Top 10 Blackjack Myths and Misconceptions

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Myrto Shane | December 24, 2023 | Updated on: April 29th, 2024

popular blackjack mythsThere are tons of blackjack myths in circulation that many players believe are true. At best, these myths may make a gaming session a bit inconvenient.

However, at worst, these misconceptions could lead you to make bad decisions which could end your gaming session early. Or spend more money than you can afford to lose.

If you really want to ensure that you have the best chance of winning at blackjack, you need to learn how to separate fact from fiction. So, read on and find out about the 10 most popular blackjack myths. Perhaps, you believe some of them?

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1.      Blackjack Myth:Card Counting is Illegal

Card counting is not an illegal blackjack strategy – casinos don’t like it because good counters tend to win more often. Generally, the penalty of cheating at a casino is a prison sentence. So counting cards in a blackjack game will not result in you being arrested; however, it could get you banned off a casino property.

So, if you visit a casino and decide to test your card counting skills against the dealer, try to keep it on the lowdown. Or you may soon find yourself on the street without any winnings. We don’t recommend trying card counting online blackjack because it won’t work at all.

2.      The Dealer Always Has A 10

Some players work with the idea that the dealer always has a 10 in the hole. However, if you look at statistics, it is impossible that this will always be the case. Only 30% of the deck is made up of 10-value cards. This means a 70% chance that the hole card will be some other card between A and 9.

As such, we recommend you stick to basic strategy instead of implementing this blackjack myth in your catalogue of tricks.

3.      The Objective of Blackjack is to Get a Hand as Close as Possible to 21

The objective of blackjack is not to get your hand as close as possible to 21. Rather the game aims to beat the dealer without going bust. If you focus on getting your hand as close to 21 as possible, you may have more situations where you bust good hands by accident.

Rather play defensively than aggressively. As stated above, stick to basic strategy, and avoid falling the blackjack myth that you should get a hand close to 21.

blackjack myths and misconceptions

4.      Blackjack Has a Low House Edge

This is more of a blanket statement rather than a myth. Yes, some blackjack games have a low house edge, and it is possible to lower that even further with a good strategy. However, the house edge of blackjack games varies according to the rule differences.

So, you will find that some games have a larger house edge than others. You will also find that some bets have a higher house edge than others.

5.      Blackjack Myth:You are Due a Win

You are never due a win. The game does not have a mind of its own that determines when you win and when you lose. Therefore, it is important never to give into gambler’s fallacy – the idea that the next result is influenced by the last result.

You are never due a win. All results are independent of the last. So, never bet more on a round with the idea you will win because of something previously.

6.      You Need to Be Good at Maths to Be a Good Player

You do not have to be good at maths to be a good blackjack player. Many people assume this because of the maths involved with card counting, but this is not entirely true.

Learning card counting and even basic strategy is more about memorisation than being good at math. However, if you practice frequently, basic strategy and card counting will become second nature. You can practice basic strategy online, but you will need to learn how to card count in real life.

blackjack misconceptions

7.      Progressive Betting Strategies are a Solid Way to Win

We cannot stress this enough – progressive betting strategies do not impact your odds of winning. You will not win a bet because you increased your stake. If anything, you increase your chances of walking away from a gaming session with a loss.

Using a betting strategy isn’t entirely a bad idea, but make sure you stick to negative progression strategies. So, you reduce your bet with each loss rather than increasing it.

8.      Bad Players Mess Up the Flow of the Game

This is probably the stupidest myth we have ever heard. Firstly, when you play blackjack, you are playing against the dealer, not other players. Secondly, other players losing does not affect the result of your game.

Whether there is a good or bad player sitting next to you, you will get the same cards. The outcome of your game is based on your reaction to your and the dealer’s hands.

9.      Card Counting Means Instant Wins

A lot of players are confused about how card counting works. Counting cards does not mean you will win every game you play despite what popular media has led many people to believe. Instead, it is only a strategy that could improve your chances of winning.

In fact, strategic losses are a part of the card counting process. The aim of the strategy is to calculate when you will win and bet strategically.

online blackjack myths

10. Online Blackjack is Rigged

Some players believe that online blackjack games are rigged because they don’t win. But this is not true. We will admit that it is easier to lose at online blackjack, but not because of the reasons that most people think.

Generally, this is involved with the number of games that can be played in a short space of time. You can play several online games in the same amount of time it takes you to play a single game at a regular casino. Remember that the longer you play, the greater the chances are that the casino will win in the end.

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