Are you interested in learning how to count cards in blackjack? Counting cards can give you an edge over the house and increase your chances of winning.
However, it’s important to note that counting cards is not illegal, but it is frowned upon by casinos. In this tutorial, we’ll dive into the basics of card counting and how you can use it to your advantage.
Exclusive BlackJack Casino Offers:
The Basics of Card Counting
Card counting is a strategy used by players in blackjack to keep track of the cards that have been dealt. When a player counts cards, they are essentially keeping track of the ratio of high cards (10s and face cards) to low cards (2s through 6s) that are left in the deck. This information can be used to make more informed bets and decisions during gameplay.
The High-Low Method
The most common method for card counting is called the high-low method. This method assigns a value of +1 to every 2 through 6 that is dealt and a value of -1 to every 10 through ace that is dealt.
Cards 7, 8, and 9 have a value of zero. As each card is dealt, you add or subtract its value from your running count.
For example, if the first three cards that are dealt are a 5 (count +1), an ace (count -1), and a 10 (count -1), your running count would be -1. The higher your running count gets, the more likely it is that there are more high cards left in the deck.
The True Count
To get an even more accurate picture of what’s left in the deck, players will often calculate what’s called the true count. The true count takes into account how many decks are being used in the game. To calculate the true count, you divide your running count by the number of decks left in the shoe.
For example, if you have a running count of +4 and there are two decks left in the shoe, your true count would be +2. This means that, on average, there are two extra high cards per deck remaining in the shoe.
Using Card Counting to Your Advantage
Once you have an idea of what cards are left in the deck, you can start to make more informed decisions during gameplay. For example, if you know that there are more high cards left in the deck, you may want to increase your bet size because you have a higher chance of getting a blackjack (an ace and a 10 or face card).
On the other hand, if you know that there are more low cards left in the deck, you may want to decrease your bet size because your chances of getting a good hand are lower.
Practice Makes Perfect
Card counting is not an easy skill to master. It takes practice and patience to become proficient at it.
One way to practice is by using a deck of cards at home and keeping track of your running count as you deal out each card. You can also use online simulators to practice in a more realistic setting.
The Risks of Card Counting
While card counting is not illegal, casinos do not appreciate players who use this strategy. If they suspect that you are counting cards, they may ask you to leave or even ban you from playing altogether. Some casinos also use countermeasures such as shuffling the deck more frequently or using multiple decks to make it harder for players to count cards.
In conclusion, card counting can be an effective strategy for increasing your chances of winning at blackjack. However, it’s important to remember that it’s not foolproof and casinos do not approve of this technique. If you do decide to use card counting during gameplay, be discreet and make sure to practice first.
