Counting cards in blackjack

Counting cards in blackjack is a strategy that involves keeping track of the cards that have been played in order to determine the likelihood of certain cards being dealt. The idea is that if a player knows which cards have already been played, they can make more informed decisions about their own hand and their chances of winning.

To count cards, you will need to pay close attention to the cards that are being played and assign a value to each one.

Blackjack Counting Systems: The Hi-Lo

There are several different card counting systems, but one of the most popular is the Hi-Lo system. In this system:

• Cards with a value of 2 through 6 are assigned a value of +1
• Cards with a value of 7 through 9 are assigned a value of 0
• Cards with a value of 10, Jack, Queen, King, or Ace are assigned a value of -1.

As the cards are played, you will keep a running tally of the values. This is known as the “count.” When the count is high, it means that there are more high cards (10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces) remaining in the deck, which is good for the player because it increases their chances of getting a natural blackjack (21). When the count is low, it means that there are more low cards (2s through 6s) remaining in the deck, which is good for the dealer because it increases their chances of winning.

Example of counting with the Hi-Lo System

For example, if the first card dealt is a 3, you would add +1 to the count because 3s are assigned a value of +1 in the Hi-Lo system. If the next card dealt is a 10, you would subtract -1 from the count because 10s are assigned a value of -1 in the Hi-Lo system.

As the hand progresses, you will continue to update the count by adding or subtracting the value of each card as it is played. You can use the count to make informed decisions about your own hand and your chances of winning. For example, if the count is high, it means that there are more high cards (10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces) remaining in the deck, which is good for the player because it increases their chances of getting a natural blackjack (21). If the count is low, it means that there are more low cards (2s through 6s) remaining in the deck, which is good for the dealer because it increases their chances of winning.

If you are interested to learn more about this specific strategy, as well as other blackjack strategies, have a look at this ebook.

Conclusion

To use this information to your advantage, you will need to adjust your betting and playing strategy based on the count. For example, if the count is high, you may want to bet more because your chances of winning are increased. If the count is low, you may want to bet less or even stand pat (not ask for any more cards) because your chances of winning are decreased.

It’s important to note that card counting is not illegal, but it is generally not welcomed by casinos. Some casinos will even ban players who are caught counting cards. Additionally, counting cards can be difficult and requires a lot of practice and dedication to get good at it. If you’re interested in learning more about card counting, there are many resources available online that can teach you the basics and help you practice your skills.

Where to Play Blackjack Online

If you want to play blackjack, you can play at any of the casinos offering it as one of the games. Some of these online casinos allow you to play either for free or with real money. Visit one of the online casinos here below and get a special bonus when you signup.

Important note: before opening a real-money account, please check the terms and conditions of the casino to see if players from your country are accepted for real-money games.