History of Blackjack
| Updated: Brief Introduction to Blackjack’s Origin
The popular card game of blackjack has evolved considerably since its inception. Nowadays, you can encounter different variants of the game, with minor or major rule variations ultimately tilting the scales in favor of the house or the player. Beyond the game itself, the way blackjack is played has also changed, with certain advantage-play strategies being frowned upon by land-based casinos or becoming impractical when playing online.
To fully understand how blackjack has evolved over the years, we will take a closer look at the game’s history. However, the origins of the game remain unknown, and there are plenty of theories about how the card game came to be. In this article, we will explore several popular beliefs about the origin of blackjack, hopefully providing readers with answers to some questions about the game of 21.
Blackjack Origins
As already indicated, pinpointing the exact origins of the game is difficult. It is believed that in ancient times, the Romans used to play a game that resembled blackjack to some extent. In the past, many different card games were invented in various parts of the world, and as a result, they may have influenced one another. The first written evidence of blackjack can be found in a short story written by the prominent Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes at the beginning of the 1600s. The game mentioned in it was called “Ventiuna”, which means twenty-one in Spanish. This is why many historians conclude that blackjack was invented no later than the 17th century, deriving its origins from this Spanish game.
The game is also said to have ties to other popular games—the French Vingt-et-un and the Italian Seven and a Half. Many historians draw a connection with Seven and a Half because its main objective was to form a hand whose total value was as close to 7 ½ as possible. If players exceeded this amount, they “busted”, making the game very similar to modern blackjack.
On the other hand, Vingt-et-un is a French game that translates as “twenty-one”. It was played in French casinos around the 1600s, and its main goal was to obtain a hand total as close as possible to 21 without exceeding it. It is also believed that the name “blackjack” originated from this game, specifically from the highest hand—a jack and an ace.
Evolution of Blackjack
Later on, in the 1800s, the many variations of blackjack reached America, even though gambling was prohibited at the time. Perhaps because of the enormous interest in these games, in 1931 the State of Nevada became the first jurisdiction to legalize gambling. Casinos quickly gained popularity, with many of them offering an exclusive bonus for a “natural” card combination.
If players held the strongest hand, consisting of an ace of spades and one of the two black jacks, they were paid 10:1. As time passed, blackjack became one of the most-played casino games, giving casinos the opportunity to capitalize on the interest and remove this generous payout. Nowadays, most blackjack games pay 3:2 for this lucky combination.
Blackjack is one of the few casino games that have evolved greatly over the years. As a result, it is no surprise that it now boasts a number of interesting variations. Each of them allows players to diversify their gaming experience and enjoy the new features and additional rules the versions introduce. Many casinos have adjusted the game to suit their patrons’ needs, ensuring that all types of gamblers—regardless of their betting habits and experience—can play. It is possible to find tables with different betting limits, making the game suitable for everyone.
History of Blackjack Strategies
Because blackjack is a card game, many people suspected that its outcome could be influenced by sound strategy. Some of the first individuals who tried to determine the patterns behind the game were two mathematicians—John Scarne and Julian Braun. They are credited with many of the blackjack strategies still used today. Their theories greatly contributed to the development of both basic and advanced strategies. They demonstrated that it is possible to derive valuable information from the game’s patterns and, in doing so, make wiser decisions. After their findings, blackjack was never the same, as many gamblers began seeking ways to improve their play. They learned how to make better betting choices and moves depending on the total value of their hand, and many managed to reduce the house edge and win more.
As a result, casinos had to impose countermeasures to tilt the game back in their favor. The number of decks was increased several times in an attempt to stop players from gaining an advantage. Initially, the game was played with a single pack of cards; however, nowadays it is very difficult to find such a version. Most casinos offer blackjack that utilizes six or eight decks.
History of Card Counting
One of the most widespread strategies known today is card counting. It is used by countless players worldwide who attempt to improve their results and lower the house edge. Card counting was devised by the mathematician Edward Thorp, and it works best when applied alongside basic strategy. Its principle is simple—it provides valuable information about the ratio of high to low cards and can, to some extent, predict whether the upcoming cards will be high- or low-value.
Therefore, players can use this information to make smarter bets. For instance, if they know that more high-value cards remain in the deck, they can place larger wagers, as the chances of receiving a strong hand are greater. In this way, players have an opportunity to gain an advantage and achieve the desired winnings.
Conclusion
The exact origins of blackjack are highly disputed, as it resembles several older card games from three different countries—France, Spain, and Italy. Since it first appeared, the game has undergone major changes and developed significantly. Nowadays, numerous exciting variations can be played in every reputable brick-and-mortar casino, as well as online. It is a game that requires both luck and skill, which is why, throughout the years, numerous strategies have been created. Thanks to these strategies, players can gain an advantage over the casino and become consistent winners in the long term.