How to Count Cards in Blackjack

A serious player will count cards in blackjack to calculate risk, and then use this knowledge to modify their betting. You don't count cards to determine how to play. It is only useful to count cards in blackjack when using a specific strategy. Most casinos consider counting cards cheating and will ban you if you're caught counting.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start the count at zero. Observe every card that is dealt.

2. Subtract one for every card valued at 10. This is the key value in blackjack; approximately one-third of a deck consists of cards with a value of 10.

3. Add one-half from the count for every card lower than 10. Whenever the count is positive there are more "10 value" cards in the deck than low valued cards.

4. Ignore aces. By eliminating the aces from the count, 10 value cards make up exactly one-third of the remaining cards.

5. Carry the count from round to round. Only restart when dealer reshuffles the shoe.

6. Increase the bets when a hand ends on a positive count.

7. Monitor how many cards are left in the shoe. The more cards left, the larger the count must be before you adjust your bet. For example, if there are approximately six decks left in a shoe, a count of one is a statistically minor advantage. However, one would be significant when a single deck remains in play. Experience will teach you the balance between the remaining cards and the count.

[lostwake]

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