What about the game makes it so captivating to many? How has blackjack survived centuries and become a beloved game in brick-and-mortar casinos and online? Most importantly, how do you play it? How do you win? The simple premise of getting a hand close to 21 continues to excite newcomers and battle-hardened gamblers. Throughout its rich and deep history, blackjack has gone through many evolutions and given birth to many other game iterations. Have you ever wondered why the device holding the decks of cards in blackjack is called a shoe? Interestingly, it’s because early versions of the device looked like an actual woman’s high-heeled shoe.