Blackjack History
It’s widely accepted that Blackjack originated in a French game called Vingt En Un in the early 17th century, though card playing began as early as 900 AD in China. Gamblers, scholars and people of all walks of life have enjoyed trying their luck at a hand of cards or two. Once confined to the casinos, Blackjack is now played at parties and in other casual settings, through video games, even on the computer. This is one card game which can be learned by everyone, and with a little basic strategy anyone can become a master of 21. Even before you could play Blackjack online free, this game was enjoyed by many different gamers.
Basic Blackjack
The objective for all parties in Blackjack is simple: reach 21 without going over. You’ll be dealt two cards right away, and can either accept more cards or stay with the cards you already have. Within this very simple structure, lots of different strategies can be employed in order to achieve a win.
In all forms Blackjack, online or otherwise, all face cards (the royal family of King, Queen and Jack) have a point value of 10. All the numbered cards, from 2 to 10, are worth the same number of points as their numerical value (for instance, the 2 is worth 2 points and the 10 worth 10). The Ace is a special card in the Blackjack deck, as its worth either 1 point or 11 points depending upon what other cards you have in your hand. Using these point values, your goal is to get as close as you can to 21 without going over. If you do go over, even only to 22, you’ve instantly lost. If you get 21 with your first two cards, however (a face card or 10 and an Ace), then you’ve instantly won.
There are some other, lesser known blackjack rules that you should get to know if you are going to play at the casinos, so get to know your game!
