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Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world because not only it is easy to learn, but fun to play. Ever since the introduction of blackjack, gamblers have been looking for various ways of gaining an advantage over the house. That is why many players started learning how to count cards in blackjack to determine whether they will have the probable advantage.
In simple terms, card counting is a technique that allows blackjack players to know when the advantage shifts in their favour. By tracking high and low-value cards remaining in the deck, players can adjust their bets and decisions to shift the winning odds in their advantage.
The idea behind counting cards in blackjack is to help gamblers make better decisions for their wagers by considering which cards will be dealt next. This important information offers them the chance to make their decisions on whether they are in a favorable position.
- Card counting is a legitimate strategy used by blackjack players.
- Card counting is suitable for serious players who are looking to gain an advantage over the casino.
- The card counting is not difficult to understand.
- The technique allows you to make calculations of risk.
For those looking to start playing blackjack, we advise them to choose reputable and licensed online casinos. Understanding the gambling options available, and being aware of the legal and tax implications is vital. What makes a casino trusted enough is the level of protection that it can provide. Good gambling sites are regulated and licensed by the reputable gambling regulatory institutions.
Credit: 888Casino
Methods of Counting Cards in Blackjack
Here you will learn all the counting methods in blackjack. These blackjack strategies can help you tip the scales in your favor and beat the casino.
Counting Cards with the Hi-Lo System
The High-Low system is one of the most famous card counting systems, and it is used by all types of players, experienced and novice.
The technique classifies the cards into three classes. The first one is high-value cards which benefit a player more than the dealer, and they include 10, J, Q, K, and A. On the other hand low-value cards are more advantageous to the dealer which includes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. While the numbers 7, 8, and 9 are neutral.
The table below shows a list of point values for each card:
| Card Value | Points |
|---|---|
| 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | +1 |
| 7, 8, 9 | 0 |
| 10, J, Q, K, A | -1 |
Your main goal is to get as high as possible a positive score. The higher the score, it will be better for the player. Meaning, there are additional high cards left in the shoe or deck.
Keep a Running Count
As a player, you need to keep track of how the deck is doing overall. That means keeping the running count or the cumulative total of points. The count normally starts at zero once the deck is shuffled, and a player needs to add or subtract 1 point every time a card is dealt. Just add or subtract each card’s value you see. For example, an opening hand of 5 and 8 gives you a running count of +1.
Calculate the True Count
The True Count is the Running Count which is adjusted to determine how many decks are remaining to be dealt from the shoe. If there is a high Running Count it means that very little if one of the six decks have been dealt because this represents a small size of the total card pool.
The true count is just a running count per the deck value. Here is an example,
- A running count of 9 having 3 decks left is a true count of 9 / 3 is +3.
- A running count of -7 with 5 decks left is -7 / 5 is -1.4.
Advanced Card Counting Systems
Once you have mastered the card counting basics, you can try more advanced systems to improve your odds and potentially reduce the casino’s edge.
✅ Omega II
Although Omega II patterns can take more time to memorize and understand, and at the end player’s efforts can pay off. The system has proven to be accurate and with it, blackjack players can increase the odds of winning significantly.
Like many other systems, Omega II allows a player to make low bets every time the count total is low or negative and make big bets when a count is positive and high.
Below are the values that are applied to the cards in a game:
- 2, 3, 7 are +1
- 4, 5, 6 are +2
- 9 is -1
- 10, J, Q, K are -2
- 8 and A are 0
✅ Wong Halves System
The Wong Halves is a balanced system for card counting, which can advise you to track the ratio of high and low cards in a shoe and help you know when you have the advantage.
However, this method is difficult to learn, due to adding and subtracting positive and negative fractions. It normally takes you a lot of time to learn but it offers a higher level of accuracy.
This is how Card Values are allocated with the Wong Halves System:
- 3, 4, and 6 – counted as 1
- 2 and 7 – counted as 0.5
- 5 – counted as 1.5
- 8 – counted as 0
- 9 – counted as -0.5
- 10 and Ace – counted as -1
✅ Hi-Opt I
The Hi-Opt I is an advanced system that is fairly easy to understand. This is a balanced system, which means that if you count an entire deck of cards, you will end up with a count of zero.
The following are the Card Values in Hi-Opt I:
- 3, 4, 5, and 6 for +1
- 2, 7, 8, 9, and Ace for 0
- 10, J, Q, and K for -1
✅ K-O
This system is similar to the Hi-Lo method, but the process is simplified by eliminating the need to calculate the true count. Instead, you need to observe the running count, making it simple to apply while still improving your decisions.
Tips to Count Cards in Blackjack
Becoming an expert in card counting requires a lot of dedication and hard work. However, the following tips can help you achieve your goals faster.
- Start Small – The importance of blackjack card counting is to improve your winning chances. Once you have an established card counting in blackjack, you need to utilize it by betting accordingly. It is recommended you start with small bet sizes and increase as your count system becomes more favorable for you.
- Practice – Make sure you have practiced your card counting until you reach accurate running counts. We advise you start by counting the values of a single deck of cards, until you arrive at the last card. If you find that you didn’t reach a running count zero, it means you made a mistake. Continue counting and practicing many times as is necessary.
- Observe Dealer Shuffling Patterns – Look for blackjack tables where the dealer reshuffles less often, as frequent shuffles interrupt the flow of count. Make sure that the betting limits allow you to increase the bets when the count is in your favor.
- Set Win and Loss Limits – In card counting, discipline is the key. Before you adopt any card counting in blackjack, set the limit for both wins and losses. Once you reach your limit, stop betting. This approach is the best way to prevent you from chasing losses and can help protect your bankroll for a long period.
Credit: 22Bet
Is Counting Cards in Blackjack Illegal?
As long as you are counting cards mentally and not using any app or gadget, there are no laws that prohibit card counting in blackjack. Although the casino will let you believe otherwise, the truth of the matter is that you cannot be prosecuted for card counting. Many gamblers have been considered not guilty of fraud because counting cards is simply a process of tracking the deck.
However, no casino would encourage counting cards in Blackjack, but if you get caught you will just be asked to leave.
Conclusion
For a blackjack player to be able to make the most of card counting, they need to understand the concept of running count, based on the values assigned to the cards and the final true count.
Remember to start with Hi-Lo strategy and develop an ample understanding of it before trying the more complicated ones. Slowly start using the Hi-Opt I and Omega II systems. Many experienced gamblers have spent years improving their card counting, and some have reported winning a huge amount of money using these methods. But, remember to manage your bankroll wisely and avoid gambling recklessly based on the card counting.
FAQ
How Does Blackjack Card Counting Work?
Card counting means assigning a point value to each card in the deck and the aim is to keep a running count of the total point value as cards are dealt. The running count is basically used to adjust the player’s playing strategy.
Is Counting Cards In Blackjack Easy to Learn?
At first card counting can seem complex, but with continuous practice, it becomes easier. Different blackjack card counting systems vary in complexity, but some are simpler than others. Understanding card counting requires a lot of practice.
Is Card Counting Effective in Blackjack?
Card counting is one of the most effective strategies in the world of casinos, but it has become challenging. However, the best blackjack casinos are applying multiple decks, surveillance tracking, and more frequent shuffling has become better in recent years.
Does Blackjack Card Counting Work in Online Casinos?
Yes, it is possible to count cards at online blackjack casinos. However, some online casinos use software that can shuffle the cards every time a new hand is dealt, making it a bit challenging. There are applications that players can use to help in counting the cards, but they are prohibited to use.
