Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world — and for good reason. It’s fun, fast-paced, and gives players a better chance to win than most games on the casino floor. But with popularity comes misinformation. Over the years, countless myths have developed about blackjack, and many of them sound believable enough to fool new players. Unfortunately, believing these myths can lead to poor decisions and lost money. In this article, we’ll break down some of the most common blackjack myths, explain why they’re wrong, and give you the truth so you can play smarter. Like playing, then Check Out Bovada Blackjack With a Special Bonus
Myth #1: The Goal of Blackjack is to Get as Close to 21 as Possible
This is one of the biggest misconceptions in blackjack. Many beginners think the aim is simply to reach 21 or as close as possible without going over. In reality, the true goal is to beat the dealer’s hand — not necessarily to hit 21. You can win with a total of 12, 15, or any number, as long as the dealer busts or finishes with a lower total than you.
The truth: Chasing 21 can lead to bad decisions, like hitting when you should stand. Sometimes the mathematically correct move is to hold a low total because the dealer has a weak card. Focus on beating the dealer, not hitting a perfect 21 every time.
Myth #2: The Dealer is Always Your Enemy
It’s easy to think of the dealer as someone trying to “take your money,” but that’s not exactly accurate. The dealer has no control over the cards they get, and they must follow strict rules — usually hitting until 17 or more. They aren’t making personal choices against you.
The truth: The dealer is just the middleman between you and the house rules. Thinking of the dealer as an enemy can lead to emotional play and poor decision-making. Treat them as part of the game, not the opponent you’re trying to outsmart.
Myth #3: Always Assume the Dealer Has a 10 in the Hole
Many players operate under the rule of thumb that the dealer’s hidden card is always worth 10. While it’s true that 10-value cards (10, Jack, Queen, King) are more common than any other single value, they still only make up 4 out of 13 possible cards — about 31% of the deck.
The truth: Basic strategy does sometimes recommend acting as if the dealer has a 10, but it’s not because it’s the most likely card — it’s because this assumption leads to the safest play in certain situations. Knowing when to use this thinking and when not to is key.
Myth #4: Bad Players at the Table Ruin Your Chances
It’s a common complaint: “That guy took the dealer’s bust card and ruined the whole table!” The truth is that blackjack is a game of probability over the long term. One player’s “wrong” move may change the outcome of a single hand, but over hundreds of hands, it won’t affect your overall chances.
The truth: Your odds are based on your decisions, not what the player next to you does. Worrying about other people’s moves only distracts you from making the best plays for yourself.
Myth #5: Card Counting is Illegal
Movies like 21 and Rain Man have made card counting look like a shady, outlawed activity. In reality, card counting is not illegal — it’s simply a method of tracking which cards remain in the deck to adjust your bets and plays. However, casinos don’t like it and can ask you to leave if they suspect you’re doing it.
The truth: Card counting is legal, but difficult to master and requires discipline, focus, and practice. It also works best in live games with multiple decks, not online games with continuous shuffling.
Myth #6: Taking Insurance is a Safe Bet
When the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, you’ll be offered “insurance” — a side bet that pays if the dealer has blackjack. Many online blackjack players believe this is a good way to protect their hand. But insurance has a high house edge and, in most cases, is a losing proposition in the long run.
The truth: Unless you’re a skilled card counter who knows the deck is rich in 10-value cards, insurance is a bad bet. It’s better to focus on playing your main hand correctly.
Myth #7: You Should Always Stand on a 12
Many beginners are afraid to hit on a total of 12 because they fear busting. But the right move depends on the dealer’s upcard. For example, if the dealer shows a 2 or 3, hitting is actually the better mathematical choice.
The truth: Basic strategy charts exist for a reason. The correct decision with a 12 depends on what the dealer is showing, not just your fear of busting.
Myth #8: Betting Systems Can Beat the Game
From the Martingale to the Paroli system, there are dozens of betting strategies that claim to guarantee profits. These systems are based on increasing or decreasing your bets after wins or losses. While they may create short-term wins, they can’t overcome the built-in house edge.
The truth: Betting systems can manage risk or add structure to your play, but they can’t change the odds in the long run. No system turns blackjack into a guaranteed moneymaker.
Myth #9: Online Blackjack is Rigged
Some players believe that online casinos use software to ensure you lose. In reality, licensed online casinos use random number generators (RNGs) to deal cards fairly. The results are as random as shuffling a deck in a physical casino.
The truth: If you play at reputable, licensed sites, the games are fair. The house edge exists in both online and offline blackjack, so losses are more often due to normal variance and poor strategy than rigged software.
Myth #10: You Can Always Win if You Play Long Enough
This is one of the most dangerous myths. The longer you play, the more the house edge works against you. Even with perfect basic strategy, the casino still has a small advantage over time.
The truth: The key is to play smart, manage your bankroll, and know when to walk away. Playing indefinitely almost always leads to losses.
Myth #11: Blackjack is Pure Luck
While luck is a factor — you can’t control the cards you’re dealt — blackjack is one of the few casino games where skill plays a huge role. Learning basic strategy can lower the house edge to less than 1%.
The truth: Over the long run, skill matters more than luck. The better you play, the closer you get to even odds with the house.
Myth #12: Side Bets are a Good Way to Boost Winnings
Blackjack tables often offer side bets like Perfect Pairs or 21+3, which promise big payouts. These bets are tempting, but they typically have a much higher house edge than the main game.
The truth: Side bets are fun for entertainment but bad for your bankroll if you’re aiming for long-term profit. Stick to the main hand if you want the best odds.
Myth #13: Doubling Down is Always Risky
Some players avoid doubling down because they don’t want to risk more money. But doubling is one of the most powerful moves in blackjack when done at the right time.
The truth: If you follow basic strategy, doubling down can increase your winnings significantly. For example, doubling on 11 against a dealer’s low card is often a smart play.
Myth #14: The Hot Table Myth
Some players believe that a “hot” table — where players have been winning — will continue to win. Others think a “cold” table is doomed to lose. In reality, each hand is independent of the last.
The truth: Past outcomes don’t influence future hands. The cards have no memory, so choose your table based on comfort and atmosphere, not streaks.
Myth #15: Splitting 10s is a Good Move
Splitting a pair of 10s might seem like a way to double your winnings, but it usually weakens your hand. A 20 is one of the strongest totals in blackjack.
The truth: Unless you’re counting cards and know the deck is favorable, keep your 20. It’s already a winning hand most of the time.
Myth #16: You Can Tell What Card is Coming Next
Some players believe they can predict the next card by “reading” patterns. While card counting can give you an idea of what types of cards are left, predicting the exact card is impossible without cheating.
The truth: Blackjack is a game of probabilities, not psychic predictions. Focus on making the best decision with the information you have.
Myth #17: Never Hit on a Soft 18
A soft 18 (Ace + 7) is flexible, but many players stand regardless of the dealer’s card. In some cases, hitting or doubling is actually the better choice.
The truth: Against a dealer’s strong card like 9, 10, or Ace, hitting on soft 18 can improve your chances of winning.
Myth #18: You Can’t Win Without Big Bets
Some gamblers think you need to bet big to make any real money. While larger bets increase potential winnings, they also increase risk.
The truth: Consistent, smart play with smaller bets can keep you in the game longer and reduce the risk of big losses.
Myth #19: Always Mimic the Dealer’s Play
A few players think copying the dealer’s hit/stand rules is a safe approach. But the dealer’s rules are designed to give the house an edge.
The truth: Basic strategy offers a better chance of winning than mimicking the dealer’s moves.
Myth #20: Blackjack is All About Winning Big
Many players approach blackjack expecting big wins every session. In reality, the best players focus on minimizing losses and grinding out small, steady wins.
The truth: Consistency and discipline pay off more than chasing huge payouts.
Blackjack myths can be costly, especially for new players who take them at face value. By understanding the truth behind these misconceptions, you can make smarter decisions, stretch your bankroll, and give yourself the best possible shot at winning. The key takeaway? Don’t rely on hearsay or “table wisdom.” Learn the facts, stick to solid strategy, and you’ll be ahead of most players who fall victim to these costly myths