21, famously known as blackjack, is one of the most popular card games, which depends on your skill and chance to win against the house. You can only beat the dealer with a hand value of 21 or as close as possible to 21 without going beyond. The game has long been one of the most beloved casino games. It has birthed zealous players and enthusiasts, some of whom have published several books about the game’s strategy. But who invented blackjack?
The answer about a blackjack creator is shrouded in mystery. Blackjack has been around for centuries, and several theories have linked its creation to various countries and cultures. These suggested origins have been debated among historians and gaming enthusiasts up till today.
Our casino news, however, will take you on a journey through blackjack’s history, from its alleged French origin to its modern incarnation in casinos worldwide.
Who Invented Blackjack and the Path to Its Casino Fame
Blackjack has been around much longer than the name we now call it. Many scholars in blackjack history have traced the origin of blackjack to the French card game, vingt-et-Un (pronounced VAN-tay-ən) or vingt-un (VAN-tən), which means “twenty-one.” Scholars believed this game descended from preceding French card games, Chemin de Fer and French Ferme.
However, several other theories claim Roman and Spanish origins. One example is the standing theory, which links the origin of blackjack with the Romans, who played the game with wooden blocks.
Another claimed it was of Spanish origin and came from the game “veintiuna.” This game requires players to reach but not exceed a point total of twenty-one. Miguel de Cervantes’ book Novelas Ejemplares, written in the early 1600s, referenced this game.
The Italian Sette e mezzo, translated as “seven and a half,” is another popular card game similar to blackjack. Players require a 40-card (a standard deck whose eights, nines, and tens have been removed) to play this game. Players compete against a designated dealer, not each other. Some scholars believed that blackjack might ensue from this game. However, nothing has confirmed all these origins.
Vingt-et-Un became famous in French casinos in the 1700s, especially after it was adopted in the French Royal Court under King Louis XV, who ruled from 1715 to 1774. Even the King’s mistress was a fan. As such, the game soon became widespread throughout Europe.
The rules of vingt-et-un differed slightly from modern blackjack. However, both variations use a 52-deck card and have the same objective: form a hand totaling but not exceeding 21 points. Gambling establishment operators added more rules and features as the game evolved, and others were discarded. Then came the game’s migration across continents.
You can learn the rules, mechanics, and strategies for these games with our casino guides.
Who Invented Blackjack: Journey to America
While blackjack’s predecessor, vingt-et-un, flourished in Europe, the French colonists, who wielded their power in North America between the 1500s and 1800s, introduced the game to the region in the 1700s. Soon enough, it evolved in America, and many learned how to play blackjack with friends.
In 1820, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, became the main center of attraction to blackjack. This popularity came with the city’s licensing of six casinos by the Louisiana legislature in 1823. When the state repealed the license in 1835, casino games flourished in illegal casinos, including vingt-et-un, which soon became “21.” So, why is it called blackjack?
The game took on another rule in the 1800s. The introduction of the attractive 10-1 payout for players holding a blackjack card and an ace was a significant rule change in the game. This appealing development made the game much more popular and eventually inspired the blackjack name change in 1899. The name stuck to the game even when casinos no longer implemented this payout.
Becoming a Staple
Nevada’s legalization as a gambling state in 1931 transformed blackjack into a full-blown casino game. The game later underwent a series of rule changes in Las Vegas, which played key roles in shaping the game.
One of the changes is the compulsory reveal of the dealer’s hole card to players for decision-making. In Vingt-et-Un, players are not allowed to see the dealer’s up card. Another rule is that the assigned dealer should always hit 16 and stand on 17.
Additionally, strategic elements like splitting pairs, doubling down and surrendering added depth to blackjack gameplay. As casinos implemented these rules, blackjack became more of a skill game than a chance game. Later on, it joined the digital gaming world. You can play blackjack online now.
Who Invented Blackjack: Impact of Theorists on Blackjack Evolution
Individuals like Professor Edward Thorp have contributed significantly to the evolution of blackjack. Thorp is a mathematician, hedge fund manager, and professional blackjack player who revolutionized the game with his card-counting strategies.
In 1962, he released his iconic book Beat the Dealer, introducing the card-counting strategy. This strategy tracks the cards already dealt, allowing players to adjust their betting accordingly, following the blackjack basic strategy chart to gain an edge over the casino.
Thorp’s work impacted modern blackjack tactics, and in 2002, he was inducted into the Blackjack Hall of Fame for his contributions.
Several other theorists have also contributed significantly to blackjack strategies. Stanford Wong, Ken Uston, Thomas Hyland, Peter Griffin, James Grosjean, Arnold Snyder, and so on, are Blackjack Hall of Famers who have also been noted for their contributions to the game.
Blackjack: A Timeless Game of Skill
The debate about who invented blackjack continues to this day. However, there is more evidence that it came from France (French Casinos). And the development of strategic gameplay and card-counting techniques has turned blackjack into an extant ordinary skill game.
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