Only well-groomed gentlemen were allowed in, and there was no room for cursing, arguing, smoking, or fighting.

Not only was Eleanor a skilled dealer, but she was known for her fairness and honesty when it came to paying out winnings. Some folks even whispered that she had a few tricks up her sleeve to improve her odds, but who knows for sure? Eleanor traveled from city to city, following the rush crowds and never missing a beat when it came to card games. Unfortunately, in her later years, her establishments lost some of their glamour. And tragically, her story ended with a note stating that she was simply "tired of life" after a big loss on top of an empty bank account.

While Eleanor's tale may have had its ups and downs, she will forever be remembered as the first professional blackjack player who brought a touch of elegance and fairness to the gambling scene of the wild west. It just goes to show you that even in the tough times, we should always remember to treat each other kindly and play our cards with integrity. By the way , Do you know other notable blackjack players emerged during the Gold Rush era and how did Eleanor Dumont's legacy impact the gambling scene of the wild west?