How to Count Cards?

27 Aug 2024

Everyone has seen examples of card counting in movies, where a group of nerd scientists try to take over a casino to rob it by working together and using a card counting strategy to do so. What you may not know, however, is that card counting in blackjack is not actually illegal. In fact, it's not even against casino rules. It is a perfectly valid strategy that is widely used by players all over the world. In fact, it’s quite easy to learn how to do it, although it takes a fair amount of time and effort to master.

How does card counting work?

Essentially, card counting can be broken down into four basic steps. The first one is to assign a value to each card. This is followed by the second step, which is to keep track of the cards that are dealt and add their value to keep what is known as a “running count”.

The third step in this process is to actually use the information you have gathered to this point to calculate the count per deck. This is known as True Counting. Finally, the fourth and final step is to use all of this information to adjust your bets as the True Count continues to grow.

As mentioned, this will take a little practice, but if you are determined and focused enough, you can eventually become a master of card counting and eventually win large sums of money. And it’s really possible, as experts claim to have made millions of dollars by relying on this skill after years of practice.

It's also worth noting that many people believe that card counting depends on your ability to memorize the meaning of cards, decks, etc., so they find it intimidating. However, this is a false assumption and this is good news as you don't need to train your memory to do it. The art of card counting has nothing to do with trying to remember how many specific cards have been dealt.

When it comes to blackjack, the player benefits if there are more tens, jacks, queens, kings and aces left in the deck, and that's pretty much the only thing you need to remember. In other words, card counting is about keeping track of the ratio between the lowest and highest cards, not about remembering how many specific cards were dealt from the shoe.

If this all seems too vague and unclear, don't worry guys — we're going to break down each of the previously mentioned four steps and show you exactly what you need to do to use card counting technique to your advantage.

Count cards in Blackjack: a step-by-step guide

Now let's review four most important steps:

Step 1: Assign Values to the Cards

Begin by assigning values to the cards: +1 for cards 2-6, 0 for 7-9, and -1 for 10-Ace. As every card is dealt, update your count by adding or subtracting according to these values. This foundational step sets up your strategy for the game.

Step 2: Maintain a Running Count

With the values assigned, track the running count by adjusting it with each card dealt. A positive running count indicates a higher concentration of high-value cards remaining in the deck, which gives you an advantage. Conversely, a negative count signals that the casino has the upper hand.

Step 3: Calculate the True Count

When playing with multiple decks, the running count alone isn't enough. To refine your strategy, calculate the "True Count" by dividing the running count by the number of decks still in play. This adjustment accounts for the number of decks and provides a more accurate picture of your odds.

Step 4: Adjust Your Bets Based on the True Count

The final step involves using the True Count to inform your betting decisions. When the True Count is high, indicating favorable odds, increase your bets to maximize potential winnings. If the True Count is low or neutral, bet conservatively. Effective bankroll management is crucial to ensure long-term success.

Why do I need to count cards during a game?

Counting is possible because Blackjack game use a single deck or set of decks, called a shoes, for multiple hands. Cards from previous hands are not returned to the deck and the deck is not shuffled. 

Therefore, players who memorize how many high and low cards are gone have an advantage. They have a better idea of what is likely to come out now. If there are more “pictures” left in the deck, players win more often, so they can start playing more expensively and otherwise lower their bets. So, how do you count in blackjack?

Card counting methods

In casino there are several methodologies. The simplest one is called “Plus and Minus”. It uses the numerical values assigned to each and the cards that come out.

The sum of the values in one complete deck is zero. The higher the number according to the results of the calculation, the higher the chance of winning. It is represented as a percentage in the table below.

Knowing your current chance of winning, a person makes more informed decisions and loses money less often. There is also another method of counting called “Halves”.

Due to the fact that the deck of cards is divided into more groups, it is more difficult to use “Halves”, but the result is more accurate.

Start counting with the simpler “Plus and Minus” and later, if you want to advance, try using “Halves”.

Is it realistic to win at blackjack from casinos?

Casino security services try to identify players doing the counting, so you shouldn't count on regular profits. The best blackjack players reduce the casino's advantage to 0.5%. And that still means losing the guest in the distance. 

If you want to learn how to make money with the game, pay attention to more traditional types of poker, such as Texas Holdem or Omaha. Here pro poker players have an advantage of up to 30%, because they play not against the organizer, but against other people.