Casinos make billions of dollars each year from blackjack players. While some people think card counting is a scam, the reality is that it’s a legitimate way to give yourself an edge against the casino. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about card counting in blackjack, including how to do it, the different systems involved, and frequently asked questions. So whether you’re just starting out or are looking for ways to improve your game, read on for all the information you need!
What is card counting in blackjack and how does it work ?
Card counting is a method of keeping track of what cards have been played in blackjack in order to give the player an edge over the casino. By knowing which cards have already been played, the player can make better decisions about which cards are likely to come up next and adjust their betting accordingly.
There are various card counting systems out there, but they all essentially work in the same way: each type of card (e.g. Ace, Two, Three, etc.) is assigned a point value; as the game progresses, players keep track of the point values of the cards that are dealt; and based on this information, they alter their bets accordingly.
The different types of card counting systems
There are a few different types of card counting systems, but the most commonly used is the Hi-Lo system. This system assigns a point value to each card, with the high cards (ten and above) worth -/+ one point, and the low cards (two through six) worth +/- two points. The Ace is usually counted as zero.
The Hi-Lo system is relatively easy to learn and use, which is why it’s so popular among blackjack players. There are also a few other variations of this system that you might come across, such as the KO Count or the Omega II System.
How to count cards in blackjack?
The first step is to memorize a simple count, like the Hi-Lo system. The Hi-Lo system assigns a value of +½ to low cards (from deuce through six) and −½ to high cards (from ace down to seven). All other cards are neutral and don’t affect the count. To keep track of the running count while playing, it’s helpful to use a ratio: divide your current running count by the number of decks left in the shoe. This will give you what’s called a true count. When using a true count, always round down. So if the true count is +12, that means there are 24 extra high cards in the deck for every 100 hands—an advantage of 0 .24%.
The next step is to practice counting cards at an online casino. Many casinos offer free-to-play blackjack games where you can test out card-counting strategies without risking any money. Once you’re ready to play for real money, find a blackjack table with a small minimum bet and a big maximum bet.
FAQs about card counting in blackjack
Q: Is card counting in blackjack illegal?
A: No, card counting is not illegal. However, casinos may ask you to leave if they believe you are counting cards.
Q: How do I know if a casino is suspect of card counters?
A: There are a few telltale signs that a casino may be on the lookout for card counters. These include dealers who consistently shuffle the deck before the end of the shoe, or pit bosses who suddenly appear when players start winning too much money.
Q: What is the best system for card counting in blackjack?
A: While there are many different systems used for card counting in blackjack, they all essentially work by keeping track of which cards have been played and which remain in the deck. This information is then used to adjust your betting strategy accordingly.
Q: Isn’t card counting in blackjack just too complicated?
A: While it may seem daunting at first, card counting in blackjack is actually quite simple once you get the hang of it.
