How to Count Cards in Blackjack

Card counting in blackjack is a popular strategy utilized by players to gain an edge over the casino. Contrary to common misconceptions, card counting is perfectly legal and doesn’t require photographic memory or exceptional mathematical skills. The fundamental principle behind card counting is to keep track of high and low cards as they are dealt, which can inform betting decisions. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to count cards in blackjack.

Understanding Card Values

The first step to mastering card counting is to understand the values assigned to different cards. The most commonly used system is the Hi-Lo counting system:

  • Cards 2 through 6 are counted as +1.
  • Cards 7 through 9 are counted as 0.
  • Cards 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace are counted as -1.

This simple value assignment helps the player keep a running count of the cards that have been dealt.

The Running Count

Once you know the values of the cards, the next step is to start a running count. This count begins at zero whenever a fresh shoe (a device that holds multiple decks) is introduced. As each card is dealt, you adjust the running count according to the values:

  • If a 5 is dealt, you add +1 to your running count.
  • If a King is dealt, you subtract -1 from your running count.
  • Cards like 8, 3, and Jack will alter the count based on their assigned values (0, +1, and -1 respectively).

The running count gives you an idea of how favorable the remaining deck is towards the player.

True Count Conversion

The running count alone isn’t enough because it doesn’t account for how many decks are still yet to be dealt. To make more accurate betting decisions, you need to convert the running count to the true count. This is done by dividing the running count by the number of decks left in the shoe. For example:

  • If the running count is +8 and there are 4 decks left, the true count is +2 (8 divided by 4).
  • If the running count is +3 and there are 1.5 decks left, the true count is +2 (3 divided by 1.5).

The true count gives you a more accurate representation of the player advantage.

Betting Strategies Based on the True Count

Once you have the true count, you can adjust your betting accordingly. The higher the true count, the more favorable the deck is for the player. In general:

  • If the true count is +1 or lower, you should bet the minimum.
  • If the true count is +2 or higher, you can start increasing your bets.
  • For each additional point in the true count, you might increase your bet proportionally.

For example, if your base bet is 10,a true count of +3 might suggest a bet of 30.

Practicing Card Counting

Practicing card counting is essential for becoming proficient. Here are a few exercises you can try:

  • Single Deck Drill: Shuffle a deck and practice counting through it to reach a total of zero.
  • Running Count Drill: Use multiple decks and simulate a game, keeping a running count and converting it to a true count periodically.
  • Speed Drills: Time yourself to see how quickly and accurately you can count through a deck.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

There are several myths surrounding card counting which need to be addressed:

  • Card Counting is Illegal: Card counting is not illegal, although casinos may ask you to leave if they suspect you are counting cards.
  • You Need a Perfect Memory: Effective card counting doesn’t require a perfect memory, just a good understanding of the counting system.
  • Only Experts Can Count Cards: With practice, anyone can learn to count cards effectively.

Team Play and Advanced Strategies

Some advanced players use team play to improve their card counting effectiveness. This involves different members of a team playing different roles, such as the spotter, who counts the cards, and the big player, who makes larger bets when the count is favorable.

  • Big Player Strategy: The big player joins the game only when the count is high, minimizing exposure.
  • Communication Codes: Teams use subtle signals to communicate the count without attracting attention.

Staying Under the Radar

Casinos frown upon card counting, so players must be discreet:

  • Vary Bet Sizes Subtly: Avoid making dramatic bet increases.
  • Blend in: Try not to attract attention by winning too often or acting overtly.
  • Change Games: Switch tables or casinos periodically to avoid detection.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving deeper into card counting, it’s important to understand the basics of blackjack. Blackjack is a card game where players compete against the dealer. The goal is to have a hand value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. Number cards are worth their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10, and Aces can be worth 1 or 11, depending on which value benefits the hand more.

Why Count Cards?

The essence of card counting is to determine when the deck is in favor of the player versus when it benefits the dealer. When the deck has a higher concentration of high-value cards (10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace), players have a better chance of hitting blackjack (21 on the first two cards) and winning hands. Conversely, a deck rich in low-value cards (2-6) increases the odds for the dealer to make a winning hand.

The Hi-Lo System in Detail

The Hi-Lo strategy is the most popular and easiest system to learn. Here’s the theory in detail:

  • Card Values: The 2-6 cards are assigned a value of +1 because their removal from the deck benefits the player. The 10s and Aces are assigned -1 because their removal benefits the dealer. The other cards (7-9) are neutral (0) and have no impact on the count.
  • Running Count: As cards are dealt, you adjust your running count:
    • Example: A sequence of dealt cards 5, 8, King, 2, Ace, Queen, 6 would result in counts of +1, +0, -1, +1, -1, -1, +1. The total running count would be 0.
  • True Count: The true count adjusts the running count to reflect the number of decks remaining:
    • If your running count is +6 and there are three decks left, your true count is +2. This adjustment is crucial for accurate betting.

Advanced Betting Strategies

While the basic concept is to increase bets when the true count is high and decrease bets when it is low, there are more nuanced approaches to maximize profits while minimizing detection:

  • Bet Spreading: This involves varying your bets within a specific range. For instance, if the casino allows a 10 minimum and  100 maximum bet, you might bet 10 when the count is low and approach 100 as the count increases.
  • Optimal Betting: It’s essential to adjust your betting in proportion to the true count. Many players use a betting ramp, proportional systems that increase or decrease bets precisely according to the current true count.

Practice Techniques

  • Deck Visualization: Memorize the card values and practice identifying the overall count quickly.
  • Simulation Software: Utilize computer programs that mimic live games, allowing you to practice counting in real-time scenarios.
  • Live Practice: While practice at home is vital, the actual casino environment can be distracting. Try practicing in similar settings to get comfortable with distractions like noise or conversation.

Variations of Card Counting

  • Omega II System: Assigns different values to cards compared to the Hi-Lo system and is considered more accurate but also more complex.
  • KO (Knock-Out) System: Similar to Hi-Lo but doesn’t require true count conversion, making it easier but slightly less accurate.

Pitfalls and Common Mistakes

While learning to count cards, avoid these common mistakes:

  • Losing Track of the Count: Practice maintaining the count through distractions.
  • Incorrect True Count Conversion: Always double-check your calculations.
  • Inconsistent Betting: Stick to a system to avoid inconsistent results.

Legal Aspects and Casino Countermeasures

It’s vital to remember that while card counting is legal, casinos are private establishments and may refuse service to anyone they suspect of counting cards. They employ several countermeasures:

  • Shuffling: Frequent shuffling disrupts counting.
  • Table Limits: Imposing limits on bet variance.
  • Surveillance: Using cameras and floor supervisors to detect and track potential counters.

Some places use Continuous Shuffling Machines (CSMs) which deal from several decks that are continuously shuffled, making it impossible to count cards.

Key Terminology

  • Running Count: This is the ongoing tally of the card values you’ve seen dealt. It starts at zero at the beginning of a shoe and is updated as each card is revealed.
  • True Count: The running count adjusted for the number of decks remaining to be dealt. It’s calculated by dividing the running count by the number of decks left in the shoe.
  • Bankroll: The amount of money you have set aside specifically for blackjack play. Bankroll management is essential to handle the variance in results.
  • Bet Spread: The ratio between your minimum and maximum bets. A common spread might be from 1 unit at the low end to 8 units at the high end.
  • Penetration: How deep the dealer goes into the shoe before shuffling. Greater penetration allows for more accurate counts.

Counting Systems

Hi-Lo Counting System

  • Card Values:
    • 2-6: +1
    • 7-9: 0
    • 10-Ace: -1

Omega II Counting System

  • Card Values:
    • 2, 3, 7: +1
    • 4, 5, 6: +2
    • 9: -1
    • 10, face cards: -2
    • Aces: 0

KO (Knock-Out) System

  • Card Values:
    • 2-7: +1
    • 8-9: 0
    • 10, face cards, Ace: -1

Betting Strategy

  • Flat Betting: Betting the same amount regardless of the count.
  • Proportional Betting: Increasing your bet size as the true count increases.
  • Kelly Criterion: A formula used to determine the optimal size of a series of bets.

Example of a Betting Ramp (Hi-Lo System)

This table shows a simple betting ramp for a Hi-Lo system with a $ 10 minimum bet:

True Count Bet Size
≤ +1 $ 10
+2 $ 20
+3 $ 40
+4 $ 80
+5 $ 100

Advanced Techniques

Wonging

  • Back-counting (Wonging): Watching games without participating, then joining when the count is favorable. Named after Stanford Wong, a famous blackjack player.

Shuffle Tracking

  • Shuffle Tracking: A technique to predict the shuffle’s influence and bets more heavily when favorable cards are expected to come into play.

Practice Techniques

  • Flash Cards: Use sets of flashcards to practice identifying the count values quickly.
  • Mobile Apps: There are many card counting apps available that simulate a live blackjack game.
  • Deck Drills: Practice counting a single deck of cards to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Counting Down a Deck: Time yourself as you count through a deck; a skilled card counter can do this in under 25 seconds.

Pitfalls and Common Mistakes

  • Speed: Counting too slowly can lead to missed counts or suspicious behavior.
  • Miscalculating the True Count: Consistent mistakes in this conversion can lead to incorrect betting.
  • Telegraphing: Making it obvious that you’re counting, such as altering your bet size too noticeably.
  • Betting Too Aggressively: Over-betting your bankroll during a favorable count can lead to significant losses during downswings.

Legal Aspects and Casino Countermeasures

Methods Casinos Use to Combat Card Counters

  • Frequent Shuffling: Reduces the effectiveness of counting.
  • Smaller Maximum Bets: Limits the profitability of counting.
  • Identifying Counters: Surveillance teams watch for telltale signs of counting.
  • No-Mid-Shoe Entry: Prevents counters from Wonging.

How to Avoid Detection

  • Randomize Bet Sizes: Don’t always follow a perfect correlation between count and bet size.
  • Play at Different Casinos: Spread your play around to avoid detection.
  • Avoid Team Play Detection: Communicate discreetly with teammates if you’re working in a team.

Practical Steps to Get Started

  • Learn the Basics of Blackjack: Master the rules, strategy, and variations.
  • Understand the Counting System: Choose a system like Hi-Lo and practice it rigorously.
  • Simulate Play: Use computer simulations to practice in a realistic environment.
  • Test in Low-Stakes Games: Begin practicing in real casinos with low-stakes bets to gain experience.
  • Build a Bankroll: Make sure you have sufficient funds set aside to handle the natural variance of blackjack.
  • Stay Discreet: Develop skills to count discreetly to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

Further Resources

  • Books:
    • “Beat the Dealer” by Edward O. Thorp
    • “Professional Blackjack” by Stanford Wong
    • “Blackjack Attack” by Don Schlesinger
  • Websites:
    • Blackjack forums and discussion groups
    • Online strategy trainers

Conclusion

Card counting can give players a significant edge over the house if done correctly. However, it requires practice, persistence, and often a team to execute over extended periods successfully. While starting can seem daunting, the blend of mathematical strategy and real-time decision-making makes card counting a rewarding skill for dedicated blackjack enthusiasts.