Card counting is not foolproof, but when implemented properly it can give players up to 2% edge against casinos. Unfortunately, casinos quickly implement countermeasures against card counters that attempt to exploit this practice.
Professional players claim they have won millions using card counting as part of their Blackjack strategy, yet many amateurs still find the strategy intimidating and find it difficult to adapt it for use when playing blackjack.
Myth 1: The dealer has an edge
Blackjack may have long been known for being one of the few casino games players can beat, yet it remains highly unpredictable. It isn’t unusual for players to experience consecutive losing hands before finally finding success and raising their bets in an effort to cover previous losses – something which won’t work.
Some players mistakenly assume that if a previous player made a bad move, it will have an effect on their game. While card counting requires math skills and memory recall (as depicted by Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man), other players cannot affect your blackjack game because you are competing against a dealer and it is your skill and knowledge that determines your victory or defeat.
Myth 2: The dealer has a hole card
Myth: Players often believe there will only ever be 16 cards from a 52 card deck that count as 10, meaning a dealer may only hold an Ace hole card 31% of the time; 69% will likely contain another suit altogether.
Many players make this mistake out of an attempt to be more “macho.” Instead, they take insurance even when the dealer shows a weak up card like 2, since standing would have resulted in their dealer busting and the whole hand winning. Insurance may seem appealing but does not make mathematical sense.
Myth 3: The dealer has a face card
Blackjack is a challenging yet highly enjoyable card game that combines skill with an element of luck, but can be won if players use effective strategies and disregard any myths surrounding its play.
There are various myths surrounding blackjack which lead to players losing money, such as believing a bad player at your table will hinder your chances of success and that counting cards illegal. Furthermore, people often think taking insurance is inadvisable or that any insurance should always be declined outright. These misconceptions lead many players down an unnecessary financial path.
Many players of blackjack believe that to successfully count cards they require an exceptional memory, likely inspired by the popular Dustin Hoffman film Rain Man. In reality, traditional card counting does not require this level of intelligence and anyone can learn it; you just have to stay focused on what cards are being dealt out rather than get distracted by other players at the table.
Myth 4: The dealer has a ten
One of the more pervasive myths surrounding blackjack is that you should always assume that a dealer holds ten cards when playing. Unfortunately, this can lead to costly playing errors.
At any one time, only 31% of time, the dealer holds a ten in his hole. Therefore, it would be more profitable for you to play as though no such ten exists, saving both time and money over time.
Many players mistakenly believe it to be best practice to stand on a soft 18; while this strategy may work against dealers holding weak up cards like 2, 3, 4, and 6, in most instances it may be more profitable to double down against 8, 9 or even an ace dealer’s hand instead of waiting and hoping that you hit 18.
Myth 5: The dealer has a face card
Myths about gambling abound, with blackjack being no different. Unfortunately, many players pay too much attention to these myths rather than using sound mathematical strategies to outwit their dealers and beat them at their game.
Some players believe that the order of cards matters and can damage their chances of winning, which often stems from results-oriented thinking; when bad luck strikes they remember those occasions and place blame elsewhere.
Misconceptions about counting cards often arise because many think it is illegal; in actuality, counting cards is legal and can even help decrease an already low house edge to almost nothing. Movies and television shows portray card counting as glamorous activity; however, good counters only gain 0.5%-1% advantage over casinos and experience multiple downswings along their journey.