Blackjack is one of those few games that is instantly recognisable. It’s also one of the world’s most popular games, and is ranked as second as the most played game in the casino industry.
It’s a game that has been with us for the better part of four hundred years, and while blackjack itself may not have changed much since its first creation, there are plenty of myths and misconceptions that have grown around this well-known card game.
Gamblers tend to be a superstitious sort, and just about every game in the casino industry has its own set of myths and legends.
Some of them have a basis of truth to them, while others are completely fictitious, often to the point where they detrimental to the player. Blackjack is especially notorious thanks to its popularity, but even this card comparing game hasn’t been subject to as many myths as the online pokies Australia has to offer.
Nevertheless, these are some common myths about the game of blackjack.
1. The Dealer’s Winning Streak
This is the belief that there are “hot” and “cold” dealers. Many players will not join a table if they see that a dealer is currently on a winning streak as they believe that the streak will soon come to an end.
The truth is that even if the dealer is on a winning streak, it’s almost certainly by chance, as most casinos ensure their blackjack games are at the mercy of chance.
2. Gambler’s Fallacy
This is one that applies to just about every casino game in the world, and it’s also one of the most widely-believed.
The belief holds that if a player suffers a number of losses in a row, their luck will eventually turn and they will start to win.
The fallacy, much like the previous entry, is built around the fact that players believe there is some kind of hidden force that dictates how a hand will turn out. In actual fact, it’s all up to chance, and it’s extremely difficult to alter the chances in a game of blackjack.
3. Winning by Progressive Betting
This is one that has left many players with empty wallets. The belief is that if a player is using a progressive betting system, they double their bets with every loss until they hit a win, after which they do the same with their win.
As the results of any given blackjack hand are completely random, this kind of betting system simply does not work, and can quickly drain a player’s betting fund.
4. Card Counting is Illegal
Blackjack is one of the few casino games where card counting can technically work, but only under a certain set of circumstances.
Many also believe that if you are caught counting cards, you will be arrested and hauled away by the police. The truth, however, is that counting cards is by no means illegal, and that you will most likely just be banned from that casino.
There are many more myths surrounding blackjack, but these are the most common, and understanding the truth behind them can better your own games.