History of Blackjack

When it comes to casino games, perhaps none is as famous as blackjack. From television to movies and even popular tournaments, everyone enjoys the game and hopes to someday play like the pros.

The Italian Version

Like many great casino games, blackjack boasts a rich Italian history. In the 16th century, a game known as 'Sette e Mezzo'--translating to 'seven and a half' in English--made its way onto the scene as a way for individuals to pass the time. During this time frame, blackjack was played with a standard deck of cards valued seven and above; the face cards counted as one point and nines were counted as half a point.

The French Version

The French version of blackjack made its appearance at the same time as Sette e Mezzo--sometime during the 16th century. Then, the game was called Vingt et Un by the French and was well loved by people of all social standings. This version of the game closely resembles blackjack as it is played in Europe and the Americas to date.

Today's Blackjack

After centuries of refining and changing of rules, blackjack as we know it made its way into Las Vegas in the 1930s. Once it became a hit in the first casino, it quickly spread to others and even into the homes of American residents. Many different types of blackjack were introduced, as were plenty of variations and side bets from which players could choose. Today, there are blackjack tournaments that are televised for the viewing enjoyment of millions.

Online Blackjack

The history of blackjack would not be complete without mentioning the introduction of blackjack to players via the internet. Blackjack was one of the first casino games available online and made its way to the public in the early 1990s. In the last 20 years, technology has allowed the introduction of realistic sounds and graphics as well as live dealers.

Though understanding the history of blackjack is certainly not crucial to gameplay, it may help players gain a deeper appreciation of the game. This way, players have more respect for their opponents and are better able to comprehend and employ advanced blackjack strategies.