Blackjack is a game of skill. The fact that the player can beat the dealer by applying a proper strategy explains why you can find a plethora of articles dedicated to the art of playing Blackjack. However, while useful tips and tricks that can help you beat the game, certain myths and misconceptions can lead you to the opposite direction. In this article, we will try to debunk the biggest Blackjack myths for you.
Chasing 21 Is a Must
Blackjack is also known as 21 as this is the magic number you need to reach to hit a natural and win a 3:2 payout. That’s why you will usually find articles telling you that the objective of the game is to get to 21 or as close as possible to it. However, the good news is that you can beat the dealer with a hand that is lower than 21. Or, to put it simply, the goal of the game is not to create a hand worth 21 but to beat the dealer. It is true that with a hand worth less than 21 you won’t win the top prize, but you won’t bust either as long as your hand is of higher value than the dealer’s.
Instead of chasing 21, we suggest applying the optimal strategy and make your moves according to it. Sometimes, you may be tempted to hit and claim another card as you believe that you can create a natural, but you should not do it if that’s not in line with what the strategy requires you to do.
Taking Low House Edge as a Given
Okay, Blackjack may be one of the games with the lowest house edge, but you should not take it as a given. As a matter of fact, its house edge depends on the player’s moves, so the percentage we mention is a result of playing the game by the optimal strategy. On the other hand, not all Blackjack games have the same house margin. When you have a game variant where the dealer hits on a soft 17 or a Blackjack pays 6:5, the house edge can be higher by 1.5%. Also, side bets come with a higher house edge, so make sure not to play them regularly.
Progressive Betting Systems Work
In Blackjack, a proper strategy is what you should stick to. While it can help you make the right moves and win, betting systems are all about how to place bets. They don’t teach you how to beat the dealer. Instead, they can make you lose a large amount of money if you rely on them. Whether you follow a negative progression or positive progression betting system, they require you to increase your bet as long as you win or lose. While Blackjack involves skills, it still has to do with luck, so one can never tell whether they will win or lose.
Believe Your Gut Feeling
This is probably the biggest nonsense when it comes to the game of Blackjack. Playing a hunch at Blackjack is a shortcut to bankruptcy as no gut feeling can beat what experts have identified as the moves you should make in certain situations. If you want to play casino games that require no skills, better opt for slot machines or Roulette. Yet, keep in mind that Blackjack gained popularity due to the fact that proper moves can give a player an advantage over the casino.
You Have to Be a Mathematician to Win at Blackjack
The art of card counting may require a mathematician mind, but when playing Blackjack online, that should not bother you. Decks in Live Blackjack are reshuffled automatically, which provides deck penetration of 50% at best. Sadly, it is not sufficient to make use of card counting. One less thing to worry about and focus on the proper strategy and the moves you should make!
Take Insurance Whenever You Can
If you believe that you are a well informed Blackjack player, you should be aware of the fact that Insurance is one of the worst casino bets and the one you should avoid. Although it is advertised as a move that can help you keep some of your money when facing a potential loss, the truth is that it increases the house edge. With this wager, you bet that the dealer has a natural, and when they do, you get paid 2:1. If they don’t, you lose the Insurance bet, which is a half of your original wager, but you can still lose your Ante bet. It is easy to see that this can be detrimental to your bankroll in the long run.
Closing Thoughts
These are only some of the popular myths and misconceptions about the game of Blackjack. Now that we have debunked them for you, you can go on and master the proper strategy to make the most of the game. If you play by it, you can enjoy an exciting and rewarding gaming experience, whether you play Blackjack at a virtual or a live table. Read our comprehensive guide to mastering Blackjack and make sure to get informed well before you join a table to your liking.
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