The exact history of blackjack is highly disputed and like most other card game it doesn’t have a documented point of origin. The true history of this game sadly remains the only speculation, along with interesting trivia like where it might have gotten its name from. But today, you can play Blackjack in any online casino, and many of them even offer Bitcoin promotions for you to get started.
Nevada’s Role
Nevada played a great role in its spread when gambling first became legal there. Among the first games, you could play there was blackjack, and it has remained a strong favorite even today. In time blackjack became popular in countries all around the world being slowly adopted by more and more players.
1960 – An Important Era
In 1960, Edward Thorp expanded on Baldwin’s theory and created a methodology of mathematics that he used to analyze blackjack odds and to develop a card counting system.
This was the first time a card counting system was acknowledged. Later Thorp published his discoveries in the book, “Beat the Dealer”. This book was a best-seller and got the attention of the arcades.
Over the coming years, the casinos tried to make some changes to the rules of the game. But they weren’t accepted by the public and thus the casinos were forced to revert to the original rules of the game.
Top 5 Blackjack Variants
Blackjack has five main variants, and this card game was played across the globe in brick-and-mortar casinos. The same has been adapted in online gambling sites to head to the websites and play your chosen game. Slight variations are done to the rules in these variants. But, the basic rule remains the same. Check out the blackjack variants here.
- American Blackjack
Around 6 to 8 decks are used in this version, and it is one of the most popular types of Blackjack played. In American Blackjack, you are allowed to surrender at any given time. This Blackjack version is standard among online gambling sites compared to other variations. Here, you(player) get a deal when you hit a Blackjack and when the dealer has an ace showing. You are allowed to double your wager anytime with any number in American Blackjack.
- European Blackjack
European Blackjack is quite different from the American version. Here, it is played using only two decks, and you’re not allowed to double your wager. If you wish to surrender, you cannot do so in this version, unlike American Blackjack. Also, you are allowed to bet double only when you reach nine or above points. It follows the no holecard rule where the dealer deals all the cards to the players and deals his second card only after has played.
- Vegas Strip Blackjack
It is almost similar to American Blackjack. Vegas Strip in Las Vegas Boulevard is famous for its casinos and hotels. Here, the dealer deals with four decks of cards, and the dealer can peek if the face-up is an ace, unlike American Blackjack, where the dealer peeks if the face-up is a ten-card, an ace, or a face card. Most of the new gambling sites offer this variation of playing online Blackjack.
- Blackjack Switch
In this variation, you and your fellow player can place identical bets and switch later. Plus, unlike ‘bust’ in other variations of online Blackjack games, here, when the dealer hits 21, it’s a push. A player can switch the second hand, and then the rest is similar.
- Blackjack perfect pairs
Here, you need to decide before the game starts whether you want to place a side bet for the perfect pairs or not. The pairs are of three different types: coloured pair, mixed pair, and perfect pair. A pair is any two cards with the same number. With face cards, a pair is cards with the same face values. Due to its popularity, it is offered by several new online gambling sites.
