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Euro 21
Blackjack: A History
You simply just can't get enough of blackjack, right? It's so fun and exciting that there's no chance that you would pass up a game or two when you visit the casino everywhere you go. But do you want to know more about your favorite card game in the world? Here is a little historical background on blackjack.
The exact roots of the game blackjack are still debated up to now. Game historians believe that blackjack does not have a direct game ancestor. They believe that blackjack evolved from various card games.
Among the games believed to be where blackjack came from is a couple of French games. "Chemin de Fer" and "French Ferme" were those believed to be the games closest to blackjack which it evolved from. But it was in the 18th century when a game similar to blackjack was played in French casinos. This game, which literally means, "twenty one," was called "Vingt-et-un".
During the 19th century, blackjack arrived on the soils of the United States of America, despite the anti-gambling policies being implemented in the country. But in 1933, gambling was legalized in Nevada. When gambling was eventually legalized in several states, blackjack became one of the most favorite card games in casinos all over the country. Casino owners saw the huge profit brought by the popularity of blackjack among casino goers.
Blackjack strategies were developed as the popularity of the game became more prevalent. During the 1950s, Robert Baldwin wrote "Optimum strategy in Blackjack." This was the first to use mathematical skills and card counting in the game of blackjack. Basic strategies in blackjack were developed and refined by Professor Edward O. Thorp. He published his book, "Beat the Dealer," which became an instant hit and best seller.
Other articles and books were released that aims to inform the public of new strategies in blackjack. This worried casino owners as the profits from blackjack tables steadily decline in response to this casino owners altered basic blackjack rules in favor of the dealer. It caused protests from blackjack patrons and several refused to play blackjack in casinos. With these, casino owners have no choice but to bring back old blackjack rules. But to prevent cheating and card-counting, they play 4, 5, 6, 7, and even 8 decks.
Through the years, the dealers in casino became harder and harder to beat. But a combination of skills and luck propelled several blackjack players to win the jackpot. So no matter how the dealers became harder and harder to beat, blackjack will always be among the most favorite casino games worldwide
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