What Is a Running Count in Blackjack?

A running count is a tally of the point values of the cards that have been dealt in a blackjack hand. The point values of the cards are as follows: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are worth 1 point; 7, 8, and 9 are worth 0 points; and 10, Jack, Queen, and King are worth -1 point.

The running count is used to keep track of the relative proportions of high cards to low cards that have been dealt. This information is used by blackjack players to help them decide when to bet more money or when to bet less money.

 Exclusive BlackJack Casino Offers: 

The running count is kept by adding the point value of each card as it is dealt. For example, if the first two cards dealt are an Ace and a 7, the running count would be 0 (ace) + 1 (seven) = +1.

If the next card dealt were a 9, the running count would be +1 (ace) + 1 (seven) + 0 (nine) = +2. And so on.

At the end of a hand, the running count is reset to zero. The next hand is then started with a new running count.

PRO TIP:In Blackjack, the running count is a tally of the cards that have been dealt in order to help determine the chances of a successful outcome. The running count starts at 0, and each card is assigned a value – for example, all face cards are worth -1, while all 10s and Aces are worth -2. The player must keep an accurate count of all the cards that have been dealt in order to make an educated decision on their next move.

A higher running count means that there are more high cards left in the deck than low cards. This is favorable for the player because it increases the chances of getting a blackjack (21).

A lower running count means that there are more low cards left in the deck than high cards. This is unfavorable for the player because it decreases the chances of getting a blackjack.

The goal of blackjack is to get a hand with a point value as close to 21 as possible without going over 21 (busting). Therefore, when the running count is positive (there are more high cards left in the deck), it is advantageous for the player to bet more money because their chances of winning are increased.

When the running count is negative (there are more low cards left in the deck), it is advantageous for the player to bet less money because their chances of winning are decreased.

Therunningcountis usedtokeeptrackofthe relativeproportionsofhigh cardsto lowcards thathavebeendealt.Thisinformationis usedbyblackjack playerto help themdecidewhen tobetmoremoneyor when tobetlessmoney.