Chances are, you know at least a little something about Blackjack. What was once an 18th century French card game—Ving-et-un—is now an extremely popular game all over the world. Stroll into just about any casino—online or in the real world—and you will find the game of Blackjack ready for your enjoyment. As the game's popularity began to grow, the desire to beat it became an overwhelming addiction.

In the late 1950s, the field of Blackjack strategies really took off. In fact, many of the more recent books on the subject stem from thoughts and research compiled in years past. One of the first mathematical systems was “The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack.” It came out in 1956 and really helped pave the way for Blackjack formulas. Take a stroll around your local bookstore or browse online at Amazon.com and you will find countless books on Blackjack.

The computer was a big invention for Blackjack enthusiasts. It became a powerful tool for researchers. The computer helped compile mounds of data and organize the quest for the way to beat this lovable game. Many insist that the computer was the single cause for casinos expanding the number of decks used. Computers paved the way for card counting and made teaching regular people advanced concepts a snap. Casinos knew they were in trouble and modified the game.

By adding more decks to the game, the strategy of counting cards was not as powerful and the house gained a larger edge. This move didn't stop anyone from playing. As the years went out, new systems came out that were devised for multi-deck games. Many players throughout the years developed excellent playing skills and have made a living out of playing Blackjack. One such famous player was Ken Uston. He's a legend.

The growth of the Internet has fueled yet another evolution to Blackjack. The number of players around the world that play this fun game has increased as a result. Today, millions of players around the world play Blackjack online and off everyday.