​​How Blackjack Became a Popular Game

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Blackjack is arguably the oldest card gambling game still played today, with its origins stretching as far back as 1000 AD, perhaps even further.

The game has evolved significantly over the past millennium, going from a very rudimentary way for Chinese merchants and royalty to keep themselves occupied to one of the most widespread and enjoyed online casino games in the 21st century. 

The journey in between is packed with fascinating twists and turns, as blackjack crossed continents and oceans, becoming an especially popular hit throughout Europe in the 1600s.

It was a staple throughout France and Spain in particular before crossing the Atlantic and becoming an instrumental part of American life on the frontier. Before long, blackjack had also helped play a vital part in the formation of Las Vegas, the undisputed gambling capital of the world.

That’s the short version, but there is far more to know about how blackjack became so popular and why it’s still one of the most played and highly regarded card games out there. Keep reading for a comprehensive investigation into the game’s history, alongside a summary of the main rules and some golden strategies to help you taste success.

Modern Blackjack Varieties

Blackjack can be enjoyed in various forms nowadays, with players able to enjoy traditional casino variants alongside different online possibilities. Here’s a look:

Live Dealer Blackjack

Most online casino players nowadays prefer playing live dealer blackjack, a version of the game involving real-life dealers being live-streamed direct to your screens. This blackjack variety is famed for its immersive nature and various special features.

Real-life Casino Blackjack 

The original version of blackjack played in land-based casinos is still arguably the most desirable, mainly because of that quintessential atmosphere. Expert players can also find it easier to employ card counting tactics.

Online Video Blackjack

Online video blackjack uses random number generators rather than actual cards. It’s a great option for those looking for fast-paced gameplay, and can be a good way to test out strategies without a dealer.

Blackjack: the Origins

While the rules and general gameplay were likely vastly different, most gambling historians agree that the origins of blackjack stretch back to 11th century China. Indeed, some particularly adventurous scholars have argued that the roots of blackjack go back even further, with evidence of primitive playing card tablets being found in Ancient China. 

Regardless of exactly when these inventions came to be, there’s no denying that the blackjack story started in China. Without playing cards, the game is impossible to play.

As a result, even if the Chinese didn’t create the explicit rules for the blackjack we know today, without their influence, the game simply would not exist.

How Blackjack Became a Global Favorite

Blackjack cards

Although the foundations for blackjack were created in China, the game we know and love today was codified and popularized in Europe. The game underwent significant evolution as it spread across the continent, with France playing a particularly important role in its development.

Early card rooms and casinos began offering vingt-et-un (translating directly to 21) in the late 1500s and early 1600s, with the game appearing in several writings from that era.

Vingt-et-un was most notably mentioned by Miguel de Cervantes, the famous Spanish writer known for writing the world’s first novel. He first wrote about a game called “ventiuna” in a short story called Rinconete y Cortadillo, before mentioning it increasingly in works like Don Quixote.

This is a key example of how early varieties of blackjack were growing in prominence during the 16th century, and things were about to get even more exciting as the game crossed the Atlantic.

French and Spanish colonists brought the early form of blackjack to North America in the 18th century, and it quickly ballooned in popularity across the continent. The fervor for the game resulted in various rule changes, one being the addition of a “blackjack” bonus, and so the game finally received its modern name.

By the time Las Vegas erupted out of the Nevada desert, blackjack was already a fan favorite. With the proliferation of casinos and a new gambling golden age firmly under way, the sky was the limit for this straightforward yet incredibly gripping card game.  

Top Blackjack Tips and Tricks to Remember

We’ve already explored other areas, with advice like some of the top tips for personal finance to stay focused, so with this in mind, let’s run through some of the most pertinent blackjack tips and tricks to remember for a better chance of success:

  • Always budget strictly and effectively.
  • Take advantage of online casino bonuses.
  • Beware of the insurance bet.
  • Read blackjack strategy charts and memorize the best actions.
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