So, you’ve learned the basic blackjack strategy? Following basic strategy reduces the house edge to about 0.5%, which is still not enough to consistently win at the table. Here is where card counting comes in. Card counting can turn a game with a negative expected value into a positive one. This guide will take you through all the steps to become a card-counting pro and turn the odds in your favour.

What is Card Counting?

If you’ve been playing blackjack for a while or seen a movie where people played blackjack, you’ve undoubtedly heard about card counting.

Card counting is a blackjack strategy to gain an advantage over the casino by keeping track of the cards being dealt. Because high cards benefit you, while low cards help the dealer, you can estimate whether the remaining deck is favourable to you by assigning a numerical value to the cards dealt. by assigning a numerical value to the cards dealt. This way, you know when to press your advantage with bigger bets. Contrary to what you see in movies, you don't need to be some kind of math genius to count cards. With enough practice and dedication, anyone can do it. Here's how:

Step 1: Assigning Card Values

First things first, you need to assign values to each card that’s being dealt at a table. The high-low system is going to be your foundation:

Low cards (2-6): +1
Neutral cards (7-9): 0
High cards (10-Ace): -1

Graph explaining the card values for the hi-lo counting system

Step 2: Keeping the Running Count

As cards are dealt, you'll adjust your running count by adding or subtracting 1 based on their values. This running count is key as it shows the mix of high and low cards left in the deck. If your running count is positive (+), it means there are more high-value cards still in play, which increases your chances of hitting blackjacks or seeing the dealer bust.

Graph explaining the running count

Step 3: Calculating the True Count

Back in the days of single-deck blackjack, just knowing the running count was enough to get a quick edge over the casino. But with six-deck and eight-deck tables now common, players also need to figure out the count-per-deck, or "true count". To calculate the true count, divide your running count by the number of decks remaining. For example, if your running count is +10 and there are five decks left, divide 10 by 5 to get a true count of +2. The higher the true count, the better your chances against the casino.

Graph showing true count equals running count divided by decks remaining

Step 4: Adjusting Bets Based on the Count

One of the main reasons for keeping a true count—and for card counting in general—is to adjust your betting strategy. A higher true count means there are more high-value cards left in the deck, which is great for you. In these situations, you should ramp up your bets to take advantage of the improved odds of winning. Generally, the higher the count, the more you should be betting.

A good rule of thumb is to increase your bet by one unit (1% of your bankroll) for each +1 increase to the true count. So with a £1000 bankroll, you would increase your bet by £10.

Step 5: Beyond the basics

Once you've mastered the basics of card counting, it's time to delve deeper into advanced strategies and techniques that can help you maintain your edge and manage risks effectively.

Positive EV (Expected Value): In blackjack, a positive EV game means that your bets are expected to yield more returns than losses. This happens when the true count of a game is positive and you increase your bets accordingly.
Risk of Ruin (ROR) refers to the probability of losing your entire bankroll due to a losing streak. Even with a card counting edge, there is always a small risk of losing everything (similar to a stock investment). To mitigate the ROR, you will want to play only positive EV games as much as possible, consistently increasing bets when you have an advantage and walking away when you don't. Also make sure that the blackjack game you are playing has the best rules possible, including:

3:2 payout for a natural blackjack rather than 6:5.
Dealer Stands on Soft 17
Double Down on any two cards and after splitting pairs.
Resplit Aces
Early or late surrender options
Fewer decks

Table Hopping involves moving between tables to avoid playing in negative EV situations. When the true count turns negative, professional players switch tables to find more favorable conditions. This strategy helps you avoid situations where the deck is unfavorable and reduces the risk of significant losses.
Covers are techniques card counters use to disguise their counting activities and avoid detection by casino staff. Effective covers can include:

Betting Variations: Making random small bets or mixing up your betting patterns to appear less predictable.
Acting Skills: Pretending to be a novice or an overly enthusiastic player to divert attention from your strategic play.
Conversation: Engaging in casual conversation with dealers and other players to appear more sociable and less focused on counting.
Taking Breaks: Stepping away from the table periodically to avoid being seen as overly consistent in your play.

Is Card Counting Legal?

Yes, card counting is entirely legal in the UK and most other places around the world. It's simply a strategy to keep track of the cards that have been dealt, and doesn’t alter the game or rules in any way. That being said, casinos have the right to refuse service to anyone they want. This often means casinos can ask suspected card counters to leave or even ban them from playing blackjack at their establishment.

Casinos don’t appreciate players taking money from them, which is why they employ various tactics to counteract card counting. One common method is the use of Continuous Shuffling Machines (CMS), which constantly shuffle the cards, making it nearly impossible to maintain an accurate count. In online live dealer blackjack, dealers might cut the deck in the middle and reshuffle frequently to thwart card counters.

While card counting won’t get you in legal trouble, it can draw unwanted attention from casino staff. If you’re planning to count cards, stay under the radar. Use covers such as the ones we discussed to avoid detection and keep the game fun and profitable.

Is Card Counting for You?

Before embarking on this strategy, consider whether you have the temperament and dedication to master card counting effectively. It’s a skill that demands practice, patience, and the ability to stay under the radar. If you don't want it badly enough, you won't have the drive to perfect your play.

The History of Card Counting

The practice of card counting dates back to the 1950s, when mathematicians and blackjack enthusiasts first began applying statistical principles to gain an edge in the game. Over the decades, card counting has evolved from a theoretical concept to a refined strategy skilled players use to enhance their chances of winning at blackjack.

Meet a Card Counting Pro

Are you curious about the real-world implications of card counting? Gain insights from experienced card counters who have successfully turned this skill into a profitable endeavour. Discover their strategies, challenges, and tips for aspiring players looking to excel in blackjack.

Should You Become a Card Counter?

While card counting is legal in many jurisdictions, casinos have stringent measures to detect and discourage skilled players. Successful card counters may face sanctions ranging from warnings to outright bans from casinos. Before committing to card counting, weigh the potential risks against the rewards and consider whether this strategy aligns with your goals as a blackjack player.

Ready to take your blackjack game to the next level? Dive into the intricacies of card counting and hone your skills with practice and perseverance. For more in-depth strategies and insights on mastering casino games, explore our comprehensive articles at BillionaireGambler.UK.

Mastering the Art of Card Counting: From Beginner Player to Blackjack Boss