Card Counting in Blackjack

Counting cards is a well-known tactic employed by card players to increase their chances of winning at blackjack. While it may be relatively easy to learn, it can be challenging to master. Our guide will look at everything there is to know about card counting blackjack strategies, techniques, card values, and the main aspects of card counting.

Practice Card Counting Here

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What is Card Counting?

Card counting is the strategy to track how many high and low cards remain in the dealer’s deck. When you accurately count cards, you may raise your stake since you know the odds are stacked in your favour, increasing your chances of winning large. On the other hand, card counting is not for learning how to win or cheat at blackjack regularly. It’s merely a skillset added to your usual gaming to help you understand what’s in the deck.

How Does Card Counting in Blackjack Work?

To correctly card count, you must keep a running count based on the face value of all cards shown. Let’s take a deeper look at the card counting blackjack steps:

  1. Based on the plus-minus count, each card should be assigned a value. Cards 2 to 6 have a +1 value, cards 7 to 9 have a 0, and cards 10 to Ace have a -1 value.
  2. Using the above values, keep a running count for each card the dealer selects from the deck.
  3. You’ll be able to track the running value of the cards left in the deck when you keep an exact count of the cards dealt.
  4. If the count is negative after each round, raise your stake quantity. You do this because the deck will contain more low-value cards. Lower your bet instead if the count is positive.

This blackjack method requires patience, a lot of practice, and attention to detail, but anyone can master it. Card counting is one of the most effective blackjack methods, but it is worth your time and effort.

Basic Card Counting Blackjack Strategy

card counting blackjackThe Hi-Lo approach is the most often employed method for card counting online blackjack players. The reason for this is because it is the most basic card counting strategy. The technique is simple and excellent for beginning card counting players. The values of the cards are as follows:

  • Cards 2 through 6 have a value of +1
  • Cards 7, 8 and 9 have a value of 0
  • Cards Ace, King, Queen and Jack have a value of -1

The more high-value cards remain in the deck, the greater the positive number in the player’s count, and vice versa. After the cards are dealt, keep a running count of 0, then divide the amount by the number of decks in the shoe. We recommend starting with one deck before progressing to more complicated systems.

Advanced Card Counting Online Blackjack Strategies

When you’ve mastered the skill of basic Hi-Lo card counting and want to advance to more advanced methods, you have various possibilities.

Omega II Strategy

Bruce Carlson created the Omega II system, an intermediate-level card counting system. It is also a multi-level system in which certain cards are worth two points and others are worth one point. As a result, the card values are as follows:

  • The value given to the 4, 5 and 6 cards is +2
  • The value assigned to the 2, 3 and 7 cards is +1
  • The value of the Ace and eight cards is 0
  • The value for the nine cards is -1
  • The value for the King, Queen and Jack is -2

Omega II is a balanced card counting blackjack method, which means that if you keep track correctly, you will arrive at 0.

Hi-Opt I and II Strategies

The Hi-Opt strategies come in two varieties: Hi-Opt I and Hi-Opt II. Let’s look at these card counting blackjack strategies and how they work.

Hi-Opt I

Like the Hi-Lo system, it is a balanced game, and you must keep a running count to make intelligent betting selections. The Hi-Opt I strategy assigns the values of the cards are as follows:

  • The value given to the 3, 4, 5 and 6 cards is +1
  • The value given to the Ace, 2, 7, 8 and 9 cards is 0
  • The value assigned to the King, Queen, Jack and ten cards is -1

Hi-Opt II

The Hi-Opt II is likewise a balanced system that gives different values to each card. The numbers 2, 3, 6, or 7 have a value of +1. When you see cards 4 and 5, you must add 2 to your overall score. While utilising ten and the face cards, you must deduct two from the running count. The value of an ace, 8, or 9 is 0.

Red 7 Strategy

Because it is a one-level method, the Red 7 card counting strategy in blackjack is straightforward for novices. The Red 7 strategy is built on the concept of high against low cards. Ace, King, Queen and Jack cards values are – 1, the lower cards values are+1, and the 8 and 9 cards are 0. Card number 7 is a low card, but in this strategy, the colour of the 7 is significant. If the seven is red, it is valued at +1, but if it is black, it is 0. The greater the ultimate score, the better it is for you.

Zen Count Strategy

The Zen Count method reduces the count to zero when all cards have been handed out. Zen Count is a simple strategy, and the cards are valued as follows:

  • The 2, 3 and 7 cards value are +1
  • The 4, 5 and 6 cards value are +2
  • The 8 and 6 cards value are 0
  • The 10, Jack, Queen and King cards values are -2
  • The Ace cards value is -1

You should invest the smallest amount possible when your true count is 0 or fewer. Each time the count rises, you should increase your bets by one unit.

Wong Halves Strategy

Stanford Wong created the most complex three-level card counting online blackjack method, the Wong Halves System. Like the Omega II, it is a well-balanced system. Once you’ve dealt with all the cards in the deck, the ultimate result of your computations should be zero. Following the distribution of each deck, you should calculate your real counts. In the Wong system, these are the values given to the cards:

  • The value of the 2 and 7 cards is ½
  • The value of the 3, 4 and 6 cards is 1
  • The value of the five cards is 1 ½
  • The value of the nine cards is 0
  • The value of the eight cards is -½
  • The value of the Ace, Queen, King, Jack and ten cards is -1

If you want to avoid using fractions, you can always double the values of the ½ value cards. To calculate the chances of winning, the ‘running count’ must be transformed to an exact count once again. After each dealt deck, determine the final count. Doing this is more straightforward than determining the latest count using multiple dealt decks of cards.

Knock Out Strategy

The Knock-Out card counting blackjack strategy, often known as the KO system, is excellent for both beginners and intermediate players. The system is unbalanced because the total count will not equal zero once all cards are dealt. Similar to the Hi-Lo strategy, the 10, Ace, Queen, Jack and King cards have a value of -1. Cards numbered 2 through 7 have a +1, and numbers 8 and 9 have a value of 0.

Team Strategy

Some card counters collaborate. This approach is based mainly on the Hi-Lo system, and all cards have the same values. The crew communicates with one another using signals in land-based casinos to avoid discovery, but over the internet, they use video chats to communicate. They can inform hovering players when to join a hand and whether or not to wager large.

Multiple Decks

Using numerous decks is one method casinos try to combat card counting. In principle, this makes it more difficult for you to keep track of the running total. You can still apply the Hi-Lo strategy when playing blackjack against a dealer that uses several decks. Divide the running total by the number of decks remaining and get the ‘true count.’

When dealing with numerous decks, your ‘true count’ figure decides your advantage. You must keep an accurate running total to ascertain the real count amount. For example, if your running total is five and you have two decks left, your true count is 2.5.

Which is the best Card Counting Online Blackjack Strategy?

Before attempting card counting with online blackjack, you must be sure you have mastered the blackjack game overall. Once you understand blackjack’s general rules, the Hi-Lo card counting strategy is the easiest for newbies to learn. Before trying more advanced card counting techniques, you can test your skills with this strategy.

Blackjack Card Counting Software

Blackjack card counting is a technique that may be simple to teach, but it is a challenging ability to obtain and perfect. Card counting needs players to remember and have a mathematical mindset and to process numbers quickly in their heads. However, blackjack card counting trainers are available for players to master card counting. Card counting is available on Android and iPhone devices through their app stores; head to their search section and type in ‘blackjack card counting trainer’ or ‘blackjack card counting software.

Counting Cards Conclusion

Counting cards is one of the finest strategies for improving your chances of winning real money, especially when playing blackjack with high stakes. Take a few minutes to review the systems to select one that appears to be a good fit for you. Any strategy that you master will provide you with an advantage.

If you’re having trouble getting started, start by learning about the Hi-Lo and Red 7. Both are popular systems, and as you study more about each, you’ll discover the benefits and drawbacks of balanced and imbalanced systems.

Card Counting Blackjack: FAQs

Is card counting illegal?

No, it is not illegal. Unless you are utilising a piece of mechanical or electrical equipment in a land-based casino, it is not prohibited to count cards. Card counting is a talent and a playing strategy.

How long does it take to master blackjack card counting?

To estimate how long it will take, consider how quick and efficient you are at mathematics.

Is it hard to learn how to card count?

The technique itself is not complicated. It does, however, require practice. You have a greater chance of learning if you understand fundamental blackjack rules and choose a strong card counting strategy.

What is the best blackjack card counting software?

Before looking for an app which suits you, we would advise first practising and learning yourself. If you want to use an application to help you further, you can try Blackjack & Card Counting Trainer Pro, available on most app stores.

Can I try card counting for free?

Yes, most online casinos have a demo option for their blackjack games, so you can try these methods before playing blackjack with real money!

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Written by: Petricia Everly newcasinouk.com

Petricia Everly is an online writer who writes about the world of online gambling exclusively for NewCasinoUK.com. She is particularly interested in online slots, exploring the themes of identity, justice, and the power of luck in her work. Her writing style is unique, combining elements of realism, fantasy, and humour.

22/02/2023