So what is counting cards in blackjack? And how can I use it? Well, essentially, counting cards in blackjack lets the player know when the game shifts into his favor. And at that point he can increase his bet.
An introduction: Counting Cards in Blackjack
But now it's the same story, but in reverse when the dealer appears to have the upper hand. You simply bet less or just stop betting. Thus, with strategic use of this counting cards in Blackjack technique you'll gain a positive advantage over the casino. You can even count cards with online casinos like Free Spin Casino.
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Let's Break it Down
Simple math tells us that the lower the card value, the greater benefit it'll prove for the dealer/house. Conversely, high value or picture cards are to you benefit. The cards in between, namely those seven eights and nines are of little use to anyone. The dealer shuffles the pack. At this point there are an equal number of low and high cards. But once the dealer starts to deal, then the ratio of the un-dealt cards will change. If, for example, there are more low than high cards being played in the early rounds, then you know that the un-dealt cards must contain a greater ratio of high to low cards. Therefore you should bet more as you'll have a greater chance of receiving a high card. You can also try your hand at these other online casinos in the US. This is the basic strategy of most professional blackjack card counters.
Here's the Deep Dive
Keep in mind the house rules for dealers. Remember that he must hit his hands between 12 -16. To that end, if he's holding a higher concentration of low cards, then that'll be to his advantage. Put simply, excess low cards for the dealer will increase their chances of getting a pat 17 to 21 hand while at the same time decreasing their chances of going bust. Still following? To understand this ebb and flow of rich or low cards, you'll need to assign a 'tag' to each cards.
Assigning Tags
- Assign a tag of (+1) to every 2- 6 cards and a tag of (–1) to every 10-A.
- Begin your count after the shuffle and add the tags to each card as it is pulled from the deck.
- If the count is positive after any round, with the un-dealt cards being richer in large cards; you need to increase your bet size.
- If the count is negative after any round, with the un-dealt cards being richer in small cards; you need to decrease your bet size.
- Remember to bet more on positive counts, and less on negative counts.
| Card | Tag |
|---|---|
2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | +1 |
7, 8, 9 | 0 |
10, J, Q, K, A | -1 |
Here's the Deep Dive
Keep in mind the house rules for dealers. Remember that he must hit his hands between 12 -16. To that end, if he's holding a higher concentration of low cards, then that'll be to his advantage. Put simply, excess low cards for the dealer will increase their chances of getting a pat 17 to 21 hand while at the same time decreasing their chances of going bust. Still following? To understand this ebb and flow of rich or low cards, you'll need to assign a 'tag' to each cards.
Assigning Tags
- Assign a tag of (+1) to every 2- 6 cards and a tag of (–1) to every 10-A.
- Begin your count after the shuffle and add the tags to each card as it is pulled from the deck.
- If the count is positive after any round, with the un-dealt cards being richer in large cards; you need to increase your bet size.
- If the count is negative after any round, with the un-dealt cards being richer in small cards; you need to decrease your bet size.
- Remember to bet more on positive counts, and less on negative counts.
| Card | Tag |
|---|---|
2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | +1 |
7, 8, 9 | 0 |
10, J, Q, K, A | -1 |
Counting Cards in Blackjack: An Example
The count is zero after each shuffle. So you need to watch and assign a tag value as each card is played. So…lets play a hand. The first player had: 3, 6, 10 = 19. At this point he stands. Lets count: we will add 1 for the 3 card. Then another 1 for the 6 card. For the 10 card we will subtract 1. So it'll look like: +1+(+1)+(-1)=+1. So continue adding tags to each card, including the dealer's hand till the end of the round. Now if the running count is positive then you have the edge and should bet more. Try it online with Free Spin Casino.
What Did We Learn?
Well, simple put, the basic rule is that the higher the positive count, the more you should bet. Keep in mind that counting cards in Blackjack is not illegal. Of course it's not something James Bond would do, though he prefers poker. Though the croupier might not be happy. But also remember that the house has the right to deny service to anyone. So don't pull out a notepad and start jotting down the cards! There are plenty of other methods which are equally frowned upon. You can check out other online casinos in the US.
How To Beat The House At Blackjack How To Play
