History of Blackjack or Twenty-One (21)

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History of Blackjack or Twenty-One (21)

December 25, 2005 10:06 PM EST | Games | Email to Friend

Have you ever wondered where the game of twenty-one came from, or how it became known as Black-jack! Well here it comes...

Blackjack is believed to have originated in France sometime in the 1700s and was called "vingt-et-un." Vingt-et-un is French for twenty-one, the original name of the game. Blackjack wasn't actually called Blackjack until it traveled over to America where various Nevada casinos created a slightly modified version of twenty-one that paid out 10 to 1 odds if you received a black-jack and an ace of spades. Though these odds and the version of the game have long since been dismissed the name still stuck and most people know the game of "21" as "Blackjack."

Why is blackjack such a popular games?

I believe that blackjack has been such a popular game because it is very simple to play and easy to learn for almost anyone interested. The game incorporates a game of change with a game of statistical analysis, that is you theoretically could increase your odds be watching the cards played and change your bet to reflect your odds of winning. This method of analysis is also known as card counting and is not an easy thing to learn or master. Additionally if you become known as a card counter you may find yourself unwelcome in many places.