If you’d like to learn more about how to count cards in blackjack then you’re in the right place. Card counting is a technique used in blackjack to reduce the house edge and even swing the edge in favor of the player.
Although counting cards seems incredibly difficult at first glance, it’s easier than it appears. In this card counting 101 guide, we teach you how to count cards in blackjack like a seasoned expert and greatly improve your odds of winning at a blackjack table.
What is Card Counting?
Many people have a misconception about what card counting is as it’s believed that it requires remembering every card played and the order in which they were played. In reality, you don’t have to remember specific cards that have been dealt but instead have an idea of the value of the cards that remain in the shoe.
To answer the question “What does counting cards mean?”, we should look at where the concept began. In the 1960s, Edward O. Thorp developed the theory of how to count cards in blackjack. In his book Beat the Dealer, O. Thorp used a mathematical approach to the game and was able to prove that by keeping track of the high and low cards dealt, players could adjust their betting and playing strategy to give them an edge over the house.
How to Count Cards in Blackjack
The fundamentals of counting blackjack cards at a casino is using a points system where cards are assigned points based on their value.
There are several different card-counting strategies, but the simplest and most commonly used is the Hi-Lo system. In this system, cards are split into three categories and then assigned points of -1, 0, +1. By using this points system, card counters can get an idea of the number of high cards left in the deck.
This is important as high cards are good for players for several reasons, such as more split or double opportunities and a higher chance of blackjack. On the other hand, high cards are not good for dealers as they must hit on anything below 17, including stiff hands (12-16) and high cards increase the chances of them going bust.
Card Counting Basics
Now, we will run through the card counting basics step-by-step. It’s important to remember that this only works at land-based casinos or online casinos with blackjack that don’t shuffle the decks too often.
About 70% to 75% of the shoe being dealt is ideal for card counting, but it is possible with the shuffle being performed at 50%. Anything below this makes the effectiveness of card counting almost impossible.
Know the Blackjack Number Values & Points
The first thing you need to learn to count cards is the point system. Cards are split into three categories, namely high cards, low cards, and neutral cards. Cards in these categories are then assigned points. The three categories and points are as follows:
- Low Cards: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 have a +1 points value
- Neutral Cards: 7, 8, 9 have a 0 points value
- High Cards: 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace have a -1 points value
Keep a Running Count
Now comes the actual card counting. For every card dealt you need to keep a running count using the points values from above.
For example, we have 2 low cards (5,3), so +2 count. There are also 4 neutral cards (9,7,8,8) that are worth zero points, so +2 +0 = +2. And finally, there are three high cards (J, K,10), so we subtract -3 from the count, which means +2 + 0 -3 = 0, so the running count is -1.
You then carry over the count to the next hand. So, let’s say the next hand has 6 low cards (2, 2, 2, 4, 5, 3) +6, 4 neutral cards (8, 9, 7, 7) +0, and 1 high card (J). The current running count would be -1 (from the previous hand) + 6 + 0 -1, and the current running count would be +4.
Calculate the True Count
In the past, blackjack was played with one standard 52-card deck, but in the 1960s, casinos started to play with multiple decks, mostly to counteract the rise in card counters. It’s common now for blackjack games to be played with between 4 and 8 decks, most often 6 or 8.
Because of this, we need to calculate the true count. To do this, you just divide the current running count by the number of decks being used.
So, if we take our running count of +4 from the previous step and we are playing at a table using 4 decks, we would do 4/4, which equals 1. So, our true count is + 1. If 8 decks were being used, we would have 4/8, so the true count would be +0.5.
Adjust Your Bets Based on the Count
The next step in card counting is to adjust your bet size depending on the true count. As the true count increases, you should increase your bet. The higher the count, the higher your bet size should be. You should be betting small amounts when the count is negative or below 1.
A good way to do this is to set betting units before you start playing. Betting units help you effectively change your bets depending on the current count. However, the structured nature of this betting does make it easier for casinos to spot card counters. Here is a guide on the number of betting units to bet depending on the count.
- Count of 0.9 or lower: 1 unit
- Count of +1:1-2 units
- Count of +2: 2-3 units
- Count of +3: 4-5 units
- Count of +4 or more: 6-10 units, depending on your bankroll
Basic Strategy Card Counting Explained
Once you’ve mastered how to count cards in blackjack, you need to understand and implement some deviations from blackjack’s basic strategy. This will help push the odds further in your favor and give you the best chance of making a profit.
If the true count is +3, the optimal card-counting strategy dictates you should make these changes to your strategy.
- Buy insurance on a dealer’s Ace as the likelihood of them having blackjack is increased.
- Double down on 10 against a dealer’s Ace
- Double down on 9 against the dealer’s 7
- Split 10s instead of standing
- Stand on 16 against a dealer’s 10
Hi Lo System
There are several different ways to count cards in blackjack, all of which use a point system but assign points slightly differently. One of the most effective and simple systems is the Hi-Lo system, and this is the system we used in our step-by-step guide.
As you saw earlier, this system assigns -1 points to cards 10 through Ace. 0 points for neutral cards 7 through 9, and +1 points to low cards 2 through 6. When the count is at +1 or more, this is when the ratio of high cards in the deck is in favor of the player, so bets should increase the higher the count, the more you should bet.
Running Count vs True Count
A comprehension of the distinction between the running count and true count is fundamental in card counting, and mistakes in either totally eradicate any advantage a player has over the house. Below, we explain exactly what the difference is between these two terms.
Running Count
The running count is the cumulative total of the total card value according to the points system. So, if 20 low cards (+20) have been dealt, 10 neutral (0), and 14 high cards (-14) dealt, the true count is +6. The running count and true count start from the first hand dealt after a reshuffle until the deck is reshuffled.
True Count
The true count is the running count that is adjusted for the number of decks being used. Most blackjack games now use multiple decks, usually 6 to 8. You can work out the true count by dividing the running count by the number of decks in use.
The information will only be accurate if you use a running count in a game played with multiple decks. If you forget to convert a running count of +6 in a game played with 6 decks, you will be wildly overbetting and are statistically likely to make some big losses.
Card Counting Tips
Now that you know the basics, here are some top card-counting tips to boost your gameplay to its maximum potential.
Inaccuracies of Counting Cards
While card counting for blackjack is a powerful tool, it’s not the guaranteed money-making scheme often portrayed in the media. It has several inaccuracies and limitations.
Firstly, there’s plenty of room for human error as keeping track of the card count in blackjack requires you to pay close attention straight from when the first cards are dealt from a newly shuffled shoe. If there are several people at the table, this is difficult, especially with the many possible distractions in a casino. You also have to remember to correctly bet according to basic counting cards strategies and covert running count to true count, which further complicates things.
Deck penetration is also important. Optimal card counting is done when about 70% to 75% of the deck has been played before a reshuffle. Furthermore, the system requires you to view several hands before becoming effective, and it gives just an approximation of the cards in the deck. Even if you do everything perfectly, you will not make a profit in every session, so be prepared to lose sometimes.
Is Counting Blackjack Cards Allowed?
Card counting is completely legal, and if you are caught card counting in blackjack, you won’t face any legal action. However, if casinos do suspect you of counting cards, you will almost certainly be backed off.
A backoff in blackjack means, at best, having your bet limit limited to the minimum table limit. However, more often than not, you will be banned from playing blackjack or even banned from that casino or site. In most cases, your info will be passed to other casinos in the area or to sister sites online, and you will be prevented from playing in these establishments before you even start.
Casinos are also legally allowed to do this as they are private establishments and can refuse service to anyone as long as it’s not based on race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Whatever money you manage to make before getting kicked out or banned, though, is legally yours, and casinos have to cash out your winnings.
Where to Try Out Card Counting
Now you know how to count cards in blackjack, you’ll want to know where to try it. The best online casinos to use are those that offer live dealer tables.
There are several online sites that provide live tables, but in our opinion, Wild Casino is the best website to use your newly acquired blackjack card counting strategy. It has over 20 live dealer blackjack tables with limits ranging from $5-$50,000 and some very generous bonuses.
$5,000 Welcome Bonus + 125 Free Spins
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Other Useful Articles On ReadWrite
Players shouldn’t attempt to count cards before being familiar with the game. This should be the last step in maximizing your winning potential and we recommend reading up on other blackjack strategies before deciding to opt for counting cards. So, to help you out, we’ve put together a few useful articles about popular systems players use in blackjack.
FAQ
What is the easiest way to count cards in blackjack?
Can you legally count cards in blackjack?
What is the math behind counting cards in blackjack?
Is it profitable to count cards in blackjack?
Responsible Gambling
Gambling addiction can have profound negative effects on people’s mental well-being and financial security. It’s essential to always practice responsible gambling when playing blackjack and taking part in any form of gambling. It’s also important to seek professional help if you believe you or someone you are close to has a gambling problem.
Resources
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