Blackjack is widely popular among casino players due to its theoretical edge. Although many players enjoy playing blackjack both casually and professionally, few are familiar with its fascinating history, which spans over 300 years.
The game has appeared under several alternative names, and due to its simple rules, it quickly caught fire with the general public.
So, let’s explore the history of one of the most popular and easy-to-learn but hard-to-master casino games.
The Origins of Blackjack: Tracing the Game’s Early History
Blackjack (in its initial form, not yet called blackjack) appeared in various European countries, including Spain, France, the UK, and the US.
Although the first written records span hundreds of years, depending on the country, it’s safe to assume that the game was played actively throughout Western Europe, both in courts and taverns.
Blackjack basic strategy can be understood in a few minutes, which is probably one of the reasons why the game has developed and stayed without any major changes.
When Was Blackjack Invented? Exploring Its Timeline
Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes first mentions Veintiuno (Spanish for “twenty-one” or “vingt-un” in France) in his "Rinconete y Cortadillo", which was completed in the early 1600s, meaning that the game known as 21 (the predecessor of blackjack) was played in Castile at the beginning of the 17th century and most likely earlier.
The first records of the game in the UK and France date from the 1770s and 1888, respectively. However, there’s no pinpointing the exact year in which blackjack, or 21, was invented. The goal of the early game was to get to 21 points, without going over, while the A carried the value of 1 and 11.
Where Did Blackjack Originate? A Look at Its Geographic Roots
If written sources are to be trusted, it’s safe to say that blackjack originated in Spain and quickly expanded to neighbouring countries, primarily France and the UK. Some believe that the game actually originated in France, called vingt-un at the time, and it was massively popular among the French elite. However, this can’t be said for certain.
One thing is for sure - the game originated somewhere in western Europe, and whether it was Spain or France isn’t of importance today.
There are even theories mentioning the Romans as game inventors. This can’t be confirmed, but the Romans did love gambling, and we can leave open the possibility that some very early version of the game did indeed exist in ancient Rome.
Who Invented Blackjack? The Mystery Behind Its Creator
There isn’t one person who invented blackjack. The game is shaped by European gambling culture, and it has evolved over time, becoming the game we know and love today.
Blackjack was popular across Europe and the US due to its simplicity, played both in high courts and among common people.
The Name Origin of Blackjack: Why Is It Called ‘Blackjack’?
If your hand consisted of the ace of spades and a black jack (the jack of clubs or spades), you’d get a ten-to-one payout. Therefore, the term blackjack was later used for the game name.
According to French card historian Thierry Depaulis, this widely accepted story isn’t exactly true as people are led to believe, and he offers another explanation.
During the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s, people played vingt-un or twenty-one. The name blackjack refers to the mineral zincblende, which is associated with gold and silver deposits, and it was given as a reward for the top bonus hand. The name blackjack stuck and became widely used over time.
Is Blackjack the Same as 21?
Yes, blackjack is essentially the same as 21. Think of twenty-one as the predecessor or an alternative name for blackjack. But, you don't have to be familiar with the game history to know how to win at blackjack. It's just fun to know the trivia, though.
There were some other alternative games with similar goals. For instance, vingt-un came after French Quinze (where the goal was to get to 15) and Italian Sette e Mezzo (seven and a half). In Spain, 31 was also played in addition to 21.
The Evolution of the 21 Card Game Into Modern Blackjack?
Throughout history, blackjack came in different forms and although the goal of the game was the same, different rules applied depending on where you’d play it. For example, a Spanish deck was used in Spain, containing no 10s, while the French version included a banker. In the US, the bonus payout of 10:1 was offered if your hand consisted of the Ace of Spades and a black jack.
Over time, the rules began to standardise. Multiple decks were used to prevent card counting while the dealer must hit on 16 and stand on 17. Splitting pairs and doubling down came into play, turning blackjack into the game we know today.
This particular card game became popular once casinos started opening up after WWII, especially in Vegas. Nowadays, you can play online blackjack in different casinos around the world from your home. This includes different variations of blackjack games, live dealer blackjack and tournaments.
Some Fun Facts About Blackjack You Probably Didn’t Know
As if blackjack isn’t fun enough, to finish things off, we’ve selected some of the interesting facts to check about the game:
- You have to shuffle at least 7 times to randomise a deck.
- The Blackjack Hall of Fame in Barona Casino, in San Diego, California, offers every inductee a lifetime of complimentary rooms, food, and beverages. They must never play blackjack in the casino, though.
- Eleanore Dumont was the first professional blackjack player in the US.
- Napoleon Bonaparte enjoyed blackjack, but prohibited his soldiers from playing before the battle in order not to lose focus.
- Some of the best blackjack movies are 21 and Rain Man.
