When it comes to Blackjack, a staple of casinos worldwide, there is so much more to the game than meets the eye. This classic card game, also known as 21, has so much history and inner workings that make it what it is today.
There's always room to learn more interesting things about this casino classic, so here are seven intriguing facts about Blackjack that might surprise you:
Blackjack's roots are hard to fully trace back, but many believe it had its proper start in France in the 1700s. Here, the game was known as "Vingt-et-Un," meaning "Twenty-One." The game was popular in French casinos before quickly spreading to other parts of Europe.
Then, it made its way to North America, where it evolved into the game we recognise today. It got the name "Blackjack" as a result of a special rule offering more if the player's hand included the Ace of Spades and a black Jack (either Jack of Clubs or Jack of Spades).
With Blackjack, more than many other casino games, the dealer has a crucial role. In this game, you are playing against the dealer as opposed to other players – like you would in games like Poker, for example.
The dealer has specific rules to follow, which significantly affect the game's outcome. Dealers must 'hit' until their cards total 17 or higher. This rule can sometimes work in the player's favour, since it can result in the dealer going 'bust'.
The number of decks used in a Blackjack game can vary depending on what game you play, and this variation influences the house edge. Traditional single-deck games usually offer better odds but are increasingly rare. More decks mean a higher house edge, so this is something to keep in mind when choosing which Blackjack game you'd like to play. Although, it should be taken into account that alongside this all games are based on chance.
Yes, there is a Blackjack Hall of Fame! Established in 2002 at the Barona Casino in San Diego, California, it honours notable Blackjack players and contributors.
Inductees include authors and professional players who have made significant impacts on the game. This is simply an interesting way to know more about the history of the game and the type of players who have tried it.
It sounds simple, but some people may not know the options you have when playing a game of Blackjack. To break it down, a player has four main actions to take with any given hand during gameplay:
Another interesting fact to know about playing Blackjack is the value of the cards. A simple way to know is that the numbered cards from two to 10 are worth their face value. Face cards – King, Queen, and Jack – also carry a value of 10.
The Ace is unique in Blackjack and can be counted as either one or 11, depending on the player's choice and how it best suits their hand.
The final fact about Blackjack you may not know is the sheer scale of the online casino landscape. Thanks to the advancements we've seen in technology, Blackjack – along with many other casino classics – can now be played online wherever you have a reliable internet connection.
With this comes the ability of providers to offer a variety of game styles and variations of Blackjack, so you can enjoy different games all from one platform.
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Blackjack's blend of great gameplay, combined with its rich history, helps ensure its lasting popularity. Understanding these lesser-known facts can help you know more about how to play.
What fact surprised you most on this list?
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