Online Blackjack Card Counting Expert Guide that Works

Learn the rules, perfect your Blackjack card counting skills, and increase your chances of beating the house. Discover winning strategies and maximize your profits in this classic casino card game, today!

Blackjack Card Counting: How to Do It?

Blackjack players should think about learning how to count cards after studying and understanding fundamental strategy so that they can make more informed predictions about whether they can get blackjack and defeat the dealer or not. Basic blackjack card counting techniques keep track of all the cards drawn throughout a game using a straightforward tally system. Complex point values are used in more sophisticated counting techniques to provide a more precise card count.

Basic Blackjack Rules

In blackjack, the goal is to have a hand total as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. Each card has a specific value, with numbered cards worth their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) worth 10, and Aces worth either 1 or 11.

The game starts with the player receiving two cards face-up, while the dealer receives one card face-up and one face-down. The player can choose to hit (request another card), stand (not take any more cards), double down (double the bet and receive one more card), or split (if the first two cards have the same value, split them into separate hands).

The dealer then reveals their face-down card and follows specific rules to play their hand. The player wins if their hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand without going over 21, and the player loses if their hand exceeds 21 (busts) or the dealer’s hand is closer to 21.

Note: It’s important to note that the specific rules may vary slightly depending on the casino or variant being played. For example, some variations may allow surrender (giving up half the bet and forfeiting the hand) or offer additional side bets.

It’s recommended to review the rules and any table-specific instructions before playing to ensure a clear understanding of the game being played.

Why is it Important to Learn the Basic Strategy first?

If you haven’t already committed basic blackjack rules to memory, you shouldn’t even think about card counting at the casino. Card counting will be ineffective if a player does not understand the fundamental strategy move in each 21-hand scenario based on statistics.

Players can reduce the casino’s 2% edge to 0.5% by using basic techniques. Blackjack Card counting only yields a 1% profit margin for players, so any advantage is quickly forfeited if bettors ignore standard blackjack tactics.

Card Counting in Blackjack

Blackjack card counting is a strategy used by some players to gain an advantage over the casino. The basic principle behind card counting is to track the ratio of high cards (10s and Aces) to low cards (2s to 6s) that remain in the deck or shoe. By doing so, players can make more informed decisions about their bets and playing strategy.

Before introducing the most common blackjack strategy used by many blackjack players, here are two terminologies you can encounter when it comes to blackjack card counting:

Running count

In blackjack, the running count refers to a tally of the point values assigned to the cards that have been dealt from the deck or shoe during the course of the game. It is a running total that helps the player assess the composition of the remaining cards and make more informed betting and playing decisions.

The running count starts at zero at the beginning of a new shoe or deck. As cards are dealt, the player assigns a point value to each card based on the chosen card-counting system. For example, in the Hi-Lo system, low cards (2-6) are assigned a value of +1, neutral cards (7-9) have a value of 0, and high cards (10-Ace) are assigned a value of -1.

As each card is dealt, the player updates the running count by adding or subtracting the assigned value. For instance, if a 2, a King, and a 7 are dealt successively, the running count would change from 0 to +1 (2: +1, King: -1, 7: +1). The running count reflects the overall balance of high and low cards remaining in the deck or shoe.

The running count is essential for determining the player’s advantage or disadvantage during the game. A higher positive count suggests that there are more high-value cards remaining, which benefits the player. A negative count indicates that there are more low-value cards left, which favors the dealer. By keeping track of the running count, players can adjust their bets and playing strategies accordingly to maximize their advantage when the count is in their favor.

True count

The true count in blackjack is a refined version of the running count that takes into account the number of decks remaining in the shoe. It provides a more accurate measure of the player’s advantage or disadvantage and helps adjust betting and playing decisions accordingly.

To calculate the true count, the running count is divided by the estimated number of decks left in the shoe. This is done to normalize the running count based on the number of cards that are still to be dealt.

For example, if the running count is +8 and there are approximately 2 decks left to be played, the true count would be +4 (+8 divided by 2). If the running count is -6 and there are approximately 4 decks remaining, the true count would be -1.5 (-6 divided by 4).

The true count is important because it allows players to compare the current running count to the remaining cards, taking into consideration the size of the shoe. This adjustment is necessary because a higher positive running count doesn’t hold the same significance when only a few cards remain compared to when many cards are still in play.

Basic Blackjack Card Counting System 

Card counting in blackjack involves keeping track of the cards that have been dealt from the deck to gain insight into the remaining cards.

Hi-Lo System

The most popular card-counting system is called the Hi-Lo system. In this system, each card is assigned a value: low cards (2-6) are assigned a value of +1, neutral cards (7-9) have a value of 0, and high cards (10-Ace) are assigned a value of -1. As the game progresses and cards are dealt, the player keeps a running count by adding and subtracting the assigned values.

The running count helps the player determine when the deck is favorable or unfavorable for them. When the count is positive, it indicates that there are more high cards remaining in the deck, which benefits the player. In this situation, players may choose to increase their bets.

Conversely, when the count is negative, it suggests that there are more low cards remaining, which favors the dealer, and players may choose to bet less or even leave the table.

Zen Count

The Zen Count is an advanced card-counting system developed by Arnold Snyder. It is designed to provide a more accurate estimation of the remaining deck composition in blackjack. While the Zen Count can be used in live blackjack, it requires a higher level of proficiency compared to simpler counting systems. Here’s an overview of the Zen Count:

It’s worth noting that using advanced blackjack card counting systems, like the Zen Count, requires a high level of skill and concentration.

Basic Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how card counting is done:

Assign card values

Assign a value to each card that is dealt. The most commonly used system is the Hi-Lo system. In this system, cards 2 to 6 are assigned a value of +1, cards 7 to 9 have a value of 0, and tens and aces are assigned a value of -1. The purpose of these values is to track the ratio of high cards to low cards.

Start with a running count

Begin with a running count of zero. As each card is dealt, you add or subtract the assigned value to the running count. For example, if a 2 is dealt, you add 1 to the count, if a 10 is dealt, you subtract 1, and so on.

Adjust the count for multiple decks

If you’re playing a game with multiple decks, you need to adjust the running count to account for the number of decks remaining. This is done by dividing the running count by the estimated number of decks remaining. The result is called the “true count” and gives a more accurate representation of the deck’s composition.

Interpret the count

A positive count indicates that there are more high cards remaining in the deck, which is favorable for the player. A negative count suggests that there are more low cards left, which is advantageous for the dealer. A higher positive count generally means a higher likelihood of favorable hands.

Make betting decisions

Based on the count, you can adjust your betting strategy. When the count is positive, indicating a higher proportion of high cards, it is advantageous to increase your bets. Conversely, when the count is negative or low, it’s best to bet smaller amounts or even minimize your bets.

Practice and refine

Card counting requires practice and familiarity with the system you’re using. It’s important to practice counting cards and keeping the running count accurate while maintaining proper gameplay decisions.

Remember that blackjack card counting is not foolproof and does not guarantee winning. It provides a slight advantage by offering insights into the remaining cards.

Advanced Blackjack Card Counting Strategies

Advanced card counting strategies in blackjack go beyond the basic Hi-Lo system and involve more complex counting techniques and additional considerations. Here are a few advanced card-counting strategies:

Omega II

The Omega II system assigns different point values to cards, including 2s and 7s, which are counted as +1, and 9s as -1. It also introduces additional values for certain cards, such as 8s and Aces. This system provides a more accurate estimation of the player’s advantage.

Wong Halves

The Wong Halves system is a more complex card-counting method that assigns fractional values to cards, ranging from -1 to +1. It involves tracking half-points and adjusting the running count accordingly. This strategy offers more precision and can yield higher betting correlations.

Shuffle Tracking

Shuffle tracking is a technique that involves keeping track of clumps of cards or specific cards during the shuffling process. This strategy focuses on exploiting the predictability of card placement after a shuffle, allowing players to gain an advantage by tracking specific cards or groups of cards through multiple rounds.

Team Play

Advanced card counting strategies can involve team play, where a group of skilled players works together to maximize their advantage. Team members play at different tables, signal information to each other, and make strategic bets based on the collective knowledge of the team. This approach can be more effective in overcoming casino countermeasures.

Side Counting

Side counting involves tracking specific cards separately from the running count. For example, players may track Aces separately to gain a more accurate estimation of the remaining high-value cards. Side counting allows for more precise betting decisions and can enhance the effectiveness of card counting.

It’s important to note that advanced blackjack card counting strategies require a higher level of skill, practice, and experience compared to basic strategies. They also come with additional complexity and may be more challenging to implement effectively.

What do casinos think and do about card counting?

Many casinos are vigilant in detecting card counting techniques and may take strict countermeasures, such as reshuffling more frequently or using automatic shufflers, to deter skilled players.

It’s crucial to understand the legal and ethical implications of card counting and adhere to the rules and regulations set by the casino where you are playing. It’s important to note that card counting is not illegal, but casinos frown upon it and may take countermeasures to prevent skilled card counters from gaining an advantage.

FAQs

Conclusion

Blackjack Card counting requires a significant amount of practice and concentration to be effective. Additionally, it does not guarantee consistent winnings in Fun88 and does not really work in some online blackjack games since the decks are usually shuffled after each hand.

It’s also worth mentioning that card counting may not be suitable for casual or recreational players, as it requires a deep understanding of the game and substantial bankroll management. Come and enjoy a game of blackjack with us at Fun88. Sign up now and master the strategies while having fun!