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This Is How The Popular Card Game Came About

by SAM

Blackjack is one of the most famous games in online casinos today and it is impossible to imagine gambling halls without it. But how exactly did the game, which is all about the number 21, come about and where does the name blackjack come from? We investigated these questions.

 Where Does Blackjack Come From?

It is controversial among gambling historians which previous games shaped blackjack. Some believe that the ancient Romans – who loved to bet – played an early form of blackjack, while others trace the origins back to the first card games in ancient China.

However, experts agree that blackjack as we know it today was first played in French casinos in the 17th century. It was called Vingt-et-Un (21) and was derived from the games Chemin de Fer and French Ferme, which were very popular in France at the time. The game finally came to Louisiana through French immigrants, which is why it spread from New Orleans to America.

From 21 To Blackjack

In America the game was simply called 21 at first. The name blackjack didn’t develop until gambling was legalized in Nevada. Resourceful gambling operators in the casino metropolis Las Vegas wanted to attract more players to the still rather unpopular game and organized a special promotion. If you have an ace of spades and a black jack (“black jack”) in your hand in the first round, you win with odds of 10-1. This is how the name blackjack consolidated and, in contrast to this promotion, has held up to this day.

How Does Blackjack Work?

Blackjack is played with poker cards, so a card set consists of 52 cards. To prevent the notorious card counting, 6-8 sets are used in a game, so all cards can be drawn multiple times. In blackjack, the players do not compete against each other, but against the dealer. The basic rule is simple: beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21.

Gameplay

  • At the start of the game, all players place their bets. The dealer now distributes an exposed card to each player and himself, then each player receives another card, which is revealed. The dealer’s second card, the so-called hole card, is placed face down.
  • Now it is the players’ turn and can, if necessary, ask for more cards to get closer to 21. If the 21 is exceeded, the corresponding player has overbought and loses his stake.
  • If no more cards are requested, it is the dealer’s turn. He now reveals his second card. In contrast to the players, he cannot freely decide how long to draw further cards, but follows a predetermined scheme.
  • When the dealer has completed his turn, the round is over. If he has exceeded 21, all remaining players receive their winnings. If the dealer’s score is below 21, all players closer to 21 win. Players who have the same number of points as the dealer will tie the round and get their stake back.

Useful Knowledge About Blackjack

The popular card game is not only a hit in the casinos themselves, it is also a popular choice in online and live casinos, because many players have now recognized that blackjack is a game of skill and big profits can be made with skill and a little luck .