Card Counting Basics for Beginners

The way card counting works is by reading the cards and predicting the outcome. Blackjack is one of the easiest games to use this strategy on, so here’s how it works. Card counting keeps track of a player’s hand and suggests a higher or lower bet based on the number. Still, it’s not enough to reveal these cards. Players should be able to work with this information in different situations and casinos, considering this complex knowledge to apply the right strategy. Here are some terms to become familiar with:

Running count: This is the total number that the dealer and each player's cards add up to across the board.

More than one deck: To win back an edge, casinos have started adding more decks in a game. This means counters need to think ahead.

True count: Because of more than one deck, the true count refers to the amount of high to low cards remaining in the game.

A simple way to keep up with these is by knowing the running count and placing your bet based on the remaining decks. With the true count revealed, you can decide what to bet on in the next round. We have created a simple walkthrough of card counting to help you embark on the road to pro. Read on to learn about it in more detail.

Any card between 2 and 6 adds +1 to a player's hand, the cards 7 through 9 equal +0, and cards 10 through Ace are -1. While it sounds simple, keeping up with the count in a casino setting with unpredictable distractions is complicated. That's why it's crucial to practice counting card values.

Once you become comfortable with keeping card values in your mind, make it clear to yourself what your goals are. You can shoot for the moon, but there's no fail-safe way to become a star card counter without being precautious.

To sum up, in basic card counting, the value for each card is counted as follows:

• Cards 2 to 6: +1
• Cards 7 to 9: +0
• Cards 10 to Ace: -1

The running count in a blackjack game starts with a 0. Then, as each new card is dealt, you must add its value to the count. For example, the dealer deals the cards after shuffling the deck and game begins with players getting two cards each, whereas, the dealer has one card revealed and the other face-down:

• Player 1’s cards (Ace and 3): -1 + 1 = 0
• Player 2’s cards (King and 5): 0 -1 + 1 = 0
• Player 3’s cards (7 and 2) = 0 + 0 + 1 = +1
• Dealer’s cards (8) = +1 + 0 = +1

The total running count after this game round is +1. However, it’s just as important to calculate the true count, which we’ll explain in the next step.

A skilful counter can keep up with the true count while making smart choices with their hand. True count refers to the calculation of the count if there’s more than just one deck of cards in the game. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider that during the game. Here’s how to calculate it:

True count = Running count / Decks remaining

For example:

• 2 decks are still in the game and the running count is +1: +1 / 2 = +0.5
• 5 decks are still in the game and the running count is +15: +15 / 5 = +3

Then, based on this calculation, you can adjust your betting strategy.

The simple way to keep up is by placing bets when you’ve decided if the rest of the deck is high or low. You should bet high when a more considerable amount of 10 through Aces have been played. When the cards dealt have left the true count high, a low stake is a safe way to keep your earnings in hand. We’ve outlined how to adjust your bets based on the true count of cards:

• Negative or zero true count: This indicates that the dealer has an advantage in the game. Therefore, you must stick to the minimum bet amount when the true count is negative or a zero.
• The true count is +2 or +3: You have a slight advantage with a +2 or +3 true count. In this case, you can increase your bet by a small amount.
• The true count is +4 or higher: This true count suggests a strong advantage. Therefore, you can make bets that are substantially higher.

Regardless of how smart and strategic card counting may be, many casinos won't tolerate players who do it. They may even kick you out if they see you're doing it. The tips and tricks on this page are an additional way to build a strong strategy and better understand the game rules. If you're unsure which platform to choose, check out our online casino reviews to find trusted sites prioritizing fair play and transparency. If you plan on card counting, ensure you play smart and responsibly, meeting the casino's rules.