Blackjack is a popular card game that has been played for centuries. It is a game of both skill and luck, and players need to use strategy to win. One of the key strategies in blackjack is card counting, which involves keeping track of the cards that have been dealt and using this information to make better decisions.
When counting cards in blackjack, players often refer to the “true count.” But what exactly is a good true count in blackjack, and how can you calculate it? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at true counts in blackjack and offer some tips for improving your card counting skills.
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First, let’s define what we mean by the term “true count.” In blackjack, the true count is the running count divided by the number of decks remaining in the shoe.
The running count is simply a tally of the value of all cards that have been dealt so far. For example, if you’re playing with a single deck and you’ve seen four 10s and three Aces so far, your running count would be +1 (4 – 3 = 1). If there are two decks left in the shoe, then your true count would be +0.5 (1 divided by 2).
So what’s considered a good true count in blackjack? It depends on several factors, including the rules of the game you’re playing and your own personal risk tolerance.
As a general rule of thumb, most experienced players aim for a true count of at least +2 when playing with multiple decks. This means that there are more high-value cards left in the shoe than low-value cards, which puts the odds in favor of the player.
However, it’s important to remember that there are no guarantees when it comes to card counting. Even if you have a high true count, there’s still a chance that you’ll lose the hand. That’s why it’s important to use proper blackjack strategy in addition to card counting.
So how can you improve your card counting skills and achieve a good true count in blackjack? Here are some tips:
1. Practice, practice, practice – The more you play blackjack and count cards, the better you’ll get at it. Start by practicing with a single deck of cards and work your way up to multiple decks.
2. Use a card counting system – There are several different card counting systems that you can use, such as the Hi-Lo system or the KO system. Find one that works for you and stick with it.
3. Keep track of the true count – Make sure to divide your running count by the number of decks remaining in the shoe to get an accurate true count.
4. Adjust your bets based on the true count – When the true count is high, increase your bets to take advantage of the favorable odds. When it’s low, decrease your bets to minimize losses.
5. Be discreet – Card counting is not illegal, but casinos don’t like it when players do it. Try to be subtle when keeping track of cards and don’t make it obvious that you’re counting.
In conclusion, a good true count in blackjack is one that puts the odds in favor of the player. While there’s no magic number that guarantees a win, most experienced players aim for a true count of at least +2 when playing with multiple decks. By practicing card counting and using proper strategy, you can improve your chances of winning at blackjack and have more fun at the table.
