Card Counting

Card counting is a blackjack strategy used by players to gain an advantage over the casino by keeping track of the relative proportions of high and low cards remaining in the deck. While not illegal, card counting is often frowned upon by casinos, and players suspected of counting cards may be asked to leave the premises. Here’s how card counting works:

1. Basic Principle:
   • In blackjack, certain cards have a higher value than others. High cards (10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace) are favorable for the player because they increase the likelihood of getting a blackjack (a two-card hand totaling 21) and improve the chances of the dealer busting.
   • Conversely, low cards (2 through 6) are advantageous for the dealer because they decrease the likelihood of the dealer busting and increase the chances of the player busting when hitting.
2. High-Low Card Counting System:
   • The most common card counting system used by players is the High-Low system, which assigns point values to cards:
     • High cards (10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace) are assigned a value of -1.
     • Low cards (2 through 6) are assigned a value of +1.
     • Neutral cards (7, 8, 9) are assigned a value of 0.
   • As cards are dealt from the deck, the player keeps a running count by adding and subtracting the assigned values of the cards.
3. True Count:
   • To account for the number of decks remaining in the shoe, players convert the running count into a true count by dividing the running count by the estimated number of decks remaining.
   • The true count gives a more accurate representation of the proportion of high and low cards remaining in the deck and is used to adjust betting and playing decisions accordingly.
4. Betting and Playing Strategy:
   • In general, card counters increase their bets when the true count is high (indicating a favorable deck for the player) and decrease their bets when the true count is low (indicating an unfavorable deck).
   • Card counters may also alter their playing strategy based on the true count, such as deviating from basic strategy and taking insurance bets when the count is high.
5. Practice and Skill:
   • Successful card counting requires practice, concentration, and mental arithmetic skills. Players must be able to maintain an accurate count while playing at a fast pace and under the scrutiny of casino personnel.
   • Card counters often practice their skills using drills, simulations, and live casino play to hone their abilities and minimize the risk of detection.
6. Legality and Casino Countermeasures:
   • While card counting itself is not illegal, casinos have the right to refuse service to players suspected of counting cards or using other advantage play techniques.
   • To deter card counting, casinos may employ countermeasures such as reshuffling the deck more frequently, using multiple decks, limiting bet spread, banning suspected card counters, and employing surveillance and security personnel to monitor player behavior.

Card counting can give skilled players a statistical edge over the casino in blackjack, but it requires discipline, practice, and an understanding of the risks involved. Players should be aware that casinos actively monitor for card counting and may take action to prevent advantage play.