Blackjack can easily be considered one of the most popular casino games ever, alongside poker and other variety games. The card game’s popularity has led to many misconceptions, like assuming card counting will give you a guaranteed win, expecting a win after five losses, overemphasizing the importance of mathematics and several others.
Unlike casino games like online slots, which mostly require luck, players need to possess some skill and practice often to win at blackjack. If you’d like to improve your own skills, you might want to pick up some tips, such as the dos and don’ts of doubling down or when to apply the surrender rule.
Debunking the Myths
Although skill and practice are necessary to do well, there are still some players who believe the myth that blackjack is all about luck. This article will shed light on some of the other common blackjack myths in the gaming world.
Get As Close to 21 As Possible
The oversimplification of the objective of live dealer blackjack by some gambling promoters has led individuals to focus on the wrong thing, namely, reaching 21. This isn’t really necessary. Players beat the dealer by having a higher final total than them or avoiding busting before the dealer does.
Neither of these two has any connection to getting as close to 21 as possible. Trying to get close to 21 will likely leave you broke before the end of the day, so it’s advisable to just focus on beating the dealer.
Card Counting Is Illegal
Contrary to the many casino movies which have depicted card counting as illegal, it is legal when playing blackjack. If a player is caught card counting, they will not get banned from gambling at the casino or dragged from the floor.
Card counting is basically using your head to track specific cards while they are being played, which is certainly not illegal. Having said this, although legal, counting cards is only possible while playing live dealer blackjack. Gamblers who prefer playing casino games online will have to resort to other means besides card counting to increase their odds.
You Need a Photographic Memory To Count Cards
This blackjack myth is one that has discouraged several people from trying their hand at card counting. Unlike the widespread belief that a photographic memory is needed when card counting, the only extra talent required from a player is impressive math skills.
The most common strategy used in card counting involves the player adding one whenever they see a low card between 2 and 6 and subtracting the same figure whenever they see a 10 or an ace.
Card Counting Guarantees You a Win
Although card counting will increase your chances of winning in blackjack and amp up your odds, it does not wholly guarantee a win. Over time, casinos have introduced new regulations to minimize card counting strategies by gamblers.
One such move is the use of several decks, which has made the practice difficult. Most experienced blackjack players are aware of the limitation and mindful of any fluctuations which could occur during the game in both winnings and losses.
There is also the fact that card counting is a strategy that can’t be used when playing online casino games.
Blackjack Players Should Have a Head for Numbers
When playing live dealer casino games like blackjack, most people assume that being good at mathematics is crucial to winning. While impressive math skills could bring you many benefits when playing the card game, it is not a major requirement for blackjack.
The basics of the game are easy to learn, and — like most things in life — practice, rather than math knowledge, is what increases your chances. Being a math whizz is only required if you intend to learn card counting to slant the odds in your favor.
Assume the Dealer Always Has a 10 in the Hole
Players often assume that the blackjack dealer has a 10 in the hole because there are more ranked cards in the deck with a value of 10. These include the jacks, queens, kings and the 10s. This means that around 70% of the cards are not valued at 10, while the dealer has a 30% chance of having a 10 in the hole.
Basing your entire strategy on the assumption that the dealer has a 10 in the hole could lead to some big losses. Rather, you need to use the basic playing strategy as it includes all the possible cards possessed by the dealer, how often they will get the cards, the cards they will get if they hit again and how often you will get each card when you hit.
You’re Due for a Win After a Series of Losses
While skill is involved, blackjack is still a game of chance. If you assume you’re due for a win after losing the last five hands in a row.
While your wins and losses could even out after some time, this does not guarantee a win after any number of losses. Each hand dealt during the game gives the player the same odds of winning, which is around 48%.
Get the Best Out of Your Game at BetMGM
Blackjack, like most casino table games, is a game of luck and skill. There is no hidden rule or secret knowledge that will guarantee you a win. If you truly want to get the best out of playing blackjack, ignore the myths and focus on improving your chances of winning and having fun. And what better place to do that than BetMGM?
BetMGM has a great selection of online casino games for players to choose from, including jackpot slots and baccarat, in case you’d like to try your hand at some baccarat side bets in addition to the many games. Register now for access to an exciting portfolio of games and begin your casino online betting.
