How to Count Cards

With blackjack, card counting tips help players gain an edge on the casino. Contrary to popular belief, card counting is not illegal or requires any superpowers… However, it is often strongly opposed and therefore, in order to do it, you will have to learn how to work. extremely careful… Anyone can learn to count cards, as long as they practice hard.

Table of Contents

Getting to know the game

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/79/Count-Cards-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-1- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/79/Count-Cards-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Learn basic strategy. First, you cannot count cards effectively without understanding the pros and cons of basic blackjack strategy. Obviously you can still count cards, but it won’t win you anything. Don’t learn to run before you learn to walk.

If you’re going to count cards at a casino, it’s best to practice there. Other than the dinner table, there are countless factors happening at the casino that we are forced to consider – such as hiding the fact that you are fooling people.
When you play blackjack with a smart strategy, you will reduce the house edge to almost zero. ^{[1] X Research Source} Every hand in the casino is in the house’s favor and so here are the numbers. positive for you!

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/74/Count-Cards-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-2- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/74/Count-Cards-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Make blackjack as easy as breathing. With blackjack, be a machine, making the best choices in seconds. No need to open a book, turn a notebook, or even a second to think, practice to be able to play even when blindfolded or tied.

Knowing the game like the back of your hand is the only way you can earn money. Counting cards only gives a one percent advantage. If you put 2 million dong, it will be 20,000 dong. The only way for this 1% to bring billions in the bank is to turn it into a true art.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5d/Count-Cards-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-3- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5d/Count-Cards-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Get familiar with the concept of card counting. The general strategy here is the Hi-Lo (High-Low) strategy. The big hand is assigned a specific value (-1) and so is the low hand (+1). When adding, we get the cumulative value. That is all. The more you simplify things, the less your brain will be overloaded and so consider this simplicity a good thing.

Understand why card counting works. That’s because the big hand (ten) increases the odds of winning blackjack and pays 3:2. They also increase the likelihood that the dealer will “quake”. On the other hand, a low hand is not good for players (who want to blackjack and beat the dealer) but good for the dealer (which keeps them from being dealt with 16 or less).

Using the Hi-Lo . strategy

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d4/Count-Cards-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-4- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d4/Count-Cards-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Understand how it works. If the ratio of big hands to low cards is higher than normal (meaning there are still a lot of big cards left), players can bet higher to win more when the hand is good. Players will keep this number to themselves – the number tells them when and how much to bet or not to bet at all!

Good cards have a positive value. The higher the value, the more big cards there are left to play and the more you should bet.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/3a/Count-Cards-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-5- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3a/Count-Cards-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Learn values. To keep track of the high hand to low hand ratio (and thus, see if the hand is in a favor), you need to assign the card to a value. Start at 0 and work your way up, accumulating your count.

Piece 2 to piece 6 corresponds to +1.
Pieces 7-9 have no value.
Piece 10 or more corresponds to -1.
Aces also have a value of -1.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/65/Count-Cards-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-6- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/65/Count-Cards-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Learn how to bet your hand. Increase the bet when there is a positive sum (from +2 or more). ^{[2] X Research Source} The higher the total count, the more you should bet, but keep in mind that if the variation is too large in the bets, you may become the casino’s target.

In general, it is recommended to increase the set value by one unit for each point counted. If you are more aggressive than that, the radar will point right at you.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/72/Count-Cards-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-7- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/72/Count-Cards-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Self check. Grab a complete deck (discard the Joker) and go through them all, counting the value along the way. In the end, you will probably get a value of 0 if you count correctly. Make it a goal to finish counting the deck in less than 25 seconds. That way, not even MCSpeedy (dealer) can give you a hard time.

Each time you count cards and get a value of 0, watch the time you have spent. Although it is a simple math, it is easy to get distracted when doing it. Don’t be surprised when the completion time is completely different from the first stage.
Take a card out of the deck and let it lie face down. Count all and find the total value: what is a face-down card?

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/44/Count-Cards-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-8- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/44/Count-Cards-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Get a pair. If it’s 4 and accumulator, don’t think of it as “-1 and +1 = 0”. Instead, you should simply have the answer “0” in your mind. When there is a high card and a low card, they cancel each other . Keeping that in mind will make it easier to count cards at high speeds.

Counting cards involves remembering the total value. Good card counting requires accuracy and speed. Just like driving a car – you can do it without thinking. Pairing cards makes things simple and makes counting cards an easier task.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/04/Count-Cards-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-9- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/04/Count-Cards-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Real score counting. A long time ago, casinos played with a single deck of cards (at least most casinos do). Nowadays, it is much more common to play cards using 5 or 6 sets. So your total count may not be the actual value yet.

To find the true value, divide the total count by the number of decks waiting to be dealt. If it’s +4 and there are 4 decks left, then the real value is just +1.
- To find out how many decks are left, you will have to secretly look at the discard tray. Do this between rounds, when you have a little extra time.
If playing with only one deck, do the opposite and do the multiplication. Let’s say ¾ deck is left and the total count is +4. So you would multiply by 4:4×4 to get 16 and then divide by 3 (slightly larger than 5). Some people choose to make decisions with a total count when playing with only one deck. However, know that the actual value will always be slightly different (higher).

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/81/Count-Cards-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-10- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/81/Count-Cards-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Practice with distractions. It would be nice to be able to count cards in the comfort of home with locked doors, curtains down and phones disconnected. But what if it had to be done at the casino? At the same time, there will be a thousand and one things that distract you. No matter how simple the math is, if you miss a point, you’re shooting yourself in the foot.

Start by turning on the TV. Then there’s the radio. Let the dog and a few kids into the room and it’s almost like any busy casino. Not to mention that you will have to work under the scrutiny of countless eyes. Therefore, you need to act with precision and keep yourself unnoticed.

Learn other types of card counting

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b2/Count-Cards-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-11- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b2/Count-Cards-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Consider learning other types of card counting. As noted, it is no coincidence that Hi-Lo is the most popular card counting strategy: it gives good results and is not difficult to master. However, there are still many other variations.

With KO, the difference is that 7 has a value of +1.
With Omega II, 4, 5 and 6 have a value of +2. 10, J, Q, and K have a value of -2 and Ace is equal to 0.
With Halves (Half), 2 and 7 are +0.5 respectively. 5 corresponds to +1.5. 9 corresponds to -0.5.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7c/Count-Cards-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-12- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/Count-Cards-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-12-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Know the stats of each variation. Statistical analysis finds all these numbers, and they’re not simply: “Does it work?”. Many factors are taken into consideration and accounted for, including:

When taking into account bet correlation (BC), Halves has the highest correlation coefficient. It is used to judge the betting situation.
Hi-Opt II and Omega II have the highest efficiency ratings (PE). It affects decisions and errors (when switching from basic strategy) when playing.
Hi-Opt II has the highest guaranteed correlation (IC). It tells you when is the best time to buy insurance (because Hi-Opt II charges an extra Ace).
- As can be seen, Hi-Lo is not mentioned. That’s by all factors , it is set in the middle. Hi-Opt II adds Aces and Halves simply adds to player fatigue (increasing distraction) and Omega II’s effectiveness doesn’t correspond to bet correlation. Unless you’re the best blackjack player, stick with Hi-Lo. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/6d/Count-Cards-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-13- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/6d/Count-Cards-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-13-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Learn the concept of “wonging” or counting later. When you don’t enter the hand until it’s attractive enough to warrant participation, that’s called “wonging in”. When the hand gets cold, you “wonging out”. This is usually done in large casinos, otherwise you will have to get up as soon as you sit down.

Many casinos ban midway entry for this reason. If you’re going to do so, know that doing so will be very shady, even to the eyes of the uninitiated. Without counting cards, how can you tell when it’s time to jump in and finish the game?
- Even so, you can get rid of doubts when changing bets. Every time wonging, set the same large, identical value.

Camouflage your strategy

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/3e/Count-Cards-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-14- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3e/Count-Cards-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-14-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Behave like a tourist. The card counter is known for playing blackjack for hours on end, often without eating or enjoying any of the resort’s amenities. Acting like a tourist who simply wants to have a good time at the casino will keep you from being suspicious.

Let’s integrate. Pulling the Armani suit out of the closet wouldn’t be the right thing to do when starting a career in card counting at the local casino. Leave the Italian suede suit at home and act like a normal person

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/30/Count-Cards-Step-15-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-15- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/30/Count-Cards-Step-15-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-15-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Increase bets gradually, if necessary. Dealers are trained to shuffle when there is an unusual increase in bets. So increase your bets only small amounts at seemingly random times during the hand.

This advice seems to go against the point of making money, but if you’re thrown out the door, you won’t get anything. No, it’s not illegal. However, card counting is heavily deprecated and you may be banned forever.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/c8/Count-Cards-Step-16-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-16- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c8/Count-Cards-Step-16-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-16-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Besides the article, consider other things as well. That’s why we have to practice with TV, radio and some noisy, muddy kids. If you focus too much on counting cards, your lips will move on their own and that is a deadly clue. Don’t hesitate, go get a glass of wine, talk to someone. Be comfortable .

Card counting people often have a reputation for being “too attentive” to the hand. They will focus on the cards while all look at a beautiful woman. Don’t be that person.
You need to be able to count cards so well that you can converse with other people. Talk to the dealer about their day. If the supervisor comes, talk to him too.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e9/Count-Cards-Step-17-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-17- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e9/Count-Cards-Step-17-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-17-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Reward the dealer. Most of them know how to count cards. If they like you, chances are that when there is a good hand, they will wait longer and when there is a bad hand, they will shuffle the cards earlier for you.

Dealers can help and also harm you. Give them motivation. Same goes for all supervisors – get them on your side: maybe your not-so-horrendous guilt will slip under their radar.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/44/Count-Cards-Step-18-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-18- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/44/Count-Cards-Step-18-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-18-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Get to know who is watching you. At any given time, hundreds of cameras are operating at the casino with the eyes of the dealer, the people behind the table and the security guard. When you see a waiter serving a certain customer every 18.37 minutes, they will definitely notice you. Therefore, proper behavior is extremely important.

If you suspect you’re counting cards, the casino probably won’t come right up and tell you that. Perhaps they will let someone talk to you to distract you, speed the dealer, shuffle the cards at will, or change the betting rules. ^{[4] X Research Source} If any phenomenon occurs, immediately withdraw from the game.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/de/Count-Cards-Step-19-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count-Cards-Step-19- Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/de/Count-Cards-Step-19-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Count- Cards-Step-19-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Do everything slowly. When you get to the table, stay there for a while. Why are you leaving? And when making a decision, stop for a second to consider. The average blackjack player has not spent the previous three months studying the cards. All you need right now is a cool and natural look.

Don’t jump from table to table every time the hand is not good. Casino staff will quickly notice you. Make the minimum bet until the hand is better. Increase bets naturally: put more because you’re doing well, not because you know what’s coming.

Advice

Some players also count the number of Aces they see. Only do this if you have mastered card counting.
Start counting when the card is restarted. That is, when the dealer shuffles the cards and starts dealing from six thick sets.
If you are asked to leave by your supervisor or case manager or are suspicious of card counting, you must go. It is a legal requirement in most betting areas. The easiest way to leave without being suspicious is to say “yes”, take your card and leave. Let’s exchange it for money the next day.
Act naturally. Talk to the dealer, joke about your winnings and loses, and most importantly, talk about the side things (even when it comes to composing something). So it will be less suspicious than someone who is always stressed, silently looking at everyone’s work and doing math in his mind.
Remember that the importance of the number obtained differs when there is a change in the number of cards remaining. +6 with only two decks left is much better than +10 when only one deck is used (five decks left).

Warning

Don’t try counting at the casino unless you’ve practiced enough at home and can do it without moving your lips or pretending to be counting. Although legal, casinos can and will ban them if they think you’re counting cards. You may even be banned forever.
Although the advantage belongs to you, it takes 6 hours to play for that advantage to flower and bear fruit (even tossing a coin, in 10 times it can also turn up to 7). Don’t forget that you will ALWAYS lose money. The card counting mechanism gives you the edge in blackjack, not playing for you.
Don’t play with money when you can’t afford to lose, especially in the case of a beginner. Even with the perfect strategy, mistakes can still make you lose. This article is a great introduction to card counting, but if you want to become a professional hand, you’ll need a little more.
Counting attention-grabbing posts! In the end, this action will bring attention to the same players and can lead to violence.

Things you need

A full deck

Steps