An Overview of the Predecessors of Blackjack
Blackjack as we know it today was shaped and modified by several card games. Most of these games trace their roots many years ago, but most are now available on the Internet and in some brick and mortar casinos as well. Give them a try, and no doubt you'll find them fascinating.
One Thirty
This is regarded as one of the earliest precursors to Blackjack owing to the similarity in rules. For example, all the cards have the same value except for the Aces which is always 1 point. Also, players must place their bets before any cards are dealt.
In this forerunner to Blackjack, the goal is to get to 31 (not 21) without busting. Players are given three initial cards, and may ask for another one or "stick" (stand). In this game the dealer gets the cards last; the advantage there is that if everyone else goes over, he or she wins by default.
Sette-e-Mezzo
This Italian card game is also thought to be another one of those that helped bring about Blackjack as we know it today. The game is sometimes called 7 and a Half, and as you may guess, the aim is not to go over 7 and a half points. Because of the objective, the setup and values of the cards in Sette-e-Mezzo are somewhat different.
Here, only the 8s, 9s, 10s, Kings, Queens and Jacks are used. The paint cards make up the "half", so if you are dealt 8 and Jack you get 8 and a half points. The king of diamonds is usually assigned the role of wild card.
Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is an old game that heavily influenced Blackjack. Although it is of European descent, the game is now part of numerous casinos in North America and also in Internet gambling sites.
In this game the tens are discarded, but that move is offset by the fact that a push results in a player win. In addition late surrender is enforced, plus there is a double down rescue. If you doubled down but feel your hand is not going to win, you may surrender your initial Blackjack wager. There are also several bonuses when you get 21 using 3 cards or more, get 777 when you hit, and get 21 with spades.
These games not only function as an entertaining way to learn about Blackjack history, but they also help you understand how the people's passion for the game have led to the various changes. You not only make money when you play these games, but you also experience a little bit of history as well.