So Why Is It Called Blackjack ?

Yes, the movie 21 left us all awestruck, what with the brilliance of the MIT students reviving good old Blackjack and teaching us how to count cards. But not many of us know where this game bears its roots.

Blackjack has actually pictured prominently in the casinos for centuries now. It originated in the 1700s in France at which time it still hadn’t received its famed name “Blackjack”. The French referred to it as “vingt- et-un” which literally means twenty and one.

So, when did it evolve into Blackjack and why? After its popularity surged in France, the Americans caught wind of this engaging game. At first, it failed at luring the crowds of Vegas. So much so that casinos began offering a10:1 payout bonus to those who drew a perfect 21 with the ace of spades and a jack in the black suit (either spade or club).

That’s our infamous present day Blackjack. But today, the dealer will swear you struck a “Blackjack” or a “Natural 21” with any Ace and any face card, and give you 1.5 times your bet.

Casino regulars have known Blackjack like the back of their hands for decades now. Yet the advent of online Blackjack was unforeseen. Online casinos ushered a new culture, one where an amateur can learn risk free before he wagers real moolah. This equips him better with strategies and tips rather than relying on the quack “betting systems”.

In the light of modern technology and better monitored online casinos, learning and playing Blackjack has become more foolproof than ever before. Every gambler today swears by at least one hand on the green-felted Blackjack table.

Modern day Alladin has thrown away his lamp. He doesn’t quite need one he says. A wisely played game of blackjack will do the trick.