You are here » Home » Blackjack Tips and Myths

Blackjack Tips and Myths

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to Blackjack. We have debunked some of the most common myths out there.

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to Blackjack. Here you will find some of the most common myths debunked.

If you want to truly be the best blackjack player you can be then it is important for you to learn about some of the common myths that keep many blackjack players from forging ahead and winning at blackjack. Following, a few of the most common blackjack myths and card counting myths are debunked. Additionally, a few tips to help you get past these myths and play to your full potential are included.

It Takes Luck to Win at Blackjack

One of the biggest myths about blackjack is that you need luck to win. In fact, blackjack is a game that takes skill and with a strong knowledge of the rules and basic strategy you can greatly increase your odds of winning. When you add an understanding of one of more card counting systems to the mix you can reduce the house advantage to almost nothing!

Only Mathematicians Can Win at Blackjack

Another common misconception of blackjack is that it is designed for mathematic brains only. In fact, the only thing you need to know how to do in order to play blackjack is add and subtract simple numbers and count to 21. When it comes to card counting-sure, there are some card systems, such as the Wong Halves system, that are better suited to people who are strong in math. However, simpler methods such as Red Sevens, Knock Out Blackjack and the Hi-Lo card counting system only require you add and subtract 1. Even an elementary school child knows how to do that sort of math.

You Need a Photographic Memory to Count Cards

A lot of people think that in order to count cards you need a photographic memory. In fact, it is a common misconception that card counting requires memorizing every card in the deck. Actually, card counting is simply a method in which you can keep track of the ratio of high to low cards that remains in the deck over a course of blackjack hands. Card counting only requires simple math and no memorization at all. Practicing at home on your own with a deck of cards can help you work on your concentration and improve your card counting skills.

Bad Players at the Table Hurt You

This is a myth that players have made up to make them feel better about a bad day at the tables. It’s always easier to blame someone else for your troubles than yourself. This myth stems from situations in which the player before you makes a bad move, such as hits only to bust, and receives the card that you needed in order to win. The truth of the matter is, however, that his bad play could have gotten rid of a card that you didn’t need only to free up a card that leads to your win. Stop thinking about other players at the table and focus on yourself and you’ll do just fine.

Always Go for 21

Even though the objective of blackjack is to get a hand value closer to 21 or 21 exactly, it doesn’t mean that your chances of winning will certainly improve if you have a 19 for example. This line of thinking will probably cause you to bust. After all, to make appropriate strategy choices you should consider the up card of the dealer as well. For instance, if the dealer is showing a 6 and you have a 12, the correct strategy move is to stand rather than draw another card even though you are not even close to 21. The idea behind this is to have the dealer draw more cards and bust instead of you. Long story short, use blackjack strategy and focus on the dealer’s up card as well.

The House Edge Is Always Low

One of the main reasons why blackjack is very popular is because the game has one of the lowest house edges of all casino games. Moreover, with perfect strategy, players can reduce the house advantage to 0.5%. However, there are players that believe that they are dealing with this low house edge at every blackjack table. The truth is the house advantage of blackjack is low when favorable rules are in place and you use appropriate strategy. Some of the favorable rules include finding a blackjack table where you are paid 3 to 2 for blackjack instead of 6 to 5, when the dealer stands on soft 17 instead of hitting it etc. Such rules lower the house edge by 1.5%.

You Need Higher Bankroll to Win

Some players believe that they must have big budget to win at blackjack. They think that with a bigger bankroll they can prolong their game and cover more winning chances. In reality, you can adjust your choice of tables according to the budget you have. You can choose a table whose betting range starts from $10 or $20 and prolong your game play enough to win.

Always Take Insurance

Insurance can be taken when the dealer is showing an Ace and it pays 2 to 1. However, you should avoid insurance bets because they increase the house advantage. Even though it seems better than losing your entire bet if the dealer has blackjack, this type of bet cuts your winnings drastically and in the long run it is clearly not profitable. Therefore, you should avoid it.

These are just a few of the most common myths about blackjack. If you can learn to stop taking these myths seriously you can learn to play at your best and improve your blackjack wins.

Blackjack Games A-Z
Play Blackjack for Free
Practice and improve your Blackjack skills with our free instant play games. No download is required.
Trivia & Facts
What are the chances of getting a natural 21, or blackjack?
Connect with BlackJackGala.com