How Do You Count Cards for Blackjack?

If you’re a fan of playing blackjack, you may have heard of the card counting technique that some players use to gain an advantage over the casino. While it’s not illegal, casinos don’t like it when players count cards and will ask them to leave if they’re caught.

However, if you’re playing with friends or at home, there’s no harm in learning how to count cards for blackjack. In this tutorial, we’ll go over the basics of card counting and how to use it in the game.

What is Card Counting?

Card counting is a way for players to keep track of the cards that have been dealt in a game of blackjack. By doing so, they can determine whether the remaining deck is rich in high or low-value cards. If there are more high-value cards remaining in the deck, the player has an advantage over the dealer.

How Does Card Counting Work?

To count cards, you need to assign a value to each card that is dealt. The most common values are:

– 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: +1
– 7, 8, 9: 0
– 10, J, Q, K, A: -1

As each card is dealt from the deck, you add or subtract its value from your running total. For example:

– If a 2 is dealt: +1
– If a Q is dealt: -1
– If a 7 is dealt: 0

The higher your running total becomes as more cards are dealt from the deck, the more advantageous it is for you as a player.

When Should You Bet More?

Once you have been keeping track of your running total and have determined that there are more high-value cards remaining in the deck than low-value cards (i.e., your running total is positive), you should increase your bet size. Doing so will increase your winnings if you win the hand.

When Should You Bet Less?

Conversely, if your running total is negative, this means that there are more low-value cards remaining in the deck. In this case, it’s best to bet less or not at all as the odds are not in your favor.

Is Card Counting Illegal?

Card counting is not illegal, but casinos frown upon it and may ask you to leave if they suspect that you’re counting cards. However, it’s perfectly legal to use card counting techniques when playing with friends or in a home game.

Conclusion

Card counting is a technique that can give players an advantage over the dealer in blackjack. By keeping track of the cards that have been dealt and assigning them a value, players can determine whether the remaining deck is rich in high or low-value cards.

If there are more high-value cards remaining in the deck, players have an advantage and should increase their bets accordingly. Conversely, if there are more low-value cards remaining in the deck, players should bet less or not at all. While card counting is not illegal, casinos don’t like it and may ask you to leave if they suspect that you’re doing it.