Popularity of Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. Players love the simple strategy of the game. It is fast-paced and a lot of fun. It also has one of the lowest edges for the house of any game played in the casinos. Here is a look at the history of this extremely popular casino game.

Origins of Blackjack

The history of blackjack starts with the origins of the game. There are many different theories. Some say that the Romans originally created it with a game they played with wooden blocks that is quite similar to it. Most think that the game’s origins lie in either Spain or France. The Spanish played a game that was the same as blackjack with the difference being that players tried to reach a total of 31 instead of 21.

Most gaming experts believe that the history of the game begins somewhere in the early 18th century in France. French casinos featured a game Vingt-et-Un, which translated means “21.” It was this French version of the game that became popular outside of Europe. French colonists brought it with them to the United States, and soon it became popular in New Orleans. It spread from there up and down the Mississippi River on the famous riverboats of the Old West, and soon the game spread throughout gaming houses all over the country.




Different Versions of Blackjack

There were a few differences between Vingt-et-Un and modern-day blackjack. One major difference was that only the dealer could double down their bet. The game also featured a new round of betting after each individual card was dealt.

The game was still called 21 when it first started to be played in Nevada casinos in 1931. In a bid to attract players to the game, the casinos of the time offered players huge payouts if they were dealt a total of 21 with their first two cards. The total had to be reached with either the ace of spades or the ace of clubs, which is how the name was changed from 21 to blackjack.

Casino Innovation of the Game

The casinos have throughout history tried to keep ahead of the players’ blackjack strategy. When counting cards came into favor, the casinos began to employ the strategy of multiple decks and frequent reshuffles. This has kept the casinos from being exploited by math whizzes who are excellent at counting cards. The history of the game is sure to keep evolving, and the casinos will always adjust their strategy to keep the game popular.







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