Let me tell ya, the internet's chock-full of advice claiming to turn you into a blackjack whiz. From so-called foolproof tips from seasoned card sharks to tall tales that somehow become gospel, there's a bunch to sift through.
But hey, if you're itching to improve your online casino game, first things first - separating fact from fiction. Here's a quick look at eight big myths about blackjack, and I'm going to blow them all wide open:
Heads up, rookies! Sure, 21 and blackjack go together like peanut butter and jelly. Heck, they even made a whole movie called "21" about the game. But get this: your real target ain't just to get as close to 21 as possible, it's to beat the dealer's hand!
To win, you gotta score more points than the dealer without going overboard, or hope the dealer busts. Why's this a big deal? 'Cause it's the golden rule of blackjack strategy. Chasing 21 can lead you straight to bust city and zap your bankroll. Remember, sometimes sitting pretty on 16 or 17 points is all it takes to come out on top.
One of the most famous blackjack myths? Always betting that the dealer's next card is a 10 – like it's some kind of safety net, since there are a bunch of cards worth 10 points (tens, jacks, queens, and kings). So, if the dealer's showing a nine, this myth has you believing their hole card is bound to be a ten, bringing them to 19.
Big mistake. With 52 cards in the deck, only 16 are worth 10 points. That means there's just a 31% chance of the dealer flipping a 10 – not in your favor, right? Simple math! Stick to basic blackjack strategy that guides you based on your hand and the dealer's up card.
Ever pondered when to take insurance on your bet? Here's a life tip - just don't. It's one of the worst moves in blackjack. Insurance is an extra bet you can make when the dealer's up card is an ace. If the dealer hits blackjack, you lose your main bet but get a 2-to-1 payout on insurance.
But considering the 31% chance of a 10 showing up next, insurance is usually just throwing your money away, even if it looks tempting at first glance.
Sounds silly, right? Still, some players are convinced that a face card is always followed by another. But the truth is, this idea doesn't hold up – it's just plain wrong!
And then there's the belief that a bad player at the table can mess up the whole game and affect your strategy. Spoiler alert: this myth is bogus. A bad player's choices don't impact the game's outcome, even short-term. Sure, they might grab a card you wanted, but it could swing the other way too! Focus on your own hand and let the others play their game.
Got a sweet 18? Holding might seem smart, but it's not always the best play. If the dealer's showing a weak hand (like a three through six), doubling down could really pay off. This move ain't a surefire win, but it's about playing the odds and capitalizing on the dealer's weak spot.
Playing it super safe by never hitting on 12? That might sound wise, but it'll likely hurt your game. Sure, the chance of busting on 12 is real, but if you refuse to take a card, you're just boosting the casino's edge.
Many players think blackjack is all about luck and there's nada you can do to boost your winning chances. But that's just not the case. Every decision you make at the table can swing the game. You can't predict the next card, but knowing some solid strategies based on math can really up your game.
Alright, enough talk – time to walk the walk. Why not test out these myth-busted strategies at a blackjack table in Betsafe's online casino?
