History of Blackjack: How to Win at Modern Blackjack?

The history of Blackjack has become one of the most popular casino games globally, including in online casinos. The history of Blackjack originated in the early 1600s with the Spanish game "Ventiuna," which evolved into the French "Vingt-et-Un" in the 1700s. The game was brought to North America by French colonists and became popular in New Orleans gambling houses. "Blackjack" emerged in the early 1800s when American casinos added a bonus payout. Blackjack gained widespread fame after Nevada legalized gambling in 1931. Card counting strategies were developed in the 1950s and 1960s. The game continues to evolve with online and live dealer versions.

1. Origins and Roots of Blackjack

The origins and roots of blackjack trace back to French casinos around the 17th century, when it was known as "Vingt-et-un" (21). The game spread to North America with French colonists and gradually evolved. Blackjack gained popularity in America, where the rules changed from the original French version. The name "Blackjack" emerged in the early 20th century in the United States.

Baccarat has French origins, too, with some theories linking it to Italian games from the 15th century. Blackjack and Baccarat coexisted, but they had different rules and focuses. Baccarat gained popularity in French and European casinos, whereas Blackjack was more widespread in North America.

Baccarat's goal is to predict which hand, the Player or Banker, has a value closest to nine without exceeding it. Its relatively simple ruleset made it accessible to more players. The game had fewer player actions than Blackjack, where players had more control over decisions. The Banker had a slight advantage in Baccarat, making it more favorable for casinos.

2. American Adaptation of Blackjack

American adaptation of blackjack traces the game's evolution from its French origins, "Vingt-et-un" (21). Blackjack spread to the United States in the 19th century, evolving into an American version with unique rules and customs. The name "Blackjack" is linked to a specific bonus payout some casinos offer for a hand consisting of an Ace and a Black Jack (Jack of Spades or Clubs). Blackjack gained popularity in the early 20th century.

Baccarat,  or Chemin de Fer or Punto Banco, is a card game where the player and the banker's hands are dealt, and the goal is to have a hand value closer to 9 than the other. Cards 10, J, Q, and K are worth 0, Ace is worth 1, and all other cards are worth their face value in Baccarat. The game is played with a fixed number of cards and follows rules determining when a third card is dealt.

Baccarat was a distinct game from Blackjack, focusing on different objectives and hand-scoring rules. The player and the banker each have a hand, and the goal is to have a hand closer to 9 than the other in Baccarat. A third card is dealt to either hand (or both) depending on the value of the first two cards. The rules for drawing a third card were complex and based on the current hand values. Baccarat's popularity grew alongside Blackjack in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but Baccarat was not as widely known in the U.S. during that period.

3. Modern Blackjack

Modern Blackjack evolved from classics such as the French "Vingt-et-un" and Spanish "Thirty-One." The game spread to the United States in the 19th century, gaining popularity in New Orleans. "Blackjack" originated from a bonus payout for a hand with an Ace and a Black Jack. In the 20th century, strategic advancements were made, notably through Edward O. Thorp’s 1962 book "Beat the Dealer," which introduced card counting. Casinos responded by changing rules to maintain an advantage, such as using multi-deck shoes and restricting doubling options. Blackjack remains influenced by card draws despite strategic developments.

Blackjack was a separate card game during the era of Baccarat, with its own rules. The game had various variants, including Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Baccarat Banque. The casino acted as the banker and followed fixed rules for card draws in Punto Banco. Chemin de Fer allowed players to take turns as the banker, resulting in a skill-based version of Baccarat. Baccarat Banque used three decks of cards and had a permanent banker.

Players bet on the outcomes of the player's or banker's hands in Baccarat. The game had specific rules for drawing additional cards based on the initial hand values. Players draw a third card in Chemin de Fer, introducing strategic elements. Baccarat's gameplay was mainly chance-based, with minimal player control.

What are the Rules of Playing Modern Blackjack?

The rules of playing modern Blackjack involve achieving a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer's hand without exceeding 21. A player competes against the dealer to beat the dealer's total or to win if the dealer busts by going over 21. Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are valued at 10 points, and Aces are counted as 1 or 11.

Gameplay begins with each player placing a bet, followed by the dealer and players receiving two cards. Players' cards are dealt face-up, while the dealer has one face-up and one face-down card. Players choose to "hit" (take another card) or "stand" (keep their current hand) to improve their hand value without busting. Other options include "double down," where players double their bet and receive only one more card, and "split," which allows players to divide a pair into two hands played independently.

The dealer hits until he or she reaches a hand value of 17 or higher. Winning occurs if the player’s hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s without busting, if the dealer busts, or if the player gets a blackjack (an Ace and a 10-point card as the initial two cards), which pays out at 3 to 2 odds. The player loses immediately if they bust, and if the dealer's hand beats the player's without busting, the dealer wins. The player's bet is returned if both hands have the same value, resulting in a "push," and he or she wins nothing more.

The same basic rules apply in Live Dealer Blackjack, but the game is played with a live dealer through a video stream, providing an interactive and immersive casino experience from the comfort of home.

The options for playing Blackjack are listed below.

• Surrender (if allowed): Forfeit half of the bet and end the round early.
• Hit: Take an additional card to improve the hand value.
• Stand: Maintain the current hand and do not take any more cards.
• Double Down: Bet twice and get an additional card.
• Split: Divide the first two cards into two hands, each with its bet.

How to Win at Modern Baccarat?

To win at Modern Baccarat, follow the ten steps listed below.

1. Stand on 17 or Higher: Standing on a hand valued at 17 or higher means retaining the current hand without drawing more cards in Blackjack. Standing on 17 or higher reduces the risk of busting, since drawing a card pushes the hand value over 21. Stand when the hand totals 17 or more, regardless of the dealer's upcard. Never hit when holding 17 or higher.
2. Double Down When Having 11: Doubling down involves doubling the original bet and receiving one additional card, which is done when holding a hand of 11. The likelihood of drawing a 10-point card when holding 11 is high. Double down when holding 11 if the dealer’s upcard is weak (2-6). Avoid doubling down if the dealer has a 10 or Ace showing, as the risk of losing increases.
3. Split 8s and Aces: Splitting involves dividing a pair of cards into two hands, each with its own bet. Split a pair of 8s or Aces to improve each hand when drawing a 10-point card. Split when holding a pair of 8s or Aces. Avoid splitting pairs of 10s or face cards, as a total of 20 is a firm hand.
4. Never Split 10s: Splitting 10s creates two separate hands, each starting with a 10, resulting in a lower total than keeping the 20. A hand of 20 is strong, and splitting it into two hands of 10 creates weak hands with higher chances of losing. Never split 10s under any circumstances, and keep a pair of 10s as a solid hand of 20.
5. Hit on 12-16 If the Dealer Shows 7 or Higher: Hit to improve the chances of getting closer to 21 if the hand totals between 12 and 16 and the dealer’s upcard is seven or higher. The dealer has a strong chance of making a hand with seven or higher, so hitting on 12-16 gives an opportunity to improve the hand. Hit if the hand is between 12 and 16 and the dealer shows a seven or higher. Don’t hit if the dealer shows a weak card (2-6), as they are more likely to bust.
6. Stand on 12 When the Dealer Has 4, 5, or 6: Standing is the best option if the hand totals 12 and the dealer’s upcard is 4, 5, or 6. The dealer is more likely to bust with 4, 5, or 6 showing, so standing on 12 increases the chances of winning without busting. Stand on 12 when the dealer shows a 4, 5, or 6. Don’t stand on 12 if the dealer has a seven or higher.
7. Stand on 12-16 If the Dealer’s Upcard Is 2-6: Standing when the dealer’s upcard is a 2-6 is advantageous. The dealer has a higher chance of busting with weak cards (2-6), so standing reduces unnecessary risk. Stand on 12-16 if the dealer shows a 2-6. Don’t stand if the dealer shows a seven or higher, as they are likelier to have a strong hand.
8. Hit on a Soft 18 (Ace-7) When the Dealer Has 9, 10, or Ace: A soft 18, consisting of an Ace and a 7, is counted as either 18 or 8. Hitting on a soft 18 improves the hand without the risk of busting. A soft 18 is not enough to win if the dealer shows a strong upcard (9, 10, or Ace). Hitting improves the hand. Hit on soft 18 when the dealer shows a 9, 10, or Ace. Don’t hit if the dealer shows a 2-8, making standing the better choice.
9. Hit or Double Down on Ace-6 (Soft 17) for Better Odds: Hit or double down to improve the hand when holding a soft 17 (Ace-6). Doubling down or hitting increases the chances of improving the hand to a stronger total against weaker dealer hands. Double down or hit when holding Ace-6 against a weak dealer upcard (2-6). Doubling down on seven or higher increases the risk of busting.
10. Double Down on 10 If the Dealer Has 2-9: Doubling down on a total of 10 when the dealer shows a 2-9 gives a higher chance of winning by drawing a 10-point card. Considering the dealer's weak upcard (2-9) increases the likelihood of busting, doubling down maximizes the chances of a good hand. Double down when holding 10 and the dealer shows a 2-9. Avoid doubling down if the dealer shows a 10 or an Ace.

What Betting Systems can be Applied for Playing Modern Blackjack?

The betting systems that can be applied for playing modern blackjack are the Martingale System, the Reverse Martingale (Paroli System), the Flat Betting, the 1-3-2-6 System, and the Fibonacci System, according to Pokernews. The systems assist players in making informed decisions about when to increase, decrease, or maintain their bet sizes, to improve bankroll management, add discipline to play, and minimize losses per session. No betting system overcomes the house edge in casino games like blackjack, and players must consider the pros and cons of each system.

The betting systems that can be applied for playing modern blackjack are listed below.

• Fibonacci System: The Fibonacci system is based on the Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. Players increase their bets according to the sequence after losses, aiming to recover and make profits. It provides a structured approach to recovering losses, is less prone to escalation than Martingale, and is helpful for bankroll management. Loss streaks lead to large losses, profits aren't guaranteed, and recoveries are slow after losses.
• Martingale System: The Martingale system involves doubling the bet after each loss, to recoup all previous losses with a single win. The system assumes that a win eventually occurs, allowing the player to recover losses and make a profit. The system's pros are that it helps recoup losses quickly, is easy to apply, and works well in short winning streaks. A losing streak results in very high bets quickly, which exceed bankroll limits during long losing streaks.
• Reverse Martingale (Paroli System): The Reverse Martingale, or Paroli system, increases the bet after each win and decreases it after each loss. The system is designed to capitalize on winning streaks while minimizing losses during losing streaks. The system allows players to maximize profits during winning streaks, reduces the risk of large losses, and is simpler and safer than the Martingale system. It relies on winning unpredictable streaks, leading to small losses if the streak is short.
• Flat Betting: Flat betting is a conservative strategy in which the player wagers the same amount throughout their session, regardless of wins or losses. It aims to keep bet sizes stable and avoid large losses. The system is easy to implement, helps with bankroll management, minimizes risk, and prevents large losses. Win streaks, are not taken advantage of, winnings increase slowly, and there is no excitement for risk-tolerant players.
• 1-3-2-6 System: The 1-3-2-6 system is a progression-based strategy where players increase their bets in a specific pattern (1-3-2-6) after wins. The sequence resets after a loss to 1. The system helps capitalize on winning streaks while minimizing losses. The system maximizes profits during streaks, minimizes risk, and is relatively easy to follow. The system is susceptible to losses if broken early, and winning streaks are needed to make it effective.

Is Counting Cards in Blackjack Difficult?

No, counting cards in blackjack is not difficult, but it does require knowledge, patience, time, focus, and an understanding of the technique, according to Instructables.com. A player's odds of winning are improved by counting cards, but it requires practice and discretion. Card counting is a technique used to track the high and low value cards dealt in a blackjack game. Players estimate the probability of certain cards being dealt next and adjust their betting and playing decisions accordingly by maintaining a running count of the cards.

The core of card counting involves assigning a value to each card in the deck. Low cards (2-6) are given a +1 value, neutral cards (7-9) are given a zero value, and high cards (10-Ace) are given a -1 value. Players add or subtract the corresponding values as cards are dealt to keep a running count. A positive count indicates that more high cards remain in the deck, which increases the player's advantage. Players determine when the deck is favorable by keeping track of the cards. The higher the count, the more chances to get favorable hands such as 10s or Aces. Bet amounts are raised when odds are in the players' favor and lowered when not.

Count Cards in Blackjack by following the five steps listed below.

1. Understand the card values. Assign +1 to cards 2-6, 0 to cards 7-9, and -1 to cards 10-Ace.
2. Keep a running count. Add or subtract the corresponding value to the running count as each card is dealt.
3. Adjust bets. Increase the bets when the count is high (more high cards remaining) and decrease them when it is low (more low cards remaining).
4. Practice. Card counting requires practice to develop accuracy and speed. Practice with friends or online before trying it in a casino.
5. Be discreet. Casinos know card counting, so use the technique discreetly and do not make it obvious to others.

Card counting is not impossible for online casinos, but executing it effectively is much more challenging. Multiple decks of cards are used in online casinos, making it difficult to maintain an accurate count. The software in online casinos detects and restricts card counters, which reduces the impact of card counting on the gambling environment.

Can you Beat Blackjack?

Yes, you can beat Blackjack, but it requires more than knowing basic strategy. Basic strategy minimizes the house edge by guiding optimal decisions but does not guarantee winning, as casinos maintain a statistical advantage. Players must combine perfect memorization of basic strategy with advanced techniques to gain an edge over the house, such as card counting, deviations, accurate count conversions, and betting strategies. The methods allow players to track the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the deck, adjusting their bets and decisions accordingly to increase their chances of winning. 

Mastering these methods requires extensive practice, skill, and discipline, and yet, the advantage gained is small (around 1%), meaning consistent profits require careful execution and sizeable bankrolls. Casinos actively monitor for advantage players and impose restrictions or ban suspected counters.  Beating Blackjack is possible but requires dedication, advanced knowledge, and execution beyond following basic strategy.