Blackjack History

Many people play a popular game but only few know its history. The exact and accurate history of blackjack is still unknown but there are different theories to support where it originated.

A greater proportion believes that its origin started inside a French casino. Sometime in 1700, there is game named "Vingt-et-Unwhich". This term literally means twenty-one (21). However, there are other beliefs that it is not the "Vingt-et-Unwhich" which started it all, but the games called "Chemin de Fer" and "French Ferme". These two games are also popular by that time. Nevertheless, "Vingt-et-Unwhich" is the closest in terms of name and game concept.

When French has colonized North America, the "Vingt-et-Unwhich" or "21" became popular in the continent. In 1931, the game "21" boosts its popularity in Nevada, which is the first state to legalized gambling.

The rules back then are slightly dissimilar from the current rules. One difference is that "Vingt-et-Unwhich" only allows the dealer to double, and not the other players. A special bet on "21" has been presented by the other casinos to attract players. A hand with one of the black jacks, whether Jack of Spades or Jack of Clubs, and an Ace of Spades would pay 10-to-1 odds on the winning bet. This strange wager is said to be history of blackjack name.

Although the theory about the "Vingt-et-Unwhich" is more widely accepted, there are still other existing theories for the history of blackjack. Others explain that it is a Romans' idea, while the others presume that the game originated in Spain. Romans are known to be inclined in gambling and they have invented a game which includes blocks made of wood with assigned numerical value. There is no explanation, however, on how to play those wooden blocks. Meanwhile in Spain, there is game called "One and Thirty," wherein the goal is to ace three cards that sum up to 31. The basic rule of "One and Thirty" is very similar to our game, but instead of 31, you have to reach 21.