Liana Crawford | May 8, 2023 | Updated on: May 8th, 2023
Are you a blackjack fan who wants to improve your casino odds? Then card counting may be the technique for you. Card counting is a strategy used to track the cards dealt in the game and use that information to make better decisions on subsequent hands. This guide will cover everything you need about card counting, from the basics to more advanced strategies. We’ll also provide tips on how to use card counting effectively and avoid detection by casino personnel. Let’s dive in!
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What is Card Counting?
Moreover, card counting is utilized in casinos’ blackjack games to give players an advantage over the house. It involves monitoring the cards that have already been dealt with and using that information to make knowledgeable decisions in subsequent hands. Although card counting is not deemed illegal, casinos may request that players depart if caught engaging in this activity.
How Card Counting Works
Card counting works by assigning a point value to each card that has been dealt. For example, high cards (10, J, Q, K, A) are given a value of -1, while low cards (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) are given a value of +1. Cards 7, 8, and 9 are considered neutral and are not assigned a point value.
The player keeps a running count of the cards as they are dealt and uses this count to determine whether the remaining deck is favourable or unfavourable for the player. If the count is positive, more high cards are left in the deck, favouring the player. If the count is negative, more low cards are left in the deck, which is unfavourable for the player.
Basic Card Counting Strategy
The basic card-counting strategy involves adding and subtracting the point values of the cards dealt and adjusting your bets accordingly. For example, if the count is positive, you will increase your bets; if the count is negative, you would decrease your bets. This strategy is simple but effective and can give the player an edge of up to 1%.
Step-by-Step Basic Card Counting Strategy
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the basic card-counting strategy:
- Assign a point value of -1 to high cards (10, J, Q, K, A) and +1 to low cards (2, 3, 4, 5, 6).
- Start with a count of zero at the beginning of the game.
- Add or subtract the point value of each card that is dealt.
- Adjust your bets according to the count: increase your bets when the count is positive and decrease your bets when the count is negative.
- Reset the count at the beginning of each new shoe.
Advanced Card Counting Strategies
More advanced card counting strategies, such as the Hi-Lo Count, the Omega II Count, and Wong Halves Count, can give the player an even greater advantage. These strategies involve assigning different point values to the cards and using more complex calculations to determine the count. However, they also require more practice and skill to use effectively.
Hi-Lo Count
The Hi-Lo Count is one of the most popular advanced card-counting strategies. It involves assigning a point value of +1 to cards 2 through 6, -1 10 through Ace, and 0 to cards 7 through 9. The count is then calculated by adding or subtracting the point values of the cards as they are dealt.
At the beginning of the game, the player using the Hi-Lo Count, sets the count to zero and modifies it by adding or subtracting the point values of the cards as they are dealt. If the count becomes positive, it suggests that more high cards are still in play, and the player should raise their bets. Conversely, if the count becomes negative, it suggests that more low cards are yet to be played, and the player should decrease their bets.
The Hi-Lo Count is more accurate and powerful than the basic card counting strategy and can give the player an edge of up to 2%.
Omega II Count
The Omega II Count is another advanced card-counting strategy that assigns different point values to the cards. In this strategy, cards 2 through 7 are given a point value of +1, cards 8 and 9 are given a point value of 0, and cards 10 through Ace are given a point value of -2 or -1.
To use the Omega II Count, the player starts with a count of zero and then adds or subtracts the point values of the cards as they are dealt. The player should increase their bets when the count is positive and decrease their bets when it is negative.
The Omega II Count is a more complex strategy than the Hi-Lo Count, but it can give the player an edge of up to 2.5%.
Wong Halves Count
Additionally, the Wong Halves Count is an advanced card-counting strategy that assigns fractions of a point to specific cards. This technique involves assigning a point value of +0.5 to cards 3, 4, 6, and 7, a point value of +1 to cards 2 and Ace, a point value of -0.5 to cards 5 and 9, and a point value of -1 to cards 10, J, Q, and K.
To use the Wong Halves Count, the player starts with a count of zero and then adds or subtracts the point values of the cards as they are dealt. The player should increase their bets when the count is positive and decrease their bets when it is negative.
The Wong Halves Count is the most complex card-counting strategy, but it can give the player an edge of up to 3%.
Tips for Effective Card Counting
While card counting can be a powerful strategy for blackjack players, it is important to use it effectively to avoid detection by casino personnel. Here are some tips for effective card counting:
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the more accurate and confident you will use card counting at the casino.
- Use a cover strategy: To avoid detection, it can be helpful to act like a casual player, talk to other players at the table, and make occasional mistakes in your betting.
- Avoid greedy behaviour: Don’t increase your bets too much or too quickly, and don’t stay at the same table for too long. It’s better to win small and often than to win big and attract attention.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Watch for casino personnel monitoring the game or watching you specifically. If you feel uncomfortable or suspect you are being watched, it may be time to move on to another table or casino.