Blackjack gaining popularity in online gaming portals

Origins of the name 'Blackjack'

It is still unknown when exactly the name Blackjack became synonymous with twenty-one. The rules of twenty-one were gradually developed in the 20th Century to create what we know today as Blackjack.

According to some historians, Blackjack was invented during World War I. It was among casinos that offered high payouts and players who won with an Ace of Spades’ hand and a black Jack. Blackjack was also known as the Jack of Spades or Clubs. The aim was to find the "Blackjack".

The bonus payouts offered by American gambling establishments to promote Blackjack are why the name blackjack was born. A bonus payout that was offered to players who had an ace of spades or "Blackjack" or a jack of clubs, or spades, was the 10:1 bonus.

How to play Blackjack?

Players' goal is to reach 21 cards or get close to it without exceeding the dealer's limit. Aces are counted as either 1 or 11, while face cards are counted as 10 and the rest as their index values. A hand that counts 21 on the first two cards, an ace plus a 10 or face card, is a natural or Blackjack. Suits are not relevant.

A player who receives two cards of the same rank can split them, and each one will be played independently. Another rule is "doubling down", which allows two cards totaling 11 (in some variations, 11 or 10). The player doubles their bet, flips up the cards and then takes another card facedown. Some games allow players to win extra by getting five cards and not "going bust", which is going over 21.

History of Blackjack

The theory is that Blackjack was invented by the Romans. Although Romans' love of gambling supports the theory, it is not proven. Romans used wooden blocks to play this game with different numbers.

The popularity of card games grew throughout North America, besides the many versions of Vingt-et-Un. With the assistance of French colonists, the card game made it to America in the 18th Century.

In France, the game didn't develop and spread in the 19th Century. During this period, the game developed and became popular in America. In 1820, the game was legalized in New Orleans. It is interesting to note that the rules of the original Blackjack were not the same as the modern Blackjack. In the early form of Blackjack, the dealer could only double.

Eleanor Dumont was also a story that took place during this period. Born in France, she immigrated to America. She was a skilled dealer, and she traveled until she opened a Nevada City gambling hall. Ironically, Vingt-et-Un was the name of the gambling hall. Because Eleanor was considered rare among card dealers, people came from all over the country to play against her.