How to Count Cards in Blackjack

20.07.2020, 16:15

Blackjack is one of the most popular gambling games because of its minimum casino advantage and higher chances to win for the players. It is also rather simple to play. You have to count the point values of cards in your hand and the hand of the dealer while keeping track of what comes out of the deck. Throughout the years, gamblers have invented systems that make it easy to keep track of cards during the blackjack gameplay, without having to remember each of them. If you want to learn how to do it, check out our detailed guide!

What Is Card Counting in Blackjack?

You might be wondering why you need blackjack card counting. Can’t you just rely on luck? Not if you would like to have an advantage. Counting cards will give you an idea of what cards can come into your hands. And this, consequently, will allow you to make predictions on what combinations you can collect and how many points you can get.

Counting every blackjack card is possible only for players with an exceptional photographic memory. Remembering every card that came out of up to eight decks is beyond the power of an ordinary person. However, you can keep score of blackjack cards by using a few simple techniques.

Card Counting Trainer

If you are a complete beginner in gambling and just starting to learn to count cards, a training software is an excellent option for you. This is a tool that will familiarize you with the process of keeping track of cards in blackjack and, as a bonus, will help you realize that you don’t have to memorize every single card in the game.

An online gambling setting may be more relaxed for some people than a land-based casino. However, even in a virtual casino, you have to be sure when placing your bets. You can start practising with the card counting software in one-deck mode and increase the complexity as you gain confidence. This way, you will acquire blackjack card counting experience in no time.

Ways to Count Cards in Blackjack

Let’s briefly go through the rules of the game. You need to beat the dealer, collecting more points than them, but less than 21.

According to the rules, cards have the following point values in blackjack:

2-10: value according to number
K, Q, J: equals 10
A: counts as 1 or 11

While the round is going on, it is crucial to know when to stop or, conversely, continue to take cards. This way, counting cards gives the player an advantage by informing them about the cards that are left in the deck. Here is the most popular way of counting cards in blackjack.

High-Low Count

The high-low or the basic count for blackjack appeared in 1962. It has become fundamental for all other systems, having received some improvements.

To start counting cards using the plus-minus system, you need to assign them values:

Low: 2 to 6: +1
Neutral: 7 to 9: 0
High: 10 to A: -1

Then, you need to count all the cards that come out of the deck. If we combine the values of all 52 cards from the deck, the result will equal to 0. By counting the cards that you receive, you can make an estimate and predict what type of card will be next.

Here is how you can interpret the results of counting:

Positive score: low cards came out, so the probability of a high card coming out increased
Negative score: increased likelihood of low card output

Having certain cards on hand and a positive or negative score in your head makes it easier to decide what to do next to win.

More Blackjack Counting Methods

Blackjack is among the most played casino games globally. So, it’s no wonder that there is more than one gambling strategy for it.

There are dozens of counting systems, but the simpler they are, the less accurate the result. And more complex systems that have high accuracy are quite challenging to learn. Experienced gamblers recommend starting the learning process of how to count cards in blackjack from the high-low count. However, as you progress, you may find it exciting to discover other methods, such as:

Hi-Opt 1, 2
Omega
Red 7
Zen

Whether you are planning to play blackjack online or at a land-based casino, knowing the basic counting strategies will give you an advantage and increase your chances of winning.

Quick and accurate blackjack card counting is not as simple as it might seem. The game is dynamic and full of adrenaline, especially when playing for real money. You need to read the cards on your hands and at the dealer. At the same time, you need to track how many cards are out of the deck and manage to keep counting.

Even to play according to the simplest high-low system, you will need training. The first steps may be confusing, but remember that it is fine to make mistakes. With practice, you will notice that the process is becoming easy and smooth.

Once you are confident with your newfound blackjack skills, come try them out at Bob Casino. We have a wide variety of blackjack games, including ones with live dealers. Come sign up for an account and begin your blackjack journey today!