How to Count Cards in Blackjack: Your Ultimate Guide
What is Card Counting
Card Counting is a strategy used by players to reduce house edge.
It tracks high cards and low cards to determine the probability of favourable hands.
Card counting gives players the ability to predict when they have a higher chance of being dealt better hands, like a blackjack or a strong total.
A running count is kept based on the value of cards drawn. This determines the likelihood of the value of cards remaining in the deck. If the deck is richer in high cards then the chances of hitting a strong hand or a blackjack increase. On the other hand, the deck may be rich in law cards, meaning worse hands are more likely. Players use this method to adjust their bets, playing more boldly or conservatively depending on the count.
The running count works by adding or subtracting based on the value of the cards revealed. Positive counts indicate that more high cards remain in the deck, and a negative count suggests that the deck is likely laden with low value cards.
Card Counting does not guarantee wins, but when paired with blackjack basic strategy
- House Edge: 2%
- House Edge with Basic Strategy: 0.5
- House Edge with Basic Strategy & Card Counting: -1%
As you can see, there are cases where card counting can put the odds in the favour of the player, though this isn’t always the case.
Rule variations or continuous shuffling machines may make card counting impossible, eliminating your edge.
Side bets are generally avoided with card counting, as they usually have a high house edge.
How to Count Cards in Blackjack
Understand the Hi-lo System
The first step is to understand the Hi-lo system. This is used to assign values to cards drawn.
- Low Cards (2-6): +1
- Neutral Cards (7-9): 0
- High Cards (10 – Ace): -1
Keep a Running Count
Your baseline is 0 before cards are dealt. You’ll adjust this value as each card is dealt. As the dealer deals each card, add or subtract from your running count.
Convert to a True Count
Games of blackjack at online casinos often have more than one deck. In games with more than one deck, the running count will not provide enough information. This is where the true count comes in.
- True Count = Running Count ÷ Number of decks remaining
If the true count is higher, then there are more high cards left in the deck. If the true count is lower then the deck will have less favourable cards
Bet Accordingly
When the count is high then it’s recommended to increase bets. When they’re negative, be more conservative with your betting
Positive true counts mean high value cards are more likely to come, whereas negative or zero true count cards mean there are likely lower cards, which is more beneficial to the dealer
Practice
Card counting is a method of play that requires both concentration and practice. You’ll get faster at counting and adjusting your strategy accordingly.
Why not try this with your own deck? Dealing cards on your own and keeping a running count is a great way to practice.
Dispelling the Myths of Card Counting
Card counting is often surrounded by misconceptions, with many wondering if it’s allowed, or even illegal.
Let’s take a look at some common myths and set the record straight.
Myth: Card Counting is Illegal
Many consider card counting to be illegal or cheating. It’s important to understand that card counting is not illegal. However, it’s important to note that casinos are within their right to refuse your service if they suspect card counting. You may be asked to leave or to play games other than blackjack.
Myth: Card Counting Requires a Photographic Memory
Films like The Hangover dramatise card counting. The sums and equations floating around his head made for excellent dramatic effect, but the truth is, you don’t need to be a genius for card counting. It’s more of a case of learning to multitask by keeping track of the high and low value cards with the running count system and working out the true count efficiently to make your informed decision. With practice, it becomes second nature
Myth: You Can’t Count Cards at Online Casinos
Card counting can’t be used with RNG-based virtual blackjack games. These decks shuffle after every hand for truly random outcomes for both the dealer and the player.
However, card counting can be effective in live dealer blackjack where real cards are used. Some live dealer blackjack games used Continuous Shuffle Machines (CSM) to shuffle 3-5 decks constantly, making it impossible to predict the cards left in the shoe. In cases like these, Card Counting is impossible.
Myth: Card Counting Guarantees Winning
Card counting doesn’t guarantee wins. Nothing guarantees that you’ll win. The idea of card counting is to reduce the house edge, giving you a long-term advantage. Even if played perfectly, you may still lose and we always recommend sensible play, prioritising fun over making money. Remember, gambling is not a way to make a reliable income.
Card Counting Counter Measures
Some casinos take preventative measures towards card counting. Though not illegal, it can be problematic for a casino to allow players proficient at card counting.
Casinos may put counter measures in place to prevent this.
- Tracking Behavioural Cues – Casinos may look out for players who raise their bets when the count is high. This might be tracked by surveillance teams
- Continuous Shuffling Machines (CSMS) – CSMs make card counting impossible by reshuffling after every round.
- Distraction Techniques – Card counting requires conversation. Dealers or pit bosses may engage in conversation to create distractions that prevent card counting
- Audits – Some companies provide services to casinos offering walk-throughs to track advantage players. This information could be shared across multiple casinos
- Bet Spread Tracking – Casinos may restrict the bet spread for players suspected of card counting. This prevents the dramatic increase of bets when the count is high
- Bans – Some players may be restricted from playing blackjack or even banned from the casino. This is quite a drastic measure, and in part why many consider card counting to be illegal
- No Mid-Shoe Entry: Many players adopt the technique of “Wonging”, which is to watch and join only when the count is high. Some casinos may enforce a No Mid-Shoe Entry rule to counter this.
Card Counting – Land Based vs Online Casinos
The challenges of card counting are traditionally associated with brick-and-mortar casinos. The various challenges of in-person play and the countermeasures implemented have diminished its effectiveness, but online blackjack sites are a different landscape altogether,
There’s an argument that online casinos are more favourable for card counters, but there are challenges for the online player too
Why Online Blackjack is More Favourable for Card Counters
Online Blackjack may be favourable to card counters for a number of reasons:
- Live Dealer and Real Decks: Live dealer games use real decks. Dealers may use a finite number of decks and not shuffle after every hand, which makes counting possible.
- Anonymity: Playing online gives you some anonymity compared to in-person play.
- More Tables: Online Casino Sites host multiple tables from multiple software providers. Skilled players could observe various shoes and jump in when the count is high
Why Online Card Counting May Be Ineffective
There are disadvantages to card counting at online casinos too:
- Automatic Deck Shuffling: Most blackjack games online use RNG software to shuffle the deck after every hand. This eliminates the possibility of keeping count
- Account Monitoring: Some casinos may track player behaviour. It’s possible that the casino could restrict or ban players if bets are consistently raised in favourable situations
- Table Limits and Bet Spreads: Online casinos may have a lower maximum bet limit compared to those at land-based casinos. The limit of betting limits restricts the effectiveness of counting. Counting is most effective when you can play a large bet to capitalise on a favourable count
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Counting Cards FAQs
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Why Does Card Counting Work?
Card counting works because it predicts the concentration of high or low cards left in the shoe. This allows you to predict if your hands will be more favourable to you or the dealer. -
Is Card Counting Easy to Learn?
The concept of it is quite easy, but it requires practice to do efficiently. Keeping count, determining the true count and making the right decision with distractions or time restrictions is a fine art. -
Does Card Counting Guarantee Winning?
No. Card counting does not guarantee wins, but it can shift the odds in favour of the player over time. -
What is ‘Wonging’ in Card Counting?
The technique is named after Stanford Wong. It’s a technique where a player watches without betting, and joins in when the count is high. This technique could be countered by a No Mid-Shoe Entry rule.
