Casino & Poker

Why is Blackjack Called Blackjack

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Blackjack Name Origins

Everyone knows what blackjack is. One of the most popular skill-based games in land-based and online casinos, blackjack has millions of fans. It has quite a specific name, though, and experts can’t agree on its origins.

First known as Vingt et Un—French for Twenty One—the game’s first written record comes in a novel by the great Miguel de Cervantes. His novel Rinconette y Cortadillo from 1613 is about two cheaters in Seville casinos who are playing a game named Veintuina. From the novel, it’s clear that the goal of this game is to hit a count of 21 without going over it. It also mentions that aces are valued 1 or 11, which is clearly explaining blackjack’s rules.

It shows that the game of 21 was played in Spain as early as the XVII century. From an etymologic point of view, Vingt et Un described the objective of the game we know as blackjack today.

As a true casino game, blackjack became popular in French casinos in the XVIII century. It grew into a big hit during King Louis XV’s reign due to the fact it was played non-stop at the royal court. All around Europe, new variants of 21 appeared, including Quinze in other parts of France, Sette e Mezzo in Italy, and Trente-Un in Spain. They all had different names, but the goal of the game was always the same.

How Blackjack Banished Vingt et Un

After arriving to American in the mid-XIX century, 21’s popularity spread like wildfire. During the XX century, the rules of the game were further expanded. It’s not clear when the name blackjack first came to be, but historians believe it occurred during World War I. Namely, during that time, casinos offered a lucrative payout on the game when a player won a hand with an Ace of Spades and a black Jack. Bit by bit, players started calling the game Black Jack, which eventually led to the game we know today.

It’s obvious that the USA was instrumental to the birth and popularity of blackjack, even if its roots grow deeper and in another continent. After the second World War, the popularity of gambling in Nevada grew incredibly, and blackjack was revolutionized with new and modern rules and bets.

Its legend grew even more online thanks to the new variants and exciting live blackjack games, many of which you can play here in NetBet casino.

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