How Blackjack Became a Casino Classic: A Journey Through Its History
Blackjack, also called 21, is an interesting and sophisticated game that is very popular all over the world. Since the 16th century, the game has evolved and adapted to become one of the most popular casino card games, played with the same passion to this day.
The popularity of this game also stems from the fact that certain card games like Blackjack can be a fun way to spend your free time, but also to practice your strategic skills.
The Origins of Blackjack
The origin of this game is still hotly debated. The most common theory states that Blackjack appeared in casinos in France sometime around 1700. This theory is supported by evidence such as its mention in Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote, a novel that appeared in the 17th century. Later, the game was called “Vingt-et-un”, which translates to 21 in French.
Another theory places the appearance of this game of chance, long before, in the time of the Romans, who played a very similar variant, with wooden blocks.
During the popularization of this new game in the 18th century, casinos and various bookies started offering “special bets” to attract more people and increase its popularity. One of the most notable special bets, at odds of 10:1, was for a player to have a Blackjack (jack of spades or clubs) alongside an Ace. Hence the name of this game as it is known nowadays originates. And although casinos have gradually eliminated this special bet, the name Blackjack has remained valid to this day, being able to be played successfully in well-known casinos in Romania. Moreover, there are currently a lot of variations of this online game, such as the 3 variants exclusively for casino live Princess games.
The Phenomenal Rise of Blackjack
The game of Vingt-et-Un, also known as 21, was favored by the royal courts and elites of France, including the mistress of King Louis XV and Napoleon Bonaparte, the famous military leader and emperor of France. Napoleon Bonaparte was a big fan of the game Vingt-et-Un and regularly played the game as a way to relax and celebrate after a battle(avia chip io). However, there are rumors that Napoleon banned card games among his soldiers because he thought they would distract them.
Later, Blackjack also reached North America, at the end of the 17th century, the beginning of the 18th century, through the French colonists, appearing, shortly after, in New Orleans, as a perfectly legal casino game, and since 1931, with the legalization of gambling in the state of Nevada, as the staple game of any respectable casino.
In the 1950s, blackjack experienced an impressive rise in popularity, mainly due to the fact that players began to develop their own game strategies. During this period, the American mathematician Roger Baldwin published a book in which he presented a mathematical method for calculating the odds in the game of blackjack, which led to the development of a basic strategy.
Currently, blackjack is available in all casinos in the world, either in the classic version or in newer versions such as multi-hand blackjack or live blackjack. The game is based on the idea of reaching a card value as close to 21 as possible without going over it. Players can win money by beating the dealer or hitting winning combinations.
So, blackjack is one of the most popular casino games around the world, with a fascinating history that has its roots in 18th-century France. From the royal courts of Europe to the casinos of Nevada, the game has evolved and adapted over time, still retaining the essence and charm that made it so popular.
