Card Counting in Blackjack

This guide will provide comprehensive information on the card counting strategy, what it is, how to use it, the various methods available, its applications in various blackjack decks, its legality, FAQs about the strategies, and more.

Card counting is somewhat a mystery to gamblers who have never counted cards. Perhaps this is because those who count seem more courageous than most other players who couldn’t.

It captivates and entices the latter to educate themselves on the distinctive and strategic notion.

In some cases, gamblers are curious about this blackjack strategy because there are tales of tenacious individuals who were able to turn a basic technique into a very lucrative source of income. So, they want to discover a strategy to win the most money possible while gambling in casinos. 

Whichever it may be, it is undeniable that card counting changes your approach to the game in several ways. When counting, you give each card a value, which you add to the “tally” when the cards are dealt. You will often wager more when the “count” is high and less when it is low.

What is Card Counting?

Card counting is the strategy of keeping a record of how many high and low cards are left in the dealer’s deck. If you can effectively count cards, you may boost your stake when the chances are in your favor, increasing your probability of winning big.

Remember, however, that card counting is not for learning how to win blackjack regularly or how to cheat at blackjack. It’s only an additional set of skills designed to give you a better understanding of what the deck comprises.

How do You Count Cards?

To correctly count cards in blackjack, whether online or at a casino, you must maintain a running total based on the face value of any cards shown.

Here are the basic steps:

1. Assign card values of +1 (cards 2-6), 0 (cards 7-9), or -1 (cards 10-Ace).
2. Keep a running tally while the dealer draws cards from the deck, using the abovementioned values.
3. Provided you maintain an accurate count when the cards are dealt, you will be able to track the worth of the remaining cards.
4. If the count is negative after each round, raise your wager quantity. This is because there will be a significant number of low-value cards left. If the count is positive, reduce your wager.

Card Counting Methods

Counting Cards with One Deck

Using the Hi-Lo method, players need just the current count in single-deck games to determine their advantage. The true count is not necessary. This lets you devote more time to applying fundamental strategies to counting your cards.

Blackjack games with a single deck are ideal for novice card counters. They provide tremendous odds for players, and it is simpler for novice counters to keep track of their advantage. In addition, the house advantage in single-deck blackjack is just 0.16%.

Online casinos may occasionally impose limits on single-deck blackjack games to tilt the odds in their favor. Restricting re-splits or allowing the dealer to hit on soft 17 are frequent regulations limiting a player’s actions and, subsequently, earnings.

Counting Cards with Multiple Decks

Players must change their running count to the true count when playing multi-deck blackjack games with any balanced counting system, such as Hi-Lo. The true count assures that any card counting strategy in blackjack may be employed, irrespective of the number of decks in play. This allows you to modify your wagers and determine how many high-value cards remain in the shoe.

Card counting primarily entails giving a numerical value to each card that has been dealt; however, there are other techniques for doing so.

• Cards valued 2 through 6 = +1
• Cards valued 7-9 = 0
• Cards valued at ten and aces: -1

With each card handled, you add 1, deduct 1, or add zero according to the value of each recognizable card and keep a running total.

History of Card Counting

First, there is the 1956 Journal of the American Statistical Association article titled “The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack.” Roger Baldwin postulated that mathematics might be used for blackjack and that employing probability and calculators may provide a significant advantage in the game.

Then, Edward Thorp authored the book Beat the Dealer in 1963. Thorp developed and polished Baldwin’s concepts in this smash bestseller while adding new methods, including “first card counting techniques” and the “ten count system.”

Edward’s book caused blackjack’s popularity to skyrocket as readers worldwide sought to replicate his strategies. Casinos had to be far above his tactics to maintain their earnings.

Card Counting Tips

Card counting methods may be easy, but it might be difficult for certain players to keep up when combined with basic strategy. To attain a certain level of success, you must practice card counting until it becomes instinctive. 

• 

  Work on the following exercises

  • Take a single deck of playing cards and maintain a running tally of each card.
  • Remove one card from the deck and maintain a running tally; you should know the card’s worth at the end.
  • Time yourself; the more number of cards you can count precisely within that time frame, the greater your card counting abilities will advance.
  • Use a blackjack card counting app.
• 

  When you use a card counting app, you get to:

  • Learn the fundamentals.
  • Practice your bet spread before entering a casino.
  • Avoid the temptations of actual money and casinos.
  • Accumulate a virtual bankroll before wagering real money.
  • Explore the swings.
  • Acquire some practice with your bet spread before heading to the casino.
• 

  Here are some top card counting apps:

  • Blackjack Card Counter by Poulet Maison Ptd Ltd.
  • Blackjack 21 by Theotino
  • Card Counter Lite by TMSOFT
  • Blackjack Card Counting Practice by KBIC International Ltd
  • Blackjack Tracker by Rohn Media GmbH
  • Blackjack & Card Counting Pro by Blackjack Apprenticeship.

Card Counting Blackjack Myths

Conclusion

Card counting will be challenging, but it will become second nature with the proper practice. First, engage in a card counting practice at home or with friends, and be prepared for the distractions of a casino floor. 

Gathering a few pals is recommended. Let one deal and keep track of the count, one or two play with you, and one distract you. The distractor may attempt to converse with you, shout at you, run into you, give you a beverage, flare lights at you, blast loud songs, create distracting sounds or gestures, or be bothersome. But this is only how you get better.

Card Counting FAQs