Quick Takeaways
- Blackjack is not about luck alone. It’s about decision quality + rule quality.
- Most myths come from misunderstanding probability, short-term variance, or table etiquette.
- If you remove these misconceptions, playing “clean blackjack” becomes much easier.
If you want the full blackjack foundation first (rules, scoring, dealer rules, payouts, and table selection), start with The Complete Guide to Blackjack. This article clears up the biggest myths so you can focus on what actually matters.
Misconception 1: “The Dealer Is Due to Bust”
This is one of the most common beliefs at the table.
The dealer doesn’t “owe” you a bust. Each hand is driven by:
- the cards that come out, and
- the dealer’s forced rules (hit until a certain point)
The dealer can bust three hands in a row… or never bust for ten hands. That doesn’t change what the next card will be.
A better mindset:
Play the decision in front of you, not the story in your head.
Misconception 2: “I’m On a Hot Streak, So I Should Raise My Bet”
Winning streaks happen. Losing streaks happen. That’s normal variance.
The mistake is thinking a streak changes the math of the next hand.
If you increase your bet because you feel “hot,” you’re making a bankroll decision based on emotion, not advantage.
A better rule:
- pick a base bet you can comfortably support
- only raise bets when it fits your bankroll plan, not your mood
Misconception 3: “If I Lose a Few Hands, I’m Due to Win One”
This is the flip side of the hot streak myth.
Blackjack doesn’t “balance out” on your timeline. A bad stretch can last longer than you expect, even if you’re playing correctly.
That’s why bankroll management matters: you need enough runway to survive normal variance.
Misconception 4: “Insurance Protects Me”
Insurance is not protection. It’s a side bet.
It’s offered when the dealer shows an Ace, and it’s priced in a way that usually favors the house.
If you want the simple rule:
If you’re not using advanced information, decline insurance.
(You can revisit the full breakdown in Why Insurance Is a Bad Bet (Most of the Time))
Misconception 5: “Even Money Is a Smart, Safe Choice”
Even money feels comforting when:
- you have blackjack, and
- the dealer shows an Ace
But it’s essentially insurance packaged differently.
Most of the time, it’s a value trade you don’t need to make—especially if you’re playing on strong 3:2 tables.
Misconception 6: “I Should Always Stand on 16 Because It’s Too Risky to Hit”
Hard 16 is a painful hand. But “always stand” is not a strategy.
Sometimes hitting is correct. Sometimes standing is correct. It depends on the dealer upcard.
The reason basic strategy exists is that the correct play changes with context.
Misconception 7: “Soft Hands Should Always Be Stood On”
Soft hands are flexible because the Ace can change from 11 to 1.
That means soft hands can often:
- take a hit without the same bust risk, and
- improve into strong totals
Soft 17 and soft 18 are common places where beginners stand too early.
Misconception 8: “Splitting Is Just Gambling More”
Splitting can feel like you’re doubling your risk. And yes, you are putting more money in.
But the point is: you’re putting more money in when the move is mathematically strong.
The “always split” and “never split” pairs exist for a reason.
If you want the full split breakdown, see When to Split Pairs: A Complete Strategy Breakdown.
Misconception 9: “Doubling Down Is Only for Brave Players”
Doubling down is not courage. It’s math.
It’s the option to press your advantage in one-card improvement spots (like hard 9–11 and certain soft hands).
If you want the intuition behind it, see The Math Behind Doubling Down in Blackjack.
Misconception 10: “3:2 vs 6:5 Doesn’t Matter That Much”
It matters more than most players think because it underpays your best hand: a natural blackjack.
If you want one table rule filter:
Prefer 3:2. Avoid 6:5 when possible.
Misconception 11: “Table Position Changes the Cards You Get”
You might hear:
“Third base ruined the table.”
Table position can change which card you personally receive, because the order of cards is fixed. But it does not change the overall fairness of the game.
In the long run:
- you are not “owed” a card
- someone else didn’t “steal” your win
- the dealer’s rules are still forced
Most of the time, this myth is just frustration finding a target.
Misconception 12: “The Dealer Can Choose to Beat Me”
In most blackjack formats, the dealer follows fixed rules:
- they hit until they reach a certain total
- they stand after that
- they don’t choose based on your hand
It can feel personal when the dealer “always gets a 10,” but it’s not intention. It’s variance.
Misconception 13: “Side Bets Improve My Chances”
Side bets are separate wagers and usually carry higher house edge than the main blackjack game.
If your goal is best odds, side bets are usually not the play. Treat them as entertainment, not strategy.
Misconception 14: “Card Counting Works Everywhere, So I Should Try It Online”
Card counting is a real concept in physical-shoe blackjack, but it doesn’t apply the same way in most online formats—especially RNG games.
Many online games:
- shuffle continuously, or
- use RNG where every hand is independent
If you want practical online improvement, your biggest gains usually come from:
- table selection
- playing clean basic strategy
- managing pace and bankroll
Misconception 15: “Basic Strategy Is a ‘Cheat Code’ That Guarantees Wins”
Basic strategy improves your long-run results by reducing mistakes. It does not remove variance.
You can play perfectly and lose a session. The goal is not “never lose.” The goal is:
lose less when you’re supposed to lose, and win more when you’re supposed to win.
Mini FAQ: Blackjack Myths
1) Is Blackjack Mostly Luck?
There is luck in each hand, but decisions and rules strongly affect long-run outcomes.
2) Does Third Base Control the Table?
No. It can change which card goes to which player, but it doesn’t “control” results.
3) Is Insurance Ever Worth It?
Rarely, and only with advanced information. Most players should decline.
4) Is Basic Strategy Enough to Beat Blackjack?
It lowers the house edge, but it doesn’t guarantee profit.
5) What’s the One Rule I Should Always Check?
Blackjack payout: 3:2 is better than 6:5.
Where To Go Next
Now that you’ve cleared the biggest misconceptions, the next step is learning how table position actually affects play—what changes, what doesn’t, and why people argue about it so much.
Continue with How Table Position (First Base vs Third Base) Actually Affects Play.
