Myths and Misconceptions Surrounding Blackjack Strategies

Blackjack has been one of the most popular casino games for a long time. Many enjoy the classic card game for a variety of different reasons, with its simplicity being held in high esteem by many.

The premise of the game is rather simple: get as close to 21 as possible without going over to potentially win. It is important to remember that a lot more can be involved in the game than just reaching that value. For instance, players are playing against a dealer who is also trying to reach the same target.

Despite being simple, many believe that the game of blackjack is also filled with numerous myths and misconceptions that make it harder to win. Many of these are factually incorrect. If you believe them, then you may find your overall gaming experience is potentially impacted in a negative way.

Counting Cards is Illegal

Although not viewed upon fondly by casinos, there is nothing illegal about counting cards. There have been various movies and instances whereby we have seen players removed from blackjack tables because they are using the technique, but this is because the house wants to keep things as fair as possible in their own way and do not want to be disadvantaged by the player. Counting cards can be difficult to learn, but it can be effective.

Blackjack is all about Luck

While all gambling games consist of an element of luck, players can enhance their ability to win at blackjack with skill. Those who have taken the time to learn about the game can adopt and implement strategies that can help them increase their chances of winning. Although there is no way of influencing the next card, skilled players will know when to do certain things, such as hitting, standing, and splitting.

You Should Always Take Insurance

Insurance is a type of side bet that can be found when playing at a table or an online blackjack variant at a site that offers a range of titles to choose from. Not everyone understands this bet, which is perhaps why there is a misconception about using it all the time whenever the dealer has an Ace as their face-up card. Players will hope that the dealer’s next card is not a face card, otherwise, they will have ‘blackjack’. While taking the insurance can be a good idea, it can be better to stick to the basic strategy and avoid taking it, as statistically, the odds will then be against them.

The Dealer Always Wins

Naturally, with most casino games, the house typically has an edge. The same can be said with blackjack, however this does not mean that they will always be winning. In fact, according to figures, the dealer will only win approximately 43% of the games they play against a skilled player.

Always Hit on a Soft 17

A “soft 17” is the term used for anyone that has a hand that features an Ace card and a six. This is because the Ace can act as ‘11’ or ‘1’. While a value of ‘17’ can be good in terms of trying to get close to ‘21’ without going over and busting, many believe that you should always hit when in this scenario. This is not always the best thing to do. In fact, standing on a “soft 17” can be the best move, depending on what the dealer has.

Splitting 10s is a Bad Move

Splitting 10s – when you have a pair of 10 cards – is not always a bad idea. Many believe that you should not split them. In order to give you a better chance, it could be a great idea to do so. This is because they can lead to potentially two hands winning. It is a risky strategy to adopt and is not always advisable. Make sure to look at what the dealer has and if they have a weak up-card, then you should consider it.

The Bottom Line

These are just some of the biggest myths and misconceptions to be experienced across the game of blackjack. Many have been told across generations, such as counting cards is illegal when it isn’t, but it is important to recognize that they are not all true. By understanding these and having them debunked, any gaming session you may enjoy when playing this classic casino game can now be enhanced!

Readers Might Also Like:

What to Do on a Rainy Day in Chicago? Creative Ideas for Enjoying the City

Check Out These Global Wellness Trends Inspiring The Internet