Blackjack, a traditional casino game of skill and chance, has captivated the hearts of gamblers for years. Blackjack card counting stands out as a deliberate way to beat the odds in your favor among the many techniques used to obtain an edge. In this article, we’ll go over approaches and potential benefits, as well as how to correctly implement this strategic technique. Continue reading to learn more about the strategy’s secrets.
Is Card Counting Effective?
Statistics show that more blackjacks will be dealt when there are more tens and aces left in the shoe. Blackjacks pay 3:2 (150% of your bet), and the dealer is more likely to “bust” (go over 21). On the other hand, when there are a lot of small cards left, there are fewer blackjacks and the dealer is much less likely to “bust.” Because of these statistical facts, a card counter can carefully keep track of how many high cards and how many low cards are in the shoe and bet more when there are more high cards and less when there are more low cards.
It’s an easy idea, but putting it into practice perfectly is more difficult and requires advice from experts.
Four Steps can used to Count Cards
Step 1
Give each card a value. With the most popular card counting system, Hi-Lo, the card values are:
2-6 = +1
7-9 = 0
10-Ace= -1
Depending on the number of each card, you will either add 1, subtract 1, or do nothing.
Step 2
Keeping track of how many
Every time you see a card in a shoe, add or subtract one from the total.
As each card is dealt, our “running count” will be updated with the new information.
A card counter does this with every card that comes out of the shoe, card after card and round after round, until the player shuffles the cards again. Back when there was only one deck of cards, this would have been enough knowledge to start betting. If the running count goes up, the person starts to gain the upper hand. If the running count goes down, the casino’s edge grows.
Step 3
Figure out the “true count” or the number of cards per deck
Having a running count of +5 with 6 cards left is not the same as having a running count of +5 with only 1 deck left. In the first case, there are less than one high card left in each deck, so the player does not yet have an edge.
A card counter isn’t just interested in the number of extra high cards. He or she is also interested in how many high cards there are compared to how many low cards there are.
So, if you had a running count of 5 and there was only one deck left, we know that there are 5 more 10s and Aces in the remaining 52 cards, giving the person the edge. Because of this, the “True Count” is so important.
Running count
True Count = ——————-
Decks Remaining
We can use this information to bet in a way that helps us when we use great basic strategy and count cards. That’s how those of us who count cards make money. The true count will also tell us when we need to change how we play. These are what we call “playing deviations.” We give our members free charts of game changes.
Step 4
Make new bets as the true count goes up and down.
Keeping a running count and a true count is the only way to know when the house edge goes in the player’s favor. However, if you don’t use that knowledge to change how you play, you’ll just be playing a game of blackjack that is mentally exhausting.
So that players can use the information they get from counting, they must raise their bets as the true count goes up. You should bet big when the cards are in the player’s favor and small when the count is negative or neutral and not in the player’s favor.
Bankroll management and the right way to bet can get difficult. If you don’t know how to bet right, it’s easy to do a lot of damage to your bankroll.
Step 5
This is when things can get a little tricky. Players can depart from the blackjack fundamental approach when you count cards and the total value increases. However, instead of relying on gut feelings, players should employ mathematically based facts to guide your selections.
When playing with a true count of +3 or more, the following are some of the most significant deviations:
- Purchase insurance on the dealer's Ace
- Stand with 16 versus the dealer's 10
- Instead of standing, split tens
- Stand with 13 versus the dealer's 2
- Stand with 12 against the dealer's 2 or 3
- Double Down on a 10 against the dealer's Ace
- Against the dealer's 7, double down on 9
List of Ways to Count Cards
Hi-Lo
When it comes to counting cards, the Hi-Lo approach is by far the most popular choice. This strategy, which was developed by Edward Thorp and is based on his Ten-Count technique, is beneficial for players of all skill levels.
In this scenario, the cards from 2 to 6 receive a bonus of one point, while the ace, 10, and all face cards, which are also referred to as “high cards,” receive a penalty of one point. The cards in the center of the deck are marked with a 0. Now, as an illustration, a blackjack player’s overall count is considered to be -1 if they have counted the King, 6, 10, 2, and Jack as part of their hand. If the number is positive, then there is a good chance that there are still high-value cards in the deck. This likelihood increases as the number gets higher. To begin, the player is given a count that is kept going. The player will then have a genuine count once they have taken the running count and divided it by the number of decks that are still in the shoe.
Hi-Opt I
There are two distinct iterations of the Highly Optimum, often known as Hi-Opt, card counting system: Hi-Opt I and Hi-Opt II. Both make use of the same fundamental idea, although the Hi-Opt II technique is better developed as a tactic.
In the Hi-Opt I card game, the cards 3, 4, and 5 each have a count of +1, whereas the cards 2, 7, 8, 9, and A each have a value of 0, and the cards 10, J, and K each have a value of -1.
High Option II
The Hi-Opt II is a somewhat complicated strategy, and in it, cards 4, 5, and 7 have a value of +2, 2, 3, 6, and 7 have a value of +1, 8, 9, and A have a value of 0, and 10, J, Q, and K have a value of -2. The real count and the running count are both preserved using the exact same method. Card counters of a high caliber are the only ones that make use of this strategy, as it is extremely difficult to execute correctly.
Knock Out
The Knock Out system, commonly known as the K-O system, is a straightforward method of card counting that is appropriate for players of all skill levels, including novices. After all of the cards have been dealt, the total count will not equal zero, which indicates that this system is not balanced in any way. This method may not be as exact, but it is simple to learn and straightforward to use in gambling establishments.
In this scenario, the values of the 10s, aces, queens, jacks, and king are all reduced by one, while the values of cards 2-7 are increased by one. In this particular system, the value 0 is assigned to the digits 8 and 9.
If a player were to keep track of the cards 3, 4, Jack, 9, 7, and Queen, for instance, his final count would be +1.
Card counting is a strategy, math, and observation skill that offers blackjack players an advantage. Mastering this approach will not make you rich, but it will improve your gaming experience significantly. Remember that good card counting requires practice, self-control, and a thorough understanding of the game. So, whether you go to a live casino or play blackjack online, counting cards could be your secret weapon for winning more money. Good luck, and may the luck of the draw be with you always!
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FAQs
Is card counting illegal?
Card counting is not illegal, but casinos frown upon it. While you won’t be arrested for card counting, you might be asked to leave a casino if you’re suspected of using this strategy.
Can I use electronic devices for card counting?
Using electronic devices, such as smartphones or computers, to aid card counting is illegal in most casinos and can lead to severe consequences.
Do I need to have an excellent memory to count cards?
While a good memory can help, card counting primarily involves mental calculation and practice. As you practice, you’ll become more adept at keeping track of the count.
Is card counting effective in online blackjack?
Online blackjack games often use automatic shufflers and multiple decks, making card counting less effective. It’s more applicable in live casino settings.
How can I practice card counting?
You can practice card counting by using decks of cards at home, practicing with online simulators, or joining blackjack communities to learn from experienced players.
