Blackjack History and Origin

Blackjack or 21 is perhaps the most recognizable card game in the world. One hardly meets any gambler who doesn't know how to play blackjack. The objective is to get a score of 21 or less that's higher than the dealer's score. A score beyond this figure results in immediate loss. What exactly do we know about blackjack history?

Like that of many games, blackjack history is shrouded in uncertainty. No one knows for sure where and when exactly it originated. But it is universally accepted that a French game known as "vingt en un" which appeared in the 1600s, is one of its predecessors.

Records in blackjack history suggest that this French 21 had very similar rules to modern blackjack. Like standard blackjack and its variants, the goal was to make a natural hand of 21 or as close as possible while also beating the dealer. There were some differences though. Only the dealer could make a "double" decision, and the player had to bet in each round of the game.

Eventually the card game made its way to America, where according to blackjack history, it got its modern name. Blackjack takes its name from a special feature in the game: If you got dealt a black-colored jack and the ace of spades, you had a "blackjack" and won a bonus payout.

A similar card game is also counted in blackjack history as a relative of 21. It was played in Italy and known as "Seven and a Half." Only court cards and pips 7, 8 and 9 were used. The target score was 7 and 1/2; past that and the player lost. Most likely, several card games developed at about the same time with similar rules.

Blackjack met with strong opposition from the law in US soil. But it only grew in popularity as an illegal gambling sport in the 1920s and 1930s.

One of the shining moments in blackjack history - as far as players are concerned - was in the 1960s when Professor Edward Thorp published his book, "Beat the Dealer." This work, which disclosed a card counting method that could give players an edge over the house, became an instant bestseller and struck fear into the hearts of casino owners. Casinos had to modify their rules for blackjack to compensate for the damage done by Thorp's method.

Since then many expert blackjack players have devised ways to get around casino rules and make money in blackjack. Among the most successful (and notorious) was the MIT Blackjack Team. This group of college students raked in millions during a wild, short-lived run in casinos before being caught and banned for life.

Today blackjack is still widely popular among both casual players and professional gamblers. Play blackjack online now!