Skilled blackjack players utilize the strategy of counting cards to gain an advantageous edge over the casino. There are various counting systems, frequently named after legendary and charismatic professional gamblers from the past.
In 2008, the movie “21” brought the concept of card counting to the forefront for the general public. It portrayed the incredible story of the MIT blackjack team, who cleverly outwitted Las Vegas casinos and made millions. The film also highlighted the biggest challenge faced by card counters: to be successful, they had to place significant bets when the odds were in their favor. However, casinos are fully aware of this technique and swiftly blacklist players they suspect of card counting in blackjack.
Below, you will discover all the necessary details to embark on your card counting journey. We will cover the basics of how it works, well-known systems, recommended games for counters, and the advantages of learning to count through online blackjack.
How to card counting works in blackjack
When playing Blackjack, players must make choices based on limited information. They depend on their own two cards and the dealer’s face-up card. Even though they may be aware of the mathematically correct moves, players frequently encounter situations where they risk exceeding the desired card value, commonly referred to as busting.
Blackjack players view small cards, especially those with values between two and six, as their opponents posing the most difficult decisions. Remarkably, removing a significant amount of small cards from the deck not only simplifies blackjack, but also grants the player a mathematical edge over the house.
In this situation, the technique employed is known as card counting.
Counters observe the balance between small cards, face cards, and aces. When the deck reaches a specific stage, it turns “positive.” This signifies that a higher proportion of face cards will lead to long-term profits for the player, rather than the house. This is because the chances of doubling, splitting, and hitting blackjack (natural 21) increase when there are more high cards in the deck.
To reap the rewards of this advantage, card-counting players are required to amplify their betting amounts. Failing to do so would render any winnings futile due to the expenses incurred while waiting for the deck to turn advantageous.
Various factors determine whether a game is suitable for card counting. These factors encompass the number of decks being used, the rules regarding splitting and doubling down, and how the dealer handles a soft 17. To fully capitalize on the advantages of card counting, it is crucial to identify games that offer the lowest house edge.
Level 3 card counting systems & true count explained
Card counting systems can be categorized into three levels of complexity. The first tier includes the Hi-Lo Counts, which are the most basic. In this system, low cards are designated a value of +1, while high cards are assigned a value of -1. As the count increases, the proportion of high cards to low cards becomes more noticeable.
Advantage players increase their bets once they achieve a specific count. In order to maintain their advantage, they need to convert the current count into the “true count.” This is accomplished by dividing the count by the number of decks remaining in play. For instance, if the count is +10 and there are five decks left in a six-deck shoe, the true count would be 10/5 = 2. This suggests that games such as double-deck blackjack are better for counting. Players are not required to continue playing through the initial decks in the shoe while waiting for the true count to become positive.
Counting systems become more accurate in level two and level three, where specific cards are assigned different values. Some cards are given a +2 value, while others receive a +1 value. This distinction separates twos and sevens from cards three through six, and occasionally, nines are also counted differently. Furthermore, certain systems have separate counts for aces. To match the positive count, it is essential to adjust the size of your bets accordingly. For example, for every two-point increase in the true count, adding one unit to your bet is necessary.
It is advisable for beginners in card counting to begin with a basic Hi-Lo Count. As you gain proficiency in accurately keeping track of the count, executing each hand flawlessly, and interacting with other players, you can advance to the next level.
Examples of card counting systems
The levels one to three categorize the following systems, showcasing a glimpse of the extensive range of available systems. Although only a few examples are provided, these five systems give an overview of the diverse complexity present in different systems.
- The Hi-Lo Count method is a simple and balanced card counting system that is perfect for beginners. With this method, you increase the count by one for each card value between two and six, and decrease it by one for 10s through aces. Cards with values seven, eight, and nine have no impact on the count. To determine your bet size, divide the count by the number of undealt decks, rounding up if necessary. It is recommended to bet more when the count is positive, especially when the count is larger. The Hi-Lo system is known for its simplicity, but it may not be as accurate as other blackjack counting methods.
- Lance Humble is credited with creating the Hi-Opt 1 and Hi-Opt 2 systems, which have their roots in the 1960s. These systems differ from the Hi-Lo Count in that they include more neutral cards. In the Hi-Opt 1 system, aces, twos, sevens, eights, and nines have a count of zero. Threes, fours, fives, and sixes have a count of +1, while tens through kings have a count of -1. This system is particularly effective for single deck games. On the other hand, the Hi-Opt 2 system assigns a count of -2 to tens through kings, +2 to fours and fives, and +1 to twos, threes, sixes, and sevens. Aces, eights, and nines are considered neutral in this system. While these systems are accurate, it can be difficult to find suitable games to use them in, as single deck games are rare and closely monitored.
- In order to effectively utilize the Ace-Five System, it is crucial to consistently increase your bet as the count rises. This system revolves around a straightforward count, focusing exclusively on aces and fives. Whenever a five is dealt, the count is augmented by one, while encountering an ace leads to a subtraction of one. Once the count reaches +2, it is advisable to double your bet, and subsequently increase it for every additional +2. Nonetheless, if the count diminishes to +1 or lower, it is recommended to revert back to your initial bet size. The primary advantage of this system lies in its simplicity. However, it is worth noting that the constantly fluctuating bet size may capture the attention of casino pit bosses.
- The Uston Advanced Count is a complex card counting system developed by the renowned card counter Ken Uston. It is famous for its association with Uston’s lavish lifestyle. In this system, aces have a value of zero. Fives have a value of +3, while tens through kings are assigned a value of -3. Nines carry a value of -1, twos and eights have a value of +1, and threes, fours, sixes, and sevens are assigned a value of +2. Like other counting systems, your bets should increase proportionally to the positive count, taking into account the number of decks being used. It is crucial to keep a separate count of the aces for this system to work effectively. Due to its intricacy, it is recommended for experienced card counters only.
- The KO Counting System functions in a similar manner to Hi-Lo, but includes an extra feature concerning the insurance bet against dealer blackjack. Under this system, cards two through seven are assigned a value of +1, eight and nine are considered neutral, and cards ten through ace are assigned a value of -1. It is advisable to increase your bet when the count reaches +2 or higher (based on the true count). When the count reaches +3 or higher, opting for the insurance side bet becomes a profitable decision.
Which blackjack games are best for card counting?
In Las Vegas, Atlantic City, downtown Detroit, and other locations, there are many large casino resorts that offer a variety of blackjack games. However, when it comes to lower buy-ins (typically starting at $5 per hand), the rules heavily favor the casino rather than the players. Some of these disadvantageous rules include paying out 6:5 instead of the standard 3:2 for blackjack, placing restrictions on doubling after splitting, and requiring the dealer to hit on a soft 17. Consequently, these unfavorable rules can significantly increase the casino’s advantage, reaching as high as 3% or potentially even more. Moreover, the presence of six or eight decks in play can make it difficult for players to accurately determine the true count.
When comparing to the best games available, it is important to take into account certain features for an optimal setup. These include playing with a single deck, having favorable rules for splitting and doubling, the dealer standing on soft 17, allowing late surrender, and receiving a 3:2 payout for blackjack. These games, which have a house edge of 0.5% or lower, are usually found in high-limit rooms. Because of their advantageous odds, casino staff closely monitor these games. As a result, if a player suddenly raises their bet, experienced casino staff will immediately pay careful attention.
If you are not well-versed in adapting blackjack strategies to specific rule variations, you are not ready to acquire card counting skills. Those who excel at counting cards actively seek out games that offer the casino the smallest advantage. They have honed their mastery of the fundamental blackjack strategy to eliminate any mistakes that could favor the casino.
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Is counting cards illegal in the US?
Counting cards is legal, as long as it is not assisted by any mechanical or electronic device. Nevertheless, casinos strongly discourage card counting and implement preventive measures. When individuals are suspected of counting cards, they will be asked to leave the premises. In case of repeated offenses, players may be banned, and if they try to come back, trespass laws might be applied.
In 1979, Ken Uston took legal action against an Atlantic City casino, challenging their right to prohibit skilled players. The court’s decision favored Uston, prompting a shift in approach by AC casinos. Rather than completely banning players, they now utilize different tactics to discourage card counting. These strategies include regularly shuffling decks, enforcing consistent bet sizes for each round, and disallowing players from joining ongoing games.
Casinos in different places have a reputation for promptly kicking out players caught counting cards. This is why the MIT team chose to play in pairs. The first player, placing smaller bets, diligently monitored the card count and subtly signaled the second player. The second player would then join the table and place larger bets when the count was advantageous. Meanwhile, the original counter would continue with smaller bets.
Card counting in other casino games
In the realm of casino games, only a few incorporate a multi-deck shoe. For instance, casino poker variations like Caribbean stud or Ultimate Texas Hold’em opt for a continuous shuffle system, ensuring a freshly shuffled deck for each hand. Baccarat, on the other hand, utilizes a shoe but is not ideal for card counting due to its complex scoring rules. Despite the utilization of edge sorting in baccarat, it is considered illegal in many jurisdictions.
Only certain versions of blackjack, like Spanish 21 and Free Bet Blackjack, can be effectively used with card counting systems. These variations offer a smaller advantage to the house compared to other versions of the game. For example, in Spanish 21, when 10s are taken out of the deck, it results in a negative count.
Advantageous players with expertise employ card counting strategies to gain an upper hand in optional side bets. This requires understanding the mechanics of each side bet individually and creating a unique counting system for each. In the game of blackjack, specifically tracking aces can assist in determining the ideal moment to make an insurance bet against a potential blackjack hand from the dealer.
Is it possible to count cards online?
Online casinos in regulated states offer a wide range of blackjack options, such as both software-based and live dealer games. Furthermore, these casinos provide a diverse selection of games with different rules and side bets. Moreover, when it comes to variations of the game based on the concept of 21, players have numerous choices available to cater to their individual preferences.
Card counting, which is used for gaining an advantage in gambling, is not practical in online casinos because they use random number generator software to shuffle cards in their virtual games. As a result, it is impossible to keep track of the count. However, live dealer games in online casinos use eight deck shoes and reshuffle after about half of the cards have been dealt, making it difficult to identify favorable situations with a positive true count. Additionally, the use of software that can rapidly detect changes in bet sizes associated with counting further complicates the effectiveness of card counting.
By practicing online, you can improve your counting skills. Several well-known online casino brands, like Golden Nugget and BetMGM, provide live dealer rooms where you can play games and learn how to keep track of the count at the same time. Starting with simple systems such as Ace-Five and Hi-Lo is recommended, and as you gain more experience, you can gradually move on to more advanced systems.
It is crucial to keep a close watch on the different casino bonuses and promotions if you live in a state where online casinos are allowed. There is always a chance that a special offer tailored for blackjack enthusiasts could become available at any time.
Wrapping up: Card counting in blackjack
Card counting has been a part of blackjack since the 1960s. Esteemed players like Humble and Uston have written books revealing strategies to outsmart the casino. These literary pieces have earned the esteemed title of timeless masterpieces in the world of gambling.
When there is a higher proportion of high cards in the deck, counting cards in blackjack gives players an edge over the house. This tactic takes advantage of the player’s ability to split, double down, and take insurance against the dealer’s blackjack. Counting systems are divided into three levels based on their complexity. The more intricate the system, the higher its accuracy, but also making it more difficult to use.
Card counters possess a vulnerability akin to Achilles’ heel. To leverage their counting abilities and gain benefits, they must visibly raise their bets when the odds are favorable. Regrettably, these conspicuous escalations in bet size serve as a signal to casino staff, leading them to closely scrutinize their gameplay and ultimately ban card counters. It is important to mention that card counting alone is not illegal, unless one employs a device to assist in the counting process.
Online casinos offer a great opportunity to improve your card counting abilities. It is worth mentioning that these platforms have measures in place to prevent any unfair advantage. On the contrary, live dealer casinos provide a genuine table experience, allowing you to explore different card counting techniques before venturing into a brick-and-mortar casino.