If you know how to do it right, counting cards in Blackjack can significantly improve your chances of winning. Even though the steps are easy to understand, learning them takes practice, discipline, and commitment.
The Hi-Lo system is the most popular way to count cards, and we will show you how to use it here. This complete guide will help you improve at counting and raise your chances of winning.
How to Card Counting in Blackjack to Gain an Edge
Step 1: Assign a Value to Every Card
Giving each card a number is the first step in Blackjack card counting. In the Hi-Lo method, these are the card values:
2-6: +1
7-9: 0
10-Ace: -1
Your goal is to keep track of the number of high cards (10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace) to low cards (2–6). High cards are suitable for the person because they make it more likely that they will get a Blackjack or a firm hand. Low cards help the dealer because they make it less likely that the dealer will go bust.
Assigning these numbers to the cards lets you keep track of them in your mind and make intelligent betting choices.
Step 2: The Running Count
When you get a new card, you will change your running count based on its value. The running count is an ongoing list showing how many high and low cards are still in the shoe.
Example:
1. Your running count goes up by one if the first card given is a 5.
2. Your running count drops by 1 if the next card is a King.
3. Your running count stays the same if the third card is a 7.
4. Take a look at a few more images to see what we mean:
Example #1:
Cards dealt: 4, 3, 10, 9
Running count: +1 (4) + 1 (3) – 1 (10) + 0 (9) = +1
Example #2:
Cards dealt: 2, 5, 8, Queen
Running count: +1 (2) + 1 (5) + 0 (8) – 1 (Queen) = +1
Example #3:
Cards dealt: 6, Ace, 3, Jack
Running count: +1 (6) – 1 (Ace) + 1 (3) – 1 (Jack) = 0
Keeping a running count helps you determine whether the cards left in the shoe are better for you or the teller.
Related Read: Perfect Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart for Guaranteed Wins
Step 3: Calculate the True Count
Casinos utilise multiple decks to prevent Blackjack card counting. To account for this, find the “true count,” the running count minus the number of decks left.
Formula: True Count =Running Count/Number of Decks Remaining
You can get a better idea of your edge from the actual count. Here’s how to figure it out:
Example #1:
Running count: 10
Decks remaining: 5
True count: 10/5 = 2
Example #2:
Running count: -7
Decks remaining: 2
True count: −7/2 = − 3.5
A greater true count equals more high cards, which benefits the player. However, a lower or negative true count equals more low cards, which benefits the dealer.
Step 4: Adjust Your Bets
You can adjust your bets based on the true count. You wager more when the true count is high because the odds favour you. Reduce your bets to avoid losing too much when the count is low or negative.
Betting Strategy:
- True count +1: Bet minimum
- True count +2: Double your bet
- Actual count +3: Triple your bet
- Accurate count +4 or higher: Continue to increase your bet proportionally
Managing your money well is very important. You should only bet what you can afford to lose and always change your bets based on the accurate count to get the best odds and keep your money safe.
Extra Tips for Successfully Counting Cards to and Bring Down the House
Here we discuss the Blackjack game strategy for successfully counting cards:
Practice Basic Strategy
Ensure you understand the fundamental Blackjack strategy before counting a Blackjack card. You must know when to hit, stand, double down, and divide pairs. The basic Blackjack game strategy is the basis for card counting because it lowers the house lead.
A basic plan will help you make the best choices based on the cards you have and the dealer’s upcard, which will give you the best chance of winning every hand.
Stay Low-Key
Casinos are very good at finding people who count cards. For safety reasons:
● Smoothly change the way you play. Don’t make quick, big bets that can get people’s attention.
● Talk with the dealer and other players in a relaxed way to fit in.
● Make mistakes or lose your balance every once in a while to look less skilled. The gaming staff may not be able to see you if you do this.
Manage Distractions
Casinos usually distract card counters with loud music and complimentary beverages. Stay focused, observe the rules, and don’t drink while playing. It would help if you stayed focused to keep an accurate running count and make the best choices based on that count.
Practising Regularly
Because it takes time to get good at anything, Blackjack card counting is the same. You can use online models or apps on your phone to improve at counting cards in different situations. More practice will help you keep track of the running count and figure out the accurate count faster and more accurately.
Also Read: Blackjack Side Bets – Meaning, Definition & Types
Top Advantages of Card Counting
Increased Player Edge
When a player counts cards, the odds change in their favour. A simple technique reduces the house edge to 0.5%. However, card counting can offer players an edge of 1-2%, depending on their skill and game rules.
Informed Betting
Knowing when the deck has sound cards lets you raise your bets when the odds are good. You can win as much as possible when the odds are correct and lose as little as possible when they are wrong.
Improved Decision Making
You can make better choices during the game if you count cards. When you usually hit, you might stand on a hand if the count shows that high cards are more likely to be dealt.
Conclusion
If you do it right, counting Blackjack cards at Fun88 can be an excellent way to win. To change the odds in your favour, you can give card prices, keep a running count, figure out the actual count, and change your bets.
By counting cards, you may convert Blackjack into a game of skill where your choices can affect the outcome. Good luck with your math and at the tables.
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