Blackjack is a game which is steeped in history. It has been played for centuries and has evolved throughout the years into the game we recognise today. If you have ever wondered how the game came to be, then you will find what you are looking for on this page. We will trace the game back to its origins right through to the current day.

The Origins of the Game

When it comes to the origins of blackjack, there are different theories as to when and how the game started. One widely accepted theory is that the game started in the 18th century in France. The game which was popular in the courts of Louis XV was called Vingt-et-Un or Vingt-Un, which translates to 21. There were some differences to the modern game, such as only the dealer being allowed to double down, and bets being placed with every card that was dealt, but it had the same basic objective of getting as close to 21 as possible without busting.

Yet similar games which probably influenced this card game can be traced back even further in history. Games such as the Italian Sette e Mezzo, the French Quinze and the Spanish Trent-Un also attributed values to the cards and the aim was to reach a specific number. Some of these games also counted the ace as a 1 or an 11, as found in the modern version of the game. In fact, Miguel de Cervantes, who wrote Don Quixote, referenced the Spanish game Trent-Un in a piece of writing in 1570.

The Evolution of the Game in America

The game of Vingt-et-Un came to America with French colonists. In 1820, the first legalised and house banked games took place in New Orleans. Although non-legal and player banked games could be found elsewhere throughout the area at this time. The game started to be called 21 and it quickly spread throughout the whole of northern America.

State legalisation of gambling in Nevada in 1931 lead to great popularisation of the game of 21. A significant difference in the rules here eventually led to the name of blackjack. There was a special payout of 10 to 1 for a hand containing the ace of spades and a black jack (i.e. spades or clubs). The surprisingly large payout for this hand was soon removed, however the name “Blackjack” stuck with the game henceforth. The standard game rules which we know today were implemented around this time by the Nevada Gaming Commission.

The Emergence of Strategy and Card Counting

The rise in popularity of the legalised game in the great casinos of Las Vegas brought with it a wave of players who developed strategies and systems to optimise successful play. Perhaps the most famous of these systems was card counting. Around the 1950’s a player named Jess Marcum used card counting techniques to try and beat the house. This led to him being banned from multiple casinos. In 1957, a book was written by 4 players, Baldwin, Cantey, McDermott and Maisel entitled Playing Blackjack to Win. This referred to a basic blackjack strategy and tracking the cards dealt to reduce the house edge to a minimum.

Yet it was the release of Beat the Dealer in 1962 that really grabbed the attention of both players and casino operators alike. Edward O’Thorp’s book is considered by many as the true birth of card counting. O’Thorp studied and analysed how tracking cards could help identify when the player had the advantage and should bet big. His ten-count system brought many new players to the casinos to try their luck at the system. Casinos reacted by increasing the number of decks used in the game and other such measures to try and reduce the effectiveness of the system. Over the years, numerous other players adapted and evolved the principles of card counting. Players continue to use card counting techniques to this day. Although not technically illegal, it is a practice which is not looked upon favourably by casinos.

Modern Developments – Online Blackjack

The next significant development in the game of blackjack came with the boom of the internet. By the mid 90’s, the first online casinos were being launched, meaning blackjack could be played for real money from the comfort of your own home. This started with just the classic, traditional version of the game, yet soon after, new and exciting variants were being made available to play online.

Games such as Blackjack Switch, Double Exposure Blackjack and 21 Duel emerged. Thanks to their unique gameplay and adaptation of classic game rules, they became a big hit with players looking for a new and exciting twist on the traditional game. A wide variety of optional side bets were also introduced across different variants, offering players a shot at bigger payouts.

Online blackjack was undoubtedly a hit, yet some players found the lack of real casino atmosphere a major drawback. The introduction of Live Blackjack helped to bridge the gap between playing on the internet and playing in a real brick and mortar casino. Technological advancements enable you to play the game of 21 in real time, with a real dealer, without even having to step foot outside the house. Games are streamed from specialised casino studios with super video quality and multiple camera angles to really get you up close to the action.

Nowadays, the best blackjack sites offer a comprehensive experience, providing both RNG (Random Number Generator) blackjack and live dealer games. Players can choose from a wide range of variants across these two formats, whether they prefer the fast-paced, automated gameplay of RNG blackjack or the immersive, real-time interaction of live blackjack. The accessibility and variety make it easier than ever to find the perfect game, whether you’re after classic rules or innovative new twists

Blackjack – A Game that has Stood the Test of Time

Blackjack has been played for centuries and it has evolved and adapted throughout the ages to become one of the most popular casino card games played to this day. Whether played in a real land based casino or online, the thrill of using your skills to try and win real money has great allure and appeal. This is one game that is not likely to go out of fashion anytime soon!