Myths about Black Jack
Throughout its colorful history, several Black Jack myths have come about, and as the Internet expands, so will these fallacies and misconceptions. It is important to dispel these concepts, as all too often people accept them as true when in actuality they have no factual basis at all.
One of the most persistent Black Jack myths is that the dealer shuffles and hands out the cards very quickly in an effort to rattle the player, preventing him from strategizing. In fact it is the other way around; players often hold up the game, either because they are unfamiliar with the rules (thus needing constant reminders) or are illegally counting the cards.
Another Black Jack myth is that it is harder to win with six deck cards than four. At first glance, it seems to make sense, but in point of fact, it simply denotes that you will have more cards to work with. Besides, armed with the right strategy, the number of decks will become irrelevant.
Others will say that the actions of the final player will affect the entire group. It may be so, but if you stick to your game plan, it will not hurt you as much. The key to winning in Black Jack is simply focusing on your strategy and not on what the others are doing.
A Black Jack myth that remains to this day is that you should not split your 9s if the dealer shows he has a 9 too. In fact, the stats will show that a dealer holding a 9 will most likely hold a face card as well. Therefore you should split. Another game related misconception is that insurance is a good bet. It is not, because if you get Black Jack you lose over 10% of the money you could have won.
There are two other Black Jack myths that can be debunked right here. The first is that card counting will help you win. This is false for two reasons, the first is that it is illegal, and if you are caught you could be banned from the casino. The second is that in a six deck, it will be very difficult to keep track of all the cards, and if the dealer reshuffles the deck, all the counting will be for naught.
The other myth is perhaps the biggest one of them all. In order to win in Black Jack you need 21. That is just wrong; the aim of Black jack is to beat the dealer. You do not need a 21 to win; what you need are hands that have a higher value than those of the dealer. It need not be 21.
As a newcomer to the game, be it in the casino or online, you will hear these Black Jack myths from fellow players and even from those who do not even play the game. Pay them no need, and simply focus on your strategies and tactics. Doing so will improve your chances of winning and appreciation of the game.