By Dan Roberts.

Although roulette is the go-to game for many and poker has its own classic Casino reputation, Blackjack is the game that many regulars would say is their favorite game. It may just be a simple card game but there is something about blackjack that has kept its place in our hearts for centuries.

Maybe it’s the simplicity of a game that can be played among friends or for huge jackpot cash prizes at some of the grandest casino tournaments on the planet. Whatever the reason, it continues to be played at the most popular tables in most gaming establishments and is big with the Las Vegas online casino sites too.

We are obviously pretty big fans of the game. But what is it that makes it so popular? Here are a few of our ideas about blackjack’s enduring appeal – and a quick history lesson about how the game came about in the first place.

A Quick History Lesson

It is the most widely played casino game in the world and can trace its roots back to a number of games that fell under the naming banner of twenty-one. In fact, the first recorded instance of the game dates all the way back to the beginning of the 17^th century. The first established rules are thought to have been laid down in 1800.

Depending on who you talk to, vingt-un (or twenty-one) was brought to the US in the 1800s, during WW1, or in the 1930s. Whatever the true date, it was in the States that the game was first given the name of blackjack and now it has become the favorite of millions from coast to coast.

Easy to Play

The main reason why blackjack has remained so popular over the years is that it is just so simple to understand. Unlike poker, there are not too many different variations with curiously named hands and winning strategies. Newcomers are never going to be intimidated by blackjack in the same way as they might with poker.

Although there are few nuances to different styles of blackjack, the basic aim of the game is to receive cards and get as close as you can to 21 without busting. There is no need for translation into different languages and as long as you can do simple math, you should be fine.

The Odds are Good

As much fun as any casino game might be, you want to think you are going to win. The good news with blackjack is that the odds are always in the favor of the player. The house edge is less than 3% – and can be lower than 1% – so there is a good chance of winning with every hand.

There is skill involved as well, so it is not just a game of chance like some other Casino Games. Those two things combined make blackjack one of the most attractive games around. In fact, online blackjack games regularly offer even better odds – so there’s no reason not to give it a go!

It’s a Quick Game

You are never going to get bored playing blackjack. This is one of the fast-paced card games in the casino and there is never a very long wait between games. There is not the prolonged betting rounds that is sometimes the case with poker and you don’t even have to wait to see how other players get on.

You just have to play against the dealer, so you can make the game as quick as you want it to be. The other thing to note about a fast-paced game is that it automatically means that the payouts are done quickly too. You can obviously play blackjack for as long as you want – but each game is refreshingly quick.

You are in Control

If you talk to anyone who spends any time playing casino games they will tell you that they have a strategy to win. Unsurprisingly, many of these sure-fire strategies don’t actually come off. But the reason for that is that many casino games are more a game of chance than anything. But not blackjack.

We have already mentioned how the house edge is pretty low to begin with. But you can make those odds even better by employing a successful strategy when you are playing. You don’t have to wait for other players to play their hands – and the dealer is also responding to you. Blackjack players are in complete control.

Big Payouts

When you play blackjack, the standard payout for a natural is 3:2.¹⁾A “natural” is another word for “blackjack” which refers to getting 21 on your first two cards. That’s pretty good to begin with. But you can claim even bigger prizes by playing the game well. With such simple rules and complete control, the opportunity to win impressive payouts is bigger than with most other casino games.

You will automatically win just by hitting 21 to begin with. But you won’t have any other players to beat to get to the money – or have to fold because the betting is getting a little too rich for your liking. Just use some simple blackjack strategies and start counting your winnings.

A Social Occasion

Throughout this blackjack celebratory guide, we have been concentrating on the benefits for the individual. We have shown how easy the game is to play and that you don’t have to depend on anyone else to enjoy the game and win at blackjack. But the social element of blackjack is the real draw for many.

Blackjack was invented to bring people together and now the simplicity of the game means that it is one of the most inclusive games you can find at any casino. Talking to the dealers is positively encouraged and even if you are playing with friends in the comfort of your own home, blackjack is the perfect conversation starter. It is a game that continues to bring people together centuries after it was first conceived.

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