Blackjack Mythbusters: Common Blackjack Myths Exposed

Blackjack is one of the most popular games of cards in the world. Although it is really easy to learn the game’s rules, there are lots of myths surrounding it. Some of them are about betting strategies, while others are based on a misunderstanding of rules. Welcome to blackjack MythBusters - it’s time to have the most common blackjack myths exposed.

Myth #1: Try to get as close to 21 as possible

This is probably the most common mistake new blackjack players make. Believing that the goal of the game is to get 21 points could sometimes mean defeat. Yes, the number 21 and the word “blackjack” are synonymous. But do remember that your goal is to beat the dealer - not to get 21 points! In order to win the game, you should either have a higher hand or make the dealer bust. If you start chasing the magical 21 number, you are most likely to end up busting.

Myth #2: Dealer always has a 10 up their sleeve

Another popular blackjack myth is that you should always consider the probability of the next dealer’s card being a 10. There are lots of cards that value ten points in blackjack - tens, jacks, queens and kings. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the dealer will hit one of these cards. There are 16 out of 52 cards that will give you or the dealer 10 points. Therefore, the probability of hitting a 10-point card is 31% against 69%.

For example, the dealer’s open card is a 9. Following this logic, if they hit a 10, the overall sum will be 19. In this situation, a player may start to freak out or even go down without a fight. However, it is always better to follow the basic blackjack strategy and make strategic decisions based on your hand and the dealer’s first card.

Myth #3: Insurance bet will help you to balance your losses

If you are following the basic blackjack strategy, you already know that the insurance bet isn’t the safest one. Insurance bet is basically betting on a dealer having a blackjack. If the dealer hit 21, then you are losing your original bet, but getting a 2 to 1 payout for the insurance bet. Even if the dealer’s first card is an ace, the chances of hitting a blackjack are still pretty low. As we mentioned before, the probability of the next card being a 10-point value is 31%. This means that you are more likely to lose. Placing an insurance bet is a great way to increase the house edge. So if you are still developing your blackjack skills, try to avoid this bet.

Myth #4: Bad players affect the whole game

Some people believe that if another player at the table makes bad decisions, they will disrupt the game and directly affect everyone’s chances. This myth also does not hold water. In fact, a bad player does not affect the outcome, even in the short term. So just ignore other players at the table and focus on your own game. All in all, you are playing against the dealer and not against other players.

Myth #5: You should always stand with a “soft” 18

Although 18 is quite a good hand, there are multiple strategic decisions you can make. Soft hand means that you have an ace which can be both a 1-point card and an 11-point card. Therefore, soft 18 is a 7 and an ace. If the dealer’s first card is between 3 and 6, doubling down might be a good decision. It does not necessarily guarantee that you will win, but odds are definitely descent.

Myth #6: Avoid busting at all costs

Well, this sounds like a pretty good strategy. In blackjack, once you bust, you are out. But at the same time, it might be a bad idea to avoid busting at all costs. Being too careful also means lowering your chances of winning. If you have a hand that value 12 points and you decide to hit, you may bust. Yet, if you decide to stand, the chances of losing are much higher. After all, blackjack is still a game of chance.

Myth #7: Card counting means cheating

We couldn't leave the list of the most common blackjack myths exposed without card-counting. Although making players believe in this myth is advantageous for casino owners, it is not true. All of the professional blackjack players count cards - there is nothing wrong about using your brains. If a casino staff notices that someone is counting cards, they will simply ask them to leave. The worst-case scenario that can happen is that you will be banned from playing in the casino. However, card counting is legal.

Myth #8: Blackjack is all about luck

Unlike slots and roulette, blackjack doesn’t depend on pure luck - there also is an element of skill. There are multiple ways to upgrade your blackjack skills. Online gambling sites in the UK offer the game of blackjack in various settings and designs. For instance, Bet365 Casino has a great selection of games, including classic and live blackjack. Remember - the more you practice, the more you get.

Myth #9: Counting cards means 100% chances of winning

Although card-counting will increase your chances of winning, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you will win. Even professional blackjack players make mistakes and lose their bets. Blackjack has always been considered a game of skill and card-counting is one of the most important among all of them. However, each player can sometimes face a losing streak.

Myth #10: Hitting a jackpot in an online casino is impossible

Lots of people falsely assume that online blackjack is just a scam. However, if you are playing on reliable online casino sites in the UK, the chances of winning online are equal to your chances in a land-based casino. The only difference is that it is not possible to count cards, as online casinos chute the cards between every hand. But there are lots of other advantages of playing online. For instance, online casinos tend to have higher payouts. Moreover, such sites as Bet365 Casino offer generous welcome packages that you can use later in the games. Finally, the most common blackjack myths are now exposed. Combining the basic blackjack strategy, analytical skills and element of luck is the best way to succeed in the game. And if you want to test your blackjack skills, check out our review on Bet365 Casino and hit the jackpot.

You can discover more about Bet365 Casino here.