Sarah Jacobson 
Blackjack is an entertaining card game with a long and colourful history. From its earlier days in France to its current popularity in Las Vegas, this game is played by thousands at land-based and online casinos. However, like other casino games, Blackjack has been subject to continuous evolutionary changes. Contemporary Blackjack has taken a slightly different approach to the original game. In this article, we’ll dig deeper into the history of blackjack and how it has changed over the years.
The Origins of Blackjack
The origin of Blackjack is still subject to debate. However, it’s widely believed that this timeless card game originated in France in around 1700. Back then, it was called Vingt et Un, which is 21 in French. This early game was mainly a reserve for the French elites, including the famous emperor and military leader Napoleon Bonaparte.
Moving forward to the 17th and 18th centuries, French explorers introduced it to other parts of the world. Vingt et Un made its way to the UK, later transforming into the modern-day Pontoon. French colonialists also introduced it in the United States, where it became Blackjack as we know it today. The German variant is still called Vingt-Un (Einundzwanzig).
The Rise of Blackjack Strategies
In the mid-20th century, Blackjack strategies emerged as players started inventing ways to beat the dealer. The turning point was when a team of casino enthusiasts published a paper called “The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack” in September 1956. This publication provided players with the first comprehensive strategies. It advised gamers when to hit, stand, split, and perform other moves on the table.
With Blackjack strategies becoming more widespread, players started forming teams to increase their winning chances. The MIT Team, founded in 1980 by Bill Kaplan and JP Massar, is considered the most legendary and successful. This team comprised of sharp poker-playing MIT students won millions of dollars using card counting strategies.
Today, Blackjack has dozens of mathematical strategies and betting systems that can help players boost their winning chances. The Martingale strategy is undoubtedly the most popular betting system in Blackjack and other games like Roulette. It advises players to double their wagers after every loss until they win and recoup their losses.
Other popular Blackjack betting systems include:
- Labouchere
- Flat betting
- Fibonacci
- D’Alembert
- Oscar’s Grind
Modern Blackjack Variants and Side Bets
The transformation of Blackjack didn’t stop with the invention of strategies and betting systems. Blackjack became more diversified with the introduction of new variations and side bets. However, newer games came with different rules that altered the gameplay dynamics. This called for new strategies.
An example is Spanish 21, which was invented in the mid-1990s by Masque Publishing Inc. It uses 6 or 8 decks of cards dealt from a shoe or shuffling machine. However, Spanish Blackjack differs from the original version because the decks don’t have face cards or 10s. Blackjack Switch is another popular variant where players are dealt two hands that they can randomly switch.
Side bets also started becoming more widespread with the invention of Blackjack variants. These are optional bets that players can make alongside the main bets and win a bigger amount. One of the most played side bets today is 21+3. This bet pays out if your first two cards and the dealer’s up-card form a winning poker hand.
Other side bets in modern-day Blackjack include:
- Perfect Pair: If the first two cards are of the same suit or rank.
- Colored Pair: If the first two cards are of the same color or rank.
- Royal Match: If the first two cards are Kings and Queens of a similar suit.
- Super Seven: If your first card is a seven.
- Insurance: This side bet protects players when the dealer draws an Ace.
Online Blackjack was the Game-Changer
We cannot discuss the evolution of this game without mentioning online Blackjack. Microgaming, a European software company, launched the first casino site in 1994. The idea was to allow avid gamblers to play remotely on their computers. This experience has since become more convenient, thanks to smartphone technology.
However, online Blackjack provides more than the convenience of playing remotely from anywhere. These games have become more entertaining and immersive. They use popular slot themes and features. For example, several online Blackjack games have progressive jackpots from developers like Microgaming and Playtech.
Meanwhile, players can stream Blackjack games live from land-based casino studios for life-like experiences. These online tables have professional and friendly live dealers who explain the game rules and ensure players feel comfortable. What’s best is that you can play Live Blackjack with as little as $0.10 per hand.
The Future of Blackjack
The exciting journey of Blackjack reveals the dynamic nature of this classic card game. This game has come from humble beginnings in France to modern variants with AI simulations. Looking ahead, it’s evident that Blackjack will continue to evolve and align with the changing player behaviors and technological advancements. In short, this game will continue to mesmerize players for generations.
About Author
