Card counting in blackjack is a controversial topic. There are a lot of myths and negative connotations associated with this practice. Moreover, this is an easy skill to pick up, but much harder to master it. However, for beginner gamblers, it might not be as easy to follow this trend.
If you want to equip yourself with the basic skills of counting online cards in blackjack then you have come to the right place. Continue reading this guide so you are fully ready and play blackjack to the best of your ability.
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How Card Counting Techniques Work
As we have already mentioned, it is easy to learn the skill of counting cards. Therefore, it is important to note that counting cards has nothing to do with memorizing the number of times the 3’s or queens are dealt out of the shoe.
This phenomenon is based on mathematical realities. Essentially, the job of a card counter is to ensure that they place bigger bets when there are much higher bets, to keep careful track of the concentration of the shoe as well as place smaller bets when there are much lower cards.
When looking at counting cards, we look at four different steps that players can follow to successfully master this skill. Below we look at the four simple steps:
- 1: Every card needs to be assigned to a value.
- 2: Based on the values of the card that is dealt to you, keep a “Running Count”.
- 3: Calculate the “true count” or count per deck using the above information.
- 4: As the true count rises, you should change your bets.
Basic Blackjack Card Counting Strategy
An important factor that we always have to remember is that if you want to master the blackjack card counting strategy, therefore, you need to be familiar with the basic strategy.
Majority of the options the players are more likely to favour the player especially when the deck is ace rich or ten. Below we look at some of the most well-known and most accessible blackjack card counting systems:
Hi-Lo strategy
This is the most common card counting system. The card values are as follows:
- Low cards are assigned the value of +1 and they range from 10 – Ace,
- Assigned the value of -1 are high cards,
- The rest of the remaining cards are assigned a value of 0. These cards range from 2 to 6.
When each card is dealt, you can either add 1 or subtract 1.
Wong Halves Strategy
This system is named after Stanford Wong. This is regarded as one of the most advanced strategies. When the entire deck has been dealt, your count should be at 0. The card values are as follows:
- Cards 6, 4 and 3 are assigned the value of 1
- Cards 7 and 2 are assigned the value of 0.5
- The value is assigned of 1.5 is card 5
- Assigned the value of 0 is card 8
- Assigned the value of -0.5 is card 9
- Cards King and 10 use the value of -1
Omega II Strategy
This is the perfect system for a more balanced technique. This system uses the value 0 as the base. If there were more low cards, then it means there is a positive count. If the deck consisted of more high cards then it means the deck is negative.
- Assigned the value of 1 are cards 7, 3 and 3
- Cards 6, 5 and are assigned the value of 2
- The value of 0 is assigned to cards Aces and 8
- Assigned the value of – 1 is card 9
- Cards Kind to 10 are assigned the value of -2
Tips for Counting Cards
Below we have some quick tips you can use if you want to start counting cards:
Pay Attention to your bankroll: It is very important that you keep in mind the amount of money you spend as you play blackjack. Moreover, it is equally important to pay attention to the cards drawn.
Use a strategy: The internet has numerous strategies that players can use to maximize their chances of winning. We also have a couple of strategies outlined in this guide that you can use even to test your skill as well.
Be discreet: Land-based casinos frown upon counting cards although it is not illegal. If staff finds you in the act you will be forced to leave the property.
Card Counting FAQs
Yes, it is possible to count cards in online blackjack.
No, this system does not guarantee any winning. Moreover, It is all about probability and in most instances, it depends on how well you apply the strategy.
No, although if you are counting cards at a casino, you will be asked to exit the facility and some casinos go as far and never allow you back into the casino.
This is not a yes and no answer. We cannot say that dealers are not completely a part of in card counting. In most cases, dealers have a huge influence the player’s behaviour and therefore, we cannot say if they do or do not.
Yes, you can count cards in baccarat. However, this strategy is much easier to follow when using it in blackjack.
No, learning the skill is pretty easy and straightforward. However, it might be a bit challenging to master the skill.