If you\u2019d like to learn more about how to count cards in blackjack then you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
Although counting cards seems incredibly difficult at first glance, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
What is Card Counting?<\/h2>\n
Many people have a misconception about what card counting is as it\u2019s believed that it requires remembering every card played and the order in which they were played. In reality, you don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
To answer the question \u201cWhat does counting cards mean?\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n
How to Count Cards in Blackjack<\/h2>\n
The fundamentals of counting blackjack cards at a casino is using a points system where cards are assigned points based on their value.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Card Counting Basics<\/h2>\n
Now, we will run through the card counting basics step-by-step. It\u2019s important to remember that this only works at land-based casinos or online casinos with blackjack<\/a> that don\u2019t shuffle the decks too often.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Know the Blackjack Number Values & Points<\/span>Keep a Running Count<\/span>Calculate the True Count<\/span>Adjust Your Bets Based on the Count<\/span><\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n Now comes the actual card counting. For every card dealt you need to keep a running count using the points values from above.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n You then carry over the count to the next hand. So, let\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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\u2019s common now for blackjack games to be played with between 4 and 8 decks, most often 6 or 8.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve mastered how to count cards in blackjack, you need to understand and implement some deviations from blackjack\u2019s basic strategy. This will help push the odds further in your favor and give you the best chance of making a profit.<\/p>\n If the true count is +3, the optimal card-counting strategy dictates you should make these changes to your strategy.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Now that you know the basics, here are some top card-counting tips to boost your gameplay to its maximum potential.<\/p>\n Tip #1: Learn Basic Strategy for Card Counting<\/p>\n The first thing you need to do before card counting is have a concrete understanding of how to play blackjack<\/a> and basic blackjack strategy.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve mastered this and are proficient in keeping a running and true count, you need to learn the deviations from basic strategy when card counting. While counting cards and adjusting bet size is a big part of improving your edge, using the specific card counting deviations from the basic strategy will maximize your advantage over the casino.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Tip #2: Take it Slow<\/p>\n Newcomers to card counting shouldn\u2019t just jump straight into playing for real money after practicing at home with packs of cards. You should utilize free card counting software from the internet and practice at home before risking money.<\/p>\n Also, once you are ready to put some money on the line, start with low stakes. Online live casinos are ideal for this, as you can find tables with minimum limits below $1, which allows you to make mistakes without losing big. In addition, take advantage of casino bonuses<\/a>, as you can win real money without the risk of losing your hard-earned cash.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Tip #3: Only Play at Live Tables Online<\/p>\n By reading our card counting guide, you should now know that card counting will not work at RNG tables. This is because most RNG table games use a single deck but reshuffle the deck after each hand. This makes it impossible to card count.<\/p>\n The ideal place to card count is at brick-and-mortar casinos, but you can also do it online at live dealer tables as long as the deck is shuffled after at least 50%, but ideally, when roughly 70% to 75% of the shoe has been dealt. The best blackjack casinos offer multiple live tables with huge betting limits, making them perfect for rookie and professional card counters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Tip #4: Don\u2019t Waste Your Time at 6\/5 Blackjack Tables<\/p>\n Traditionally, blackjack pays out at 3\/2, but several casinos have changed the payout to 6\/5. This may not seem like a big difference, but a 3\/2 blackjack payout table has a house edge of around 0.5% with a basic strategy. With card counting, players can cut this edge by about 0.5-2%, giving them the edge.<\/p>\n A 6\/5 payout increases that house edge to around 1.85% with basic strategy. Even with the advantage of card counting, players are still at a disadvantage or, at best, have a minuscule edge over the house, so you should exclusively play on\u00a0blackjack apps<\/a> and casino sites that offer a 3\/2 payout.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Tip #5: Use Betting Units<\/p>\n As mentioned earlier in our \u201cHow to card count section\u201d, when counting cards, it is best to bet in units rather than dollar amounts. Before betting, work at your minimum bet amount, and this is your betting unit.<\/p>\nKnow the Blackjack Number Values & Points<\/h3>\n
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Keep a Running Count<\/h3>\n
Calculate the True Count<\/h3>\n
Adjust Your Bets Based on the Count<\/h3>\n
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Basic Strategy Card Counting Explained<\/h2>\n
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Hi Lo System<\/h2>\n
Running Count vs True Count<\/h2>\n
Running Count<\/h3>\n
True Count<\/h3>\n
Card Counting Tips<\/h2>\n
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