Busting blackjack myths

When it comes to blackjack, there’s an astounding amount of misinformation out there. Some of this is down to people attempting to deliberately mislead players. However, the majority of this false information is down to a lack of understanding. This lack of understanding leads to bad information spreading far and wide and very soon it’s taken as fact. Here’s a look at some of the things that you may have heard which are actually quite wrong. Let´s bust some of these false Blackjack myths.

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False Blackjack myths

False Blackjack myths #1 – The sole aim of blackjack is to get your hand as close to 21 as possible 

This one seems clear after all the game is even referred to as 21 at times. Surely that means the aim of the game is to get to that number. Well, not really. The true aim of the game is to beat the dealer and this can be done in one of two ways. A player can either have a hand that’s worth more than the dealers or they can manage to stay in the game when the dealer goes bust. 

False Blackjack myths #2 – When playing blackjack you’ll win 50% of the time 

There are some players who look at the house edge and think that it means that they will win half of their hands. This, however, is another one of those myths that simply aren’t true. The reality is that a player will, on average, win 43% of the time, tie 9% and lose 48%. If you decide to ignore ties, you’re left with winning 47% of the time and losing 53%.

False Blackjack myths #3 – The casino will always have the edge because of the fact that players act on their hand first. If they bust they lose automatically

This one is actually true. It is the double-bust rule that means that the casino will always have an edge when it comes to blackjack.

False Blackjack myths #4 – Playing at a table with inexperienced players will make you lose

This is 100% false. The truth is that how others play their hands has no impact on you whatsoever in the long run. In fact, you’d get the same long-term results whether you were playing alongside six pros or six complete newbies. Players need to focus on their own game and ignore the others who are around them.

False Blackjack myths #5 – Maths can make you win

You can certainly increase your win/lose ratio by understanding the maths behind this casino game. The best way of doing this is by mastering basic strategy. This is based on the mathematical probability of what will happen next according to the cards that you’re holding.

#6 – The dealer’s upcard is what matters most

This is entirely true. That’s because basic blackjack strategy comes into play based on what the card the dealer has revealed. It is this card that determines what you do next with your hand. 

#7 – You can’t make a living from blackjack 

There are plenty of players who can prove that this simply isn’t the case. Players the world over are making a full-time living from their game of blackjack. By using basic strategy and card counting, their wins far outweigh their losses. 

#8 – There are times when you shouldn’t split 8s

If you’ve ever been told to carry on and play with 16 then you’ve been misled. The best option will always be to split your pair of 8s and play two hands. This is always the case, no matter what the dealer’s upcard is.

#9 – Card counting is illegal 

If you’ve read any of our other articles you’ll already know that this is false. Casinos don’t like card counting purely down to the fact that it works. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s illegal. At worst you’ll be thrown out of a casino but you don’t need to fear being arrested.

#10 – You should use a progressive betting system 

Don’t go down this route as it’s unlikely to work out well. The truth is that no progressive betting system can alter the results of a game. All that they do achieve is wild swings when it comes to the health of your bankroll. 

#11 – Using basic strategy will lead to you going bust 12% of the time

This is another one of those blackjack myths that simply isn’t true. The reality is that if you play perfect basic strategy, you’ll actually go bust around 16% of the time on average. That may sound high but a player that has no clue about basic strategy will go bust far more often. 

#12 – You have to memorise basic strategy 

To be honest, it’s probably best that you do commit this strategy to memory, but it’s not something that you have to do. You can simply print off a strategy sheet that gives you all of the information that you need and you can even refer to this while you’re playing in a casino. That’s why there’s really no excuse not to be using basic strategy. 

#13 – You should always stand on a soft 18

There are plenty of players out there who believe that 18 is a good hand and that by standing there far more likely to win. This is another myth that simply isn’t true. The best thing to do when you’re dealt 18 is double down if the dealer’s upcard is a 3,4,5 or 6. You should double down and hit if the dealer is showing a 9, 10 or ace and you should stand against 2,7 and 8. 

#14 – A 6:5 payout for blackjack is okay

No, 6:5 is not okay and players should make every effort possible to find tables where the payout is 3:2. If you’re willing to accept the 6:5 then you’re accepting the house edge going up by 1.4%.

#15 – Side bets are a good option

This one depends on what you’re seeking. If you want to add another dimension to your game of blackjack then by all means explore side bets to your heart’s content. However, if you’re more interested in the house edge and your chances of winning then side bets are something that you need to avoid. 

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