Who hasn’t seen a game of blackjack on TV? Any show that involves some form of gambling most likely has a scene with famous old blackjack in it. Classic westerns loved to show poker and blackjack. But where did this amazingly popular gambling game first show up?
Though its exact origins are still unknown, it’s speculated that blackjack originated in France or Spain. Blackjack was originally called Twenty-one and when it arrived in the United States, it wasn’t an instant hit at all. Casinos started offering huge bonus payouts to anyone who got the ace of spades and a black jack in their hand. The game was renamed “Blackjack” because of this and the name has stuck ever since. The modern version doesn’t have a bonus payout, but an ace and any face card is still called a blackjack.
A lot of casinos have made up their own versions of blackjack, but the original game is still insanely popular around the world. Blackjack tournaments are common and serious events, starting every player with an equal amount of chips. The end goal, of course, is to hold the most chips. Most tournaments are held with several rounds.
Blackjack is one of the most popular online casino games because it’s simple and fast. The basic rules are easy to learn; get a 21 or as close to it as you can. If you go over 21, you bust. Aces are worth either a 1 or an 11, face cards are 10 and all other cards are their normal values. You usually play against the dealer, not other players – though blackjack makes a good party game too.
There are variants of blackjack in most countries under names like Pontoon, Spanish 21, Kampung Blackjack, Vegas-Style Blackjack and French Vingt-en-un. No matter what it’s called, blackjack continues to get new styles and rules –and to remain popular with fans.