Card Counting in Blackjack: How to Successfully Count Cards
Card counting in blackjack is an optimal strategy that allows players to maximize their winning probabilities by determining which cards remain in the deck.
In card counting, the cards drawn from the deck are assigned a numerical value that indicates whether there are more high or low cards remaining in the deck. This information, combined with basic strategy and a blackjack chart, is used to determine the best move in any given situation.
Read our guide on card counting and learn how to use various well-known counting methods. You’ll also get expert tips and practical examples to master the technique you choose.
What is Card Counting in Blackjack?
Blackjack card counting is a playing tactic that, together with basic blackjack strategy, forms an optimal strategy.
In card counting, the player must remember the cards already dealt on the table, which helps to predict the upcoming cards as accurately as possible. Then the player only needs to decide whether to stand, take a hit, double down, or split the hand.
This minimizes guesswork and luck in blackjack, making it easier to make in-game decisions. This, in turn, allows for raising the stakes higher than usual, potentially leading to significantly larger winnings.
Is Card Counting Illegal?
Card counting is not prohibited by law; it is one of many freely available playing strategies. Card counting is possible both at online casinos and brick-and-mortar casinos.
However, many online casinos do not favour card counting as it can reduce the house edge. To make counting more difficult, nearly every blackjack game uses 4-6 decks of cards instead of just one. Additionally, cards are shuffled at regular intervals, making card counting challenging even for professionals.
Card counting can even be outright banned in the casino’s rules, and if caught, the consequence can be the closure of your playing account and a ban from the casino.
Blackjack Rules in a Nutshell
In blackjack, the goal is to get as close as possible to the number 21 without exceeding it. You always play against the dealer, even if there are other participants at the table.
The player is dealt two cards face up. The dealer also takes two cards, one of which is face down.
You can either request additional cards (hit) or stay with your current hand (stand). The dealer takes additional cards until they have at least 17 points. The round ends with a comparison of hands and the winner of the game is determined.
Blackjack card values are calculated as follows:
- 2–9 correspond to their face value
- 10, K, Q, and J are worth 10 points each
- An ace is worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which is the better option.
How Does Card Counting Work?
In simple terms, card counting tells the player which cards are left in the deck. If many small cards have been dealt, high-value face cards are likely to come next.
Counting can be done in various ways, the most famous of which is the Hi-Lo system. Gamblizard has compiled different counting models from easiest to hardest. Compare the techniques and choose one that best suits your playing style and budget.
Hi-Lo System
In the Hi-Lo system, each card is assigned a value of +1, 0, or -1. After each card is dealt, the player either adds or subtracts 1 from the total sum or does nothing, depending on the card’s value.
Running Count
The running count is a value that increases or decreases based on the cards dealt. It is used to determine the overall value of the deck and decide how to bet in the game.
The count always starts at zero, so when the game begins, the running count is 0. The running count is updated after each card is played and continues until the deck is shuffled.
The higher the running count, the greater the player’s advantage. The lower the running count, the greater the house edge.
True Count
If the game uses a single deck, the running count and the true count are the same. When multiple decks are used, the running count is divided by the number of remaining decks. This is the true count, which indicates whether the advantage is with the player or the house at that moment.
For example, if the running count is 8 and there are 3 decks left, the true count is approximately 3 (8/3 ≈ 3). If the running count is -3 and there are 2.5 decks left, the true count is approximately -1 (-3/2.5 ≈ -1).
The true count is always rounded to the nearest whole number. The higher the true count, the more high cards are left in the deck compared to low cards, giving the player an advantage over the house. The lower the true count, the better it is for the house.
This is because the dealer must take a third card if the total of the first two cards is less than 17. If the true count is positive and the dealer has a hand totalling 16, the risk of busting with a third card is higher.
Adjusting Bets Based on the True Count
Once the cards are counted, they are related to the next round’s bet.
The higher the true count, meaning the player’s advantage, the more the player should bet. If the true count is 0 or less, only bet the minimum.
In addition to the true count, the player’s bankroll, risk tolerance, and the betting limits of the blackjack table also influence the betting strategy.
If the true count is positive, subtract one from the true count to determine how many betting units to wager.
Example: The true count is +5. Subtract 1, resulting in +4. If one betting unit is $5, the player should bet 4 x $5, which is $20.
KO (Knock-Out)
KO (Knock-Out) is a simplified card-counting system that does not require calculating the true count.
In the KO system, the cards have the following values:
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| 2–7 | +1 |
| 8, 9 | 0 |
| 10–A | -1 |
The running count is simply calculated by adding or subtracting the values of the cards after each dealt card.
The KO system is particularly useful for beginners because it is simple and easy to learn. Yet, it still offers an effective way to improve blackjack strategy and maximize winning opportunities.
Zen Count
The Zen Count is an advanced card-counting system designed to provide more accurate calculations than simpler systems.
In this system, both the running count and the true count are calculated. The true count is obtained by dividing the running count by the number of decks remaining.
The card values are calculated as follows:
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| 2, 3, 7 | +1 |
| 4, 5, 6 | +2 |
| 9 | -1 |
| 10, J, Q, K | -2 |
| A | 0 (tracked separately) |
Uston SS
In the Uston SS counting method, the running count is calculated as cards are played, and bets are made based on this count. The true count is not calculated at all.
Additionally, different values are assigned to the cards:
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| 5 | +3 |
| 2–4, 6 | +2 |
| 7 | +1 |
| 8 | 0 |
| 9 | -1 |
| 10–A | -2 |
Counting does not start from zero, either. The initial count is obtained by multiplying the number of remaining decks by -2.
Example: If there are 6 decks in the game, the initial count is -12 (6 x -2 = -12).
Once again, the higher the positive count, the better it is for the player.
Omega II
In Omega II, card counting starts from zero, and the true count is obtained by dividing the running count by the number of decks remaining.
The card values are:
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| 4–6 | +2 |
| 2, 3, 7 | +1 |
| 8, A | 0 |
| 9 | -1 |
| 10–K | -2 |
The only difference from the Hi-Lo system is that the player needs to keep track of the number of remaining aces. By counting aces, the player gets a better idea of how likely it is to get a blackjack.
Wong Halves
Wong Halves is one of the most difficult blackjack card counting methods. Counting starts from zero whenever the deck is shuffled, and the true count must be calculated from the running count.
In the Wong Halves system, the card values are:
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| 5 | +1.5 |
| 3, 4, 6 | +1 |
| 2, 7 | +0.5 |
| 8 | 0 |
| 9 | -0.5 |
| 10–A | -1 |
Example: In the first round, the dealt cards are 5 (+1.5), 3 (+1), Q (-1), and 7 (+0.5). The running count is thus 2. In the second round, the dealt cards are A (-1), 9 (-0.5), 6 (+1), and 4 (+1). The running count is now 2.5.
The true count is calculated by dividing the running count by the number of decks remaining (e.g., 4). Thus, the true count is 2.5 / 4 = 0.625
If the true count is positive, it favours the player because there are more high cards left in the deck.
Best Tips for Blackjack Card Counting
Card counting is an effective strategy in blackjack, but it requires practice and discipline. Here are some expert tips to help you improve your card counting skills and increase your chances of winning.
Learn Basic Strategy
Master the basic strategy before starting with card counting, as it reduces the house edge and improves decision-making.
Choose a Simple System
Start with a simple counting system, like the Hi-Lo, which is easy to learn and apply.
Practice Regularly
Practice at home with a deck of cards or play online for free to make counting automatic and accurate.
Keep Counting Simple
Count cards quickly and accurately, keeping track of each card to maintain the correct running count.
Remember the True Count
Convert the running count to the true count by considering the remaining decks. This makes the results more accurate.
Avoid Multi-Deck Games
Choose games with fewer decks, as they make counting easier.
Manage Your Bankroll
Use bankroll management strategies to manage risks and ensure you don’t risk too much money in the short term.
Card Counting is Not Mandatory
Blackjack card counting is not a mandatory part of playing. Winning is possible purely by luck, and results ultimately depend on chance.
However, it is worth keeping in mind the basic blackjack strategy and learning the situations where you should hit, double down, or stand after two cards. You don’t have to memorize these situations, as there are blackjack charts available to reference for proper actions.
Card Counting at Online Casinos
Card counting online is extremely difficult – sometimes even impossible. The deck can be shuffled after every round using technology, and the game often uses more than one deck.
However, at live casinos, the deck is not shuffled after every hand. Therefore, you can use the same system as in land-based casinos.
It’s also important to remember that a casino can always choose its customers. While card counting is not illegal in Canada, casinos do not favour the practice.
