Who invented Blackjack? (History and Facts) 2025

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Have you ever thought about who created BlackJack?

This card game has enjoyed popularity for generations and remains one of the most widely played casino card games globally due to its straightforward nature.

This article will inform you about the inventor of blackjack and share other fascinating details regarding this beloved card game.

What Is the Origin of Blackjack?

While there are various theories regarding the origin of Blackjack, the most widely accepted one suggests that it emerged in French casinos around the year 1700, as it is referenced in the book Don Quixote, which was penned in the early 1700s.

During that time, the game was known as “Vingt-et-un,” which translates to “21” in old English. Some believe that the Romans played this game or a similar variant, but no evidence has been found to support this claim.

As the Blackjack card game gained popularity in the early 1700s, numerous casinos and gambling establishments began offering “special bets” to attract more players.

A notable special bet was having a Black-colored Jack (the Jack of spades or clubs) paired with an Ace, which could earn you a bonus of 10 times your wager, potentially leading to significant winnings.

This is the origin of the name “BlackJack” that we use today. Although casinos gradually phased out these special bonuses, the name “Blackjack” persisted for centuries, and the original standard game remains available at their tables.

Statistics of BlackJack

A wealth of BlackJack statistics is accessible online. Below is a summary of the most significant BlackJack stats:

Typically, the house edge in blackjack hovers around 0.5%.
Card counters can gain an advantage of up to 2% over the house.
Approximately 31% of all table games played in casinos are blackjack.
A natural blackjack occurs about 4.8% of the time you are dealt one.
In Las Vegas, roughly a quarter of the blackjack tables are designated as “continuous shuffling” games.
Over 100 different variations of blackjack can be found in casinos worldwide.
The decline in blackjack revenue on the Las Vegas Strip from 2010-2011 was $975.8 million, which is less than half of the amount from 2000-2001.
The odds of being dealt a suited blackjack are 1 in 430, meaning you would receive an Ace and a 10 of diamonds together.
The probability of drawing two aces as your initial two cards is 1 in 221.
In U.S. casinos, blackjack ranks as the second most profitable table game.
There is a 31.2% likelihood that the dealer will reveal an ace-up and possess a blackjack.
In a single-deck game, the odds of receiving two suited aces as the first two cards are 1 in 4,832.
From 2021 to 2028, the global market for online blackjack is projected to grow at an annual rate of 8.7%.

Playing BlackJack

To engage in this game, whether at a physical casino playing traditional blackjack or online, simply place your money on the table where it indicates “bet” to get started.

Each player receives two cards, while the dealer is dealt one face-up card. Your first two cards from the dealer are an Ace and a 10.

Decide whether you wish to “draw” or “stay” based on their hand.

You can continue to draw cards until you feel content with your hand. The objective is to reach a total as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. Exceeding this number results in a loss.

When should you split or double down?

In blackjack, it is advisable to split 10s when facing an ace or a 3, 9s when paired with another 9 or 8, 7s when matched with another 8 or 7, and 6s when accompanied by another 6. It is generally advised against splitting 2s as it may not be beneficial.

Similarly, if you receive a pair of aces in blackjack, your hand can total either 2 or 12. The best strategy is to split them and aim to draw 7s, 8s, 9s, or 10s.

When the dealer reveals a five and you hold a pair of fives, it’s wise to keep your hand as you might achieve a strong total. Having 5s is preferable to having 10s, 9s, or 8s if those cards are not available.

If the dealer’s up card is a 9, 10, or ace, consider doubling down on a total of 10 or 11.

Doubling down is more advantageous with soft hands like aces and 6–8 compared to hard hands like 2–8. You should double down when your hand totals between 13 and 16, the dealer’s up card is not a 10, and your first card is not of low value.

If you are uncertain about your card counting skills, it is advisable to double down on totals of 13–16 when the dealer’s up card is between 4 and 6.

What makes BlackJack the most beloved casino game of all time?

In contrast to poker, blackjack is incredibly straightforward to play and easy to grasp, making it an enjoyable game for family gatherings, corporate functions, birthdays, and more.

If you are a beginner in blackjack, many suggest watching some YouTube videos to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals and the most effective strategies to enhance your chances of winning.

After gaining knowledge through YouTube and Google, begin by playing some virtual blackjack games with play money for at least a week to see if you can achieve consistent wins.

You can start at a low-minimum table, such as $10, and as your confidence grows, progress to higher stakes tables like $20, $50, or even more for added excitement.