A version tells that blackjack originated in French in early 18th century. By that time, the game was called “vingt-et-un” or “twenty-and-one”. The name is still used widely nowadays together with the new more popular name “blackjack”. Where did the name “blackjack” come from?
The origin of the name “blackjack” comes from the rule in the game which says that the player who gets the Ace of spades and Jack of spades as the first two cards will get the bonus. The Jack of spades as the vital card then becomes the name of the game, the blackjack.
The game then traveled from France to United States in the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, the states of Nevada banned any kind of gambling and made it a violation against the law. All gambling including casinos were not allowed to exist. Fortunately, Nevada restore the legalization of gambling and blackjack was found to be the one of the popular games which offered in every casino.
Blackjack is very easy to learn. The only objective of the game is for the players to get the closest point to 21 without getting bust. Getting bust means that the cards on your hands already score over 21 points. If that happens, the player is lost.
The number cards are worth the same with the numbers they each bear. For example, card 10 is worth ten, card 5 is worth five. The face cards are all worth 10 while the Ace can either be worth 11 or 1 according to the player who holds the card.
Previously, it has been explained that the player who has the closest point to 21 wins the game. However, if there are two or more players who get the same point, then it is called a tie. Here are the steps of how the game is played.
- Players place a bet.
- The dealer deals two cards to each player and one to himself facing upwards.
- The dealer deals a second card for himself.
- The players then get the chance to hit or stand.
- If the player asks hit, then he/she can decide how many cards she or he would go to reach 21.
- If the point is over 21, then the player busts and she or he lose in the game.
- If one of the players hits 21, then she or he wins.