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Origin

Blackjack is the second most played game in casinos around the world. It is actually the casino’s version of 21 which we all know from playing at home. The main objective of the game is the same, to get as close to 21 points as possible.

Exactly where and when Blackjack originated is not clear. Around 1570 there is meant to have been some form of Blackjack game played in Spain and 30 years later in 1600 the same Blackjack variation is supposed to have been seen in France. There have also been claims from people that the game originates from Italy and not Spain or France.

One thing we do know is that the variation that we play now originates from America. In the 19th century an astute card table producer, Blackjack, put his logo on a table and it has been called this ever since.

Black Jack is appealing to casino visitors because it is the only game where the player can determine if he/she wins or looses. The player chooses to take or not to take a card that will affect the dealer’s hand. As players get better at the game the casinos advantage declines rapidly.

• Players like to have some form of control over the outcome.

When playing in a real casino you can either sit or stand. There is a very big difference in sitting and standing. If you are sitting at one of the seven seats of the Blackjack table then you are a box holder. This means that you determine when a card is to be taken or when you pass on a hand.

The people standing behind you and playing along with your hand do not have any say in what the box holder decides. You are not obliged to play as a box holder if you do not wish to, but do bear in mind that you are not in control at that moment because the box holder makes all the decisions. If you wish to play but not as a box holder then you only need to place your bet in one of the rings behind the box holder’s bet.