Based on ‘21’, a popular card game from the 18th century, much loved in particular by Madame du Barry and ⚽️ later by Napoleon, who played it to pass the time while in exile on St. Helena, Blackjack became popular across ⚽️ the pond after the French Revolution. It became popular in American gambling circles where bonuses were invented to keep players ⚽️ playing. If your first two cards were the jack of spades and an ace, you got an extra payout. Hence ⚽️ the name Blackjack. These bonuses don’t exist any more, but the principle remains the same. The name of the game ⚽️ is to beat the Bank, in the person of the Dealer, without exceeding 21. Otherwise you lose your bet. If ⚽️ you reach a Blackjack (21) your bet is multiplied by 3. If you beat the Dealer without reaching 21, you ⚽️ win double your bet.

Although luck determines the hand you’re dealt, strategy has its role to play too. Depending on the ⚽️ hands of the other players and of the Bank, an informed player will know whether it’s wise to take another ⚽️ card, stop, or keep playing.