How Much of an Edge Does Card Counting Really Give You?

Many people imagine card counting as a surefire way to beat the casino, but the reality is far more nuanced. In a standard blackjack game, playing perfect basic strategy reduces the house edge to around -0.5%, meaning that over time, you’ll lose about 50p for every £100 wagered. Counting cards, however, can shift the advantage into positive territory, typically providing a 1-2% edge, depending on the rules of the game and how aggressively a player adjusts their bets. While this does tip the odds in the player’s favour, the edge is still relatively small—far from the dramatic wins Hollywood often portrays.

This modest edge means that card counting is a long-term strategy rather than a quick path to riches. Unlike fixed-odds games like roulette, where no strategy can overcome the house edge, blackjack offers the unique opportunity to turn the tables with skill and discipline. However, casinos are well aware of this and take active measures to limit card counters, such as shuffling more frequently or banning players they suspect of counting. While there are more advanced techniques that can push the edge further, they require greater skill and aren’t always practical in modern casino environments.