Blackjack, also known as 21, is recognised worldwide with other games. Below, we will tell the story of the game that is a key part of every casino in the world.
Blackjack, 21, the history of the game
If we were to place this famous card game in any period, we would do so in the 16th century. Travels, battles and trade helped people and nations be persuaded by gambling games.
Europe and the United States as origins of the game
During this historical period, there were different games in Europe that were in vogue. For example, baccarat in France, siete y medio in Spain and sette e mezzo in Italy. It was then that its inventor, who remains unknown to date, decided to bring these European games together to call it vingt-et-un. In this new game the rules were not very different from the previous versions.
The game began to gain so much recognition in the 18th and 19th centuries that it quickly became popular in the gambling halls of the European aristocracy. Its fame continued to grow until the American casinos of the time began to offer it in their salons. It was then that the card game was re-named Blackjack, with the name vingt-et-un taking a back seat. This new name was born due to the main rules of the game, the player who got a 21 with an Ace and a J of spades (Black) won ten times their bet.
Change of rules during the 20th century
Blackjack was making its way to the green tables of American casinos. It became so popular in the early 20th century that studies on how it could be won began to be published. More and more people were studying the game to find the winning formula. It was then that the casinos decided to modify the rules a little, as it had become unprofitable for the entertainment halls. By making these changes, both the casinos and the players enjoyed the game again. It was at this moment in time that some gambling promotions began to be enjoyed. Bonuses at that time started to be centre stage and became the most sought after prizes to this day.
Important figures in the history of Blackjack
As previously mentioned, it was at the beginning of the 20th century when the first studies on how to win at Blackjack were undertaken. There were quite a few who tried, but the most renowned was Roger Baldwin.
Roger was a soldier in Maryland in 1953. To kill time one afternoon, he and his buddies decided to play a few games of this card game.
That is when he realised that when the dealer has 16 cards, you have to throw one away. After that he used his spare time to write down a series of mathematical equations, with the aim of discovering a formula to win the game.
With the help of three colleagues, they wrote an article explaining the algorithm that would help any Blackjack player to win. After this paper, the four young men became known as the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
However, their work was not recognised until 2008, when they were inducted into the Blackjack Hall of Fame in Las Vegas.
Blackjack in the online world
The casino world has evolved so much that nowadays everyone can have access to the games, unlike in the past when only aristocrats could enjoy these hobbies. Those who do not know how to play Blackjack can find a lot of information on online sites like VSO. Once you know the rules, you can enter the world of the game for free, so you do not lose any money. After you get the hang of it, you can start betting small amounts. In addition, the digital world also offers bonuses like those offered at traditional casinos. Free spins or no deposit bonuses are just a couple of examples of the promotions that users can find online.
Now, after having learned a little more about Blackjack, would you like to play a game?
