Blackjack, also known as 21 game is one of the most popular card games, but not without various myths and misconceptions surrounding it. As the game is very easy to learn and play, many players think that they can play like professionals. But knowledge doesn’t come just by feeling like professionals. Unfortunately, many of such players make assumptions on their own on how the game works and pass this knowledge onto others. Here are a few common myths and the truth about them.
Myth 1:
The game aims to get a hand closer to 21
The Truth:
Ironically, the actual objective of the game is itself one of the most common myths. If you ask an average player about the objective of the game, they will likely answer that the aim is to get closer to 21 without going over. This is true to some extent. But, if you will wait and aim at 21 in every hand, you will likely to get burst most of the times. The aim of Blackjack is to beat the dealer by getting a higher value than them or by not busting when the dealer does.
Myth 2:
You must be Math genius to win at Blackjack
The Truth: You might have seen Blackjack movies where players displayed exceptional mathematical skills. But, you don’t need to be a math genius to play and win this game.- All you need is a lot of practice so that you have strong knowledge of the rules and know how to apply a solid online Blackjack game strategies.
Myth 3:
You’re due to win after losing consecutive hands
The Truth:
Many players fall in the Gambler’s Fallacy, with the idea that the past outcomes will affect future results. Many Blackjack enthusiasts increase their stakes after losing many hands in a row according to the logic of the more you bet, the more you will win. This is completely the wrong strategy.
If you are losing consecutively in a row, it doesn’t mean that it will increase your chances of winning. If you have lost six rounds, it is not certain you will win the next round. Every hand dealt is separate from the last. So, never think that you are due to win if you are on a losing streak.
Myth 4:
Blackjack always has a low house edge
The Truth: One of the reasons that Blackjack is most popular both online and in brick-and-mortar casinos is because it has a low house edge. If you are playing Blackjack with perfect strategy, then you can reduce the house edge to 0.5%. But this is not always true. Rules vary from table to table, and each rule affects the house advantage.
For instance, if a game offers 3:2 Blackjack payout, it lowers the house advantage by 1.4% when compared to 6:5 payout. Also, if the dealer hits soft 17, it reduces the house advantage by 0.2% as compared to standing. So, it is not fixed that Blackjack has a lower house edge. Instead, play when rules are favouring you and you have a perfect strategy to win.
Myth 5:
The dealer always has 10 value card in the hole
The Truth:
Many Blackjack players assume that the dealer has a value-card 10 in the hole. But the fact is the only cards with the value of 10 are Jack, King, Queen, and 10. That means around 30% of all cards are 10s and there are 70% chances of having different value cards. Therefore, the dealer also has a 30% chance of having 10 in the hole. So, don’t base your assumption on this and stick to your basic strategy.
Myth 6:
Go for insurance when dealt Blackjack
The Truth:
A lot of players think that they should take insurance when the dealer has an Ace, and you have a Blackjack or 20. You already have a winning, and the chances for the dealer to get Blackjack is also low. So, taking insurance is one of the wrong moves. Therefore, just avoid it.
As a player, you should not pay attention to these myths. If you want to play Blackjack online and want to increase your chances of winning, you must separate fact from fiction. These few common myths mentioned make you aware of the things that can affect your game. So, to be successful in the game, avoid these myths, focus on your techniques and strategies that are more likely to be effective.