Blackjack is a classic casino game that has undergone many subtle (and some major) changes over the years. But there is no doubt that the noble card game remains a staple of gaming and one of the most popular in the casino industry. In the past 20 years alone, we have seen a number of different blackjack variations, including games with side bets such as the “four twenties.” Regardless of what version of the game you play, beating it requires a lot of skill, bankroll management and an understanding of the rules.
In the end, blackjack is all about a simple equation: Beat The Dealer. However, many players have misconceptions about what this means and how it can be accomplished. Here are some of the most common misconceptions and how to avoid them:
Don’t Double A Ten Against Anything But An Ace
Doubling is an important strategy in blackjack, but it should be reserved for situations where your hand is stronger than the dealer’s. For example, you should always split aces and eights, but never split fives or faces. In addition, you should only double against a dealer’s Ace, as this is the strongest hand against a dealer.
Do Not Take Insurance
Insurance is a big money-maker for casinos and it’s often misunderstood by players. Some players believe that taking insurance is a good way to increase their chances of winning, but this is a dangerous myth. For starters, the house edge on this bet is over 7%. Secondly, dealers are trained to spot counters. They look for players who pay close attention to their fellow player’s cards after a hand has been dealt, sudden increases in bet size and people who move between tables rapidly.
Don’t Get Tempted to Cheat
There are no real cheats in blackjack, and trying to bend the rules can get you into serious trouble. It’s better to learn a few strategies and understand how to adapt them to various situations rather than trying to find shortcuts.
Know When to Hit
Statistically speaking, hitting is a good idea when your total is 11 or less. You will bust less frequently than the dealer, so you have a higher chance of winning. However, it is also important to know when to stand.
Set Time Limits