Black Jack – also referred to as ‘Chemin de Fer’ and ‘pontoon’ – is a card game that is often seen in a betting house with people trying their luck on achieving the elusive ‘twenty-one’. It is commonly believed that the game came into existence in France around the 1600’s. However, as with most other betting games the precise evolution of the game remains a mystery.
Twenty-one was introduced to the United States after the French Revolution, but the game did not become popular in the betting houses until the casino provided payouts as a bonus. This was the only way that seemed to get players wagering on pontoon. One variant on the bonus payout was for a player to acquire ‘twenty-one’ with the black jack card (given a value of ten points) and an ace (worth eleven points). With the expanding appeal of the game the payouts were phased out but the name ‘pontoon’ lasted.
Chemin de fer is not just about getting a straight ‘twenty one’, but the main challenge is to beat the dealer without busting. The betting house obviously has a house edge over the gambling players in the long term, but with twenty-one the gambler holds on to a bit of choice.
Since nineteen thirty one when the U.S. first legitimized wagering, twenty-one has developed into a classic betting house game. Furthermore, it is the combination of both ability and math employed in black jack that has caused the game to be hugely liked. Blackjack affords an alluring adventure to any scientist, math guy or betting player wanting to research the tactic of the game.