Is this true about circuit breakers being out of phase in a house?
Another answer explains the split phase normally used in residential electrical service.  This picture 



from answer to 46960 explains how breakers basically do alternate as you say, which leg of the service they draw from.  

Note that there are breakers that attach two circuits in a single space, etc., so it's a little more complicated, but if you keep in mind what the bus looks like underneath, you'll understand what's going on.