One of the most successful techniques when playing blackjack is card counting. But if you already know the casino game well, it’s a great way to determine when the chances are in your favor. You can improve at blackjack if you learn the basics of card counting and then try more advanced blackjack card counting techniques.
Things you should know
- To use Hi-Lo, the most popular way to count cards, give each card a value. Then, make a moving total based on how much each card is worth.
- Figure out the number of cards in each deck, also called the “true count.” As the true count goes up, you should keep changing your bets.
- Hide your plan by moving slowly and acting like you’re interested in something else.
Step by Step Guide on Blackjack Card Counting Rules
Card counting in Blackjack is a strategy used to keep track of the ratio of high cards (10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace) to low cards (2 through 6) left in the deck. The goal is to help the player make more informed decisions by betting more when the odds are in their favor.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on Blackjack card counting rules:
Step 1: Assign a Value to Each Card
Hi-lo blackjack card counting is by far the most used method. If the percentage of high cards to low cards is higher than usual (many high cards are still in the shoe), the player can use this strategy to increase the amount of money they can win when the deck is favorable. They frequently consult a number that tells them whether to bet, how much to bet, and when to gamble.
There is a positive number in a good deck. The higher the number, the more you wish to wager. The number increases as more high cards are still available for play.
Remember card numbers
You have to give each card a number so you can keep an eye on how many high cards there are compared to low cards and see if the deck is on your side. Start at 0 and increase your total as each card is drawn.
The value of cards 2 through 6 is +1.
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- Cards 7-9 are worthless.
- Cards with a value of 10 are worth -1.
- Aces also have a value of -1.
Step 2: Keep Track with the Running Count
To find the true count, divide the current count by the number of yet undealt decks. Casinos no longer operate (at least in most cases) with a single deck of cards. Therefore, the likelihood of seeing blackjack card counting game that functions with 5 or 6 (in what is referred to as the shoe) is much higher.
Your running total might not be accurate as a result. Divide the currently active count by the number of decks awaiting deal to obtain the true count. For example, the true count is +1 if your running count is +4 and four decks are still available.
Take a sneak peek into the discard box to determine which decks are still available. Then, when you’ve got more time, do this between hands.
If you only have one deck, turn the cards over and multiply them. For example, say the count is +4, and you still have 3/4 of the deck. Following that, you would multiply by four to get 16 and divide it by 3 (just over 5). Some people decide to follow the running count in a single deck, but they know that the true count is always somewhat different (always higher).
Increase your bets
Once the count is running favorable, raise your stakes. “Positive” refers to values of approximately +2 and higher. The greater the count, the higher money you should wager. However, remember that if you vary your wagers excessively, the casino may take offense.
Generally speaking, for every point, the score rises, you want to increase your bet by one unit. Anything more dramatic beyond that will be observed by hawk-like observers in the skies.
Test yourself
Grab a deck (without the jokers) and look through it while maintaining a score. If carefully numbered the cards, you should arrive at a very round 0. Make an effort to finish the deck in under 25 seconds.
- Begin timing yourself once you can go through the deck and always come out at 0. Although the arithmetic is extremely straightforward, getting off track is trivial. Therefore, be reassured if you first constantly come up with a different number.
- Pick a card, then place it face-down on the table. Then, go through the deck and tally your results; which card still needs to be turned in?
Step 3: Calculate the True Count (Your Cards Per Deck)
Casinos started utilizing numerous decks to thwart card counters. Well done, casinos! We must convert our data into a “True Count” or count per deck to use our running count in a game with several decks. Each step will be explained below.
A +5 running count with six cards left in the game is entirely different from a +5 running count with one deck left. The player has yet to gain an advantage in the first situation because there is only one extra high card in each deck. The proportion of high cards to low cards is more crucial to a card counter than the sheer number of additional high-value cards.
There are five more 10s and Aces in the remaining 52 cards, giving the player the advantage if you had that running count of 5 with only 1 deck remaining. This makes the “True Count” significant.
Example #1
If our Running Count is ten and we have five decks remaining, our True Count is 2. (10 ÷ 5)
Example #2
Our True Count is -3 if we still have two decks, and our Running Count is -7. (-7 ÷ 2)
When using basic strategy and card counting, we can use this information to bet according to our advantage. That’s how card counters like myself make our living! The true count will also inform us when to change our playing strategy. These are referred to as “playing deviations.” We offer our members free charts of gameplay variations.
Step 4: Adjust Your Bet Based on the Count
Knowing when the house edge shifts in the player’s favor requires keeping a running count and an accurate count. Still, if you don’t use that information to alter your strategy, you’ll merely be playing a mentally taxing game of live blackjack. You must increase your bets as the genuine count increases to take advantage of the knowledge you learn through counting. When the cards are in your favor, you should bet heavily and wager sparingly when the count is against you or neutral.
Step 5: Make Your Moves with Patience and Precision
Move cautiously to avoid raising suspicion. Stay at the table you hit for a while. Then why would you go? And give it some thought before you make a move at this table. We know, we know. We said you should be so skilled that you can spit out the ideal card without even thinking about it. But move slowly, or you’ll stick out because typical blackjack card counting players didn’t spend the last three months preparing this identical setup. Everything you do must be carefree and informal.
Don’t stay away from the table to the table whenever the cards get good. It will quickly draw the casino staff’s attention to you. Instead, place little stakes until the deck is more loaded. Then, increase informally because you’re succeeding rather than knowing what’s coming.
FAQs
Can I get caught while card counting?
Card counting is not against the law, but casinos do not like it and take steps to stop skilled players from playing.
Can I win blackjack using counting cards?
Card counting is not a proven blackjack winning strategy. It provides players with an edge over the casino, increasing their chances of winning in the long run.
Is card counting applicable in online blackjack games?
Card counting techniques are generally not effective in online blackjack games.
How long does it take to become proficient at card counting?
The time required to become proficient at card counting varies from individual to individual.
Conclusion
The skill of Blackjack card counting takes commitment, practice, and a thorough knowledge of the various methods and Blackjack strategy is still a game of chance, even though card counting gives players an advantage over the house. Long-term success depends on effective money management, dedication to the plan, and a disciplined approach. In order to begin an exciting adventure through the realm of blackjack card counting, accept the challenge, hone your skills, and embrace the task.
Blackjack card counting success starts here—join us and elevate your game today!
