What is the origin of the idiom "go blank" and when to use it?

The idiom "go blank" is thought to have originated in the early 18th century. It was first used in print in 1712, in a book about gambling. The book said that a gambler might "go blank" if they lost all of their money. Over time, this expression came to be used more generally to describe any situation where someone is unable to think clearly or remember something. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as stress, anxiety, trauma, or simply being tired.