In order to cope with their hectic lifestyles, people try various things to pass their free time and make it more enjoyable. Of course, there are as many strategies to his as there are people, but there are some that are more popular than others. Some people, for example, want to relax with a good book; some like to go fishing. However, there are also people who seem to seek more thrill and enjoyment, and that might be the reason why so many people like gambling; it is an activity as old as humanity itself. When we think of casinos, of course, certain things come to mind. One of the most popular games that can be found there is most certainly blackjack. This game is by no means a new thing. How did blackjack originate?
What is blackjack?
Blackjack is one of the most popular games in a casino. It requires a special table, a dealer, and 2-7 players. Contrary to popular belief, the players do not play against one another, but rather against the dealer. Each player begins with two cards, one facing up, and the other facing down. The player’s hand needs to be as close to 21 as possible if it is closer than the dealer, the player wins. If the player’s hand exceeds 21, he loses, even if the dealer does the same. These are the most basic rules for the game of blackjack. However, due to its popularity, there are hundreds of variations of this game played all around the world. But how did it become what it is today?
How did it originate?
As you can probably imagine, the game of blackjack is much older than its current name. In fact, it was originally known as ‘twenty-one’. How that game originated, it is unclear. The first written mentions of the game are found in the works of Miguel de Cervantes, the famous author of Don Quixote, primarily in a short story dating to the year 1601. There are several mentions of the game later, and it is known that a version of it was played even in the French royal court. Of course, it was different from the game that we know today.
How did blackjack become blackjack?
The name blackjack was created only after gambling was brought to the United States; in the first half of the 19th century, when places like New Orleans had legalized gambling dens, the game was still known as twenty-one. Casinos had in the United States in the 20th century blossomed, when the name blackjack was established, as well as the rules that are still used today.
The future
Like most casino games, blackjack also found its place in the digital world of today. People who do not have access to land casinos, or do not wish to give up the comfort of their homes, can enjoy various online versions of blackjack, which are just as exciting as the real deal.