How Do You Count Cards in Blackjack Machine?

Blackjack is one of the most popular games in casinos, and it’s easy to see why. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and offers the possibility of large payouts. However, if you want to increase your chances of winning at blackjack, you need to know how to count cards.

Counting cards is a strategy that involves keeping track of the cards that have been played so that you can determine the likelihood of certain cards being dealt next. While it’s not illegal, casinos frown upon card counting and will ask anyone suspected of doing it to leave.

There are several methods of card counting, but we’re going to focus on Hi-Lo. This is a simple but effective system that can give you an edge over the casino.

Here’s how it works:

1. Assign a value to each card

In Hi-Lo, you assign a value of +1, 0 or -1 to each card as follows:

– 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6: +1
– 7, 8 and 9: 0
– 10s and face cards (Jacks, Queens and Kings): -1
– Aces: -1

2. Keep a running count

As each card is dealt from the shoe (the device that holds the cards), add or subtract its value from your running count. For example:

– The first card is a Jack: -1
– The second card is a six: +1
– The third card is an Ace: -1
– The fourth card is a two: +1

Your running count would be -2 (+1 for the six minus one each for the Jack and Ace plus one for the two).

3. Convert your running count into a true count

The true count takes into account how many decks are left in the shoe. To calculate it:

Divide your running count by the number of decks left in the shoe. For example, if your running count is -2 and there are four decks left, the true count is -0.5 (-2 divided by four).

4. Adjust your bets based on the true count

The higher the true count, the more you should bet because there’s a greater chance of getting a blackjack (an ace and a ten or face card). This is because there are more 10s and face cards left in the shoe, which are favorable to the player.

For example, if your true count is +2 or higher, you should increase your bet. If it’s -1 or lower, you should decrease your bet.

It’s important to note that card counting doesn’t guarantee that you’ll win every hand or even every session. It simply gives you a better chance of winning over time.

In conclusion, counting cards can be an effective strategy for winning at blackjack. The Hi-Lo system is easy to learn and can give you an edge over the casino. However, it’s important to practice and not get caught by casino staff as they may ask you to leave if they suspect that you’re counting cards.