If you leave aside poker in Australia, blackjack is also among the favorite casino games played at the land based casinos or online.
Blackjack's French origin
But the game of blackjack has a rich history behind it and various factors were responsible in making this card game popular everywhere. Some gambling news writers credit the French with the discovery as it bears an uncanny similarity to baccarat. Baccarat is a French game made more popular by James Bond movies.
At about the same time poker was introduced to the United States, another French game called Vingt-et-un, which is actually '21', made its way to the new world. As the game had different rules like special bonuses for the ace and jack of spades, it eventually got popularized as blackjack.
That was way back in the 18th century and lots have changed since. Blackjack, as it is known now, began changing sometime in the 1960's after Edward Thorpe came out with his 'know-how' manual to have a go at the houses and the dealers. His now famous blackjack manual 'Beat the Dealer' changed to some extent the game of blackjack as it was played.
Players soon found out they could get an edge following the comprehensive manual. Along with the basic strategies in playing, the manual also provided systems for card counting that guaranteed an edge over the house. No wonder, blackjack surged in popularity ever since as one of the most favored casino games.
Counter measures by casinos
When Edward Thorpe armed the players with hands-on technique and tools, the casinos quickly worked up strategies to counter the threat. Although the casinos didn't want to risk lower customer footfalls, they began to add more decks to the shoe. This changed one of the most popular casino games and the way it was played.
Casinos went on to reshuffle the shoes and bar skilled players from the house. Counter measures to allow the players a field day at the casinos were quickly put together, but it could not keep out the astute gambler who was low key, but skilled and experienced enough to take on the house.
Some of them managed to make their way in even though skilled counters came up for censure by the casinos. Even today after all that happened over the decades, blackjack continues to be immensely popular among gamblers the world over.
It is easy to play these days if you sign up with an online casino and take full advantage of the bonuses and promos that they dole out. Casinos bring out the best and lucrative offers to win customers when they come to play their favorite casino games online or offline.