The Magic of Blackjack

Few casino games can match the universal appeal of blackjack. The game is a timeless classic which features a unique blend of skill and luck. But what is it about this game that continues to draw players to the table hundreds and hundreds of years after it was first created?

How it works

In a game of blackjack, players compete against the dealer with the aim of attaining a hand that has a value as close to 21 as possible. The dealer draws the player and himself two cards, the player both face up, and the dealer with one card face up and another face down. Players then decide whether to ‘hit’ and take additional cards or ‘stand’ and keep their current hand based on the total value of their cards.

Numbered cards are worth face value, face cards are worth 10, and aces are either 1 or 11 – whichever the player chooses. The aim of the game is for the player to be closer to 21 than the dealer and to win the round. If the player can reach exactly 21, this win will mean a much higher payout.

A brief history of Blackjack

The history of blackjack is still debated to this day. While the exact origin is unclear, historians generally agree that it dates back to 17th-century France or Spain. It was mentioned in the novel Don Quixote, which dates back to the year 1605. In the novel, the game is called ‘veintiuno’, which translates to ‘twenty-one’.

Blackjack grew in popularity quickly during the 18th Century, when gambling houses began offering special bets to draw in more punters. One special offer was a ten-to-one payout if the player’s hand consisted of the ace of spades and a black jack (a jack of either clubs or spades). This hand was called a ‘blackjack’, and the name stuck around even after the special offers were withdrawn.

The perfect blend of skill and strategy

Unlike other casino games, one of blackjack’s key draws is that it has a perfect blend of skill and strategy. This is unlike many casino games, which require pure luck. In blackjack, however, players make their own decisions based on the cards drawn, which lead to wins and losses. There is still luck involved to some extent, but players largely hold their destiny in their own hands.

Blackjack also has one of the lowest house edges of any casino game. This means that punters have a better chance of winning compared to other games. It means that beginners and experts alike can apply a simple blackjack strategy and make blackjack not only more enjoyable but also far more profitable.

Accessibility and variety

With the rise of casinos online, blackjack has become more accessible than ever before. No longer is a punter required to travel to a physical casino to enjoy a game; instead they can simply log in and start playing from a computer or mobile device. The convenience has meant blackjack can reach an entire new audience.

Online platforms also mean that there is a variety of blackjack games with interesting and unique twists on the format. This includes versions such as Blackjack Switch, where players are dealt two hands instead of one and can move cards around. There are lots of variations that often come from different parts of the world. The USA, Europe and Australia all have their own unique versions of blackjack.

Blackjack for all

For players looking to experience the excitement of playing blackjack firsthand, Pokerstars offers a range of blackjack games online. Whether a new player looking for a casual game or an experienced punter wanting a high-stakes challenge, players can find a table perfectly matched to their individual skill and experience level.