M
Mike_25
Guest
Okay, so you want to start keeping a running count in blackjack to get an edge at the table. Here's how you count cards like a pro:
• Assign a value of +1 to low value cards (2-6), 0 to mid value cards (7-9) and -1 to high value cards (10-A). This establishes the counts for each card.
• As each card hits the table, add its count value to your total count. So a 7 is 0, 3 is +1, ace is -1. Keep a running count in your head as hands play out.
• Start each new hand with a count of 0. So the first few cards are 7 (+0), 3 (+1), ace (-1). Your count would be 0 + 1 - 1 = 0.
• A higher positive count means more tens and aces left in the deck, advantages the player. A lower or negative count means fewer remain, favoring the house. Know the deck's composition estimate based on the count to determine optimal strategy.
• Some systems use different count values or splits like hi-lo instead of +1/0/-1. But fundamentally, counting works by assigning each card a value and keeping a running total as the deck does down. Getting more positive counts means benefitting from a deck stacked with valuable cards.
• After ~50-70% of the deck is left, the counts reset. At this point, the info from early cards loses value and the remaining deck normalizes. It's best to start over with a new count total so your estimates remain as useful and precise as possible.
• Practice makes a card counter. The only way to get great at counts is by doing it, a lot. Start at a real or virtual table, work on keeping fast, accurate counts during actual hands and games. Compare your counts to experienced players when possible. With ample practice, counting cards automatically will become second nature.
• Assign a value of +1 to low value cards (2-6), 0 to mid value cards (7-9) and -1 to high value cards (10-A). This establishes the counts for each card.
• As each card hits the table, add its count value to your total count. So a 7 is 0, 3 is +1, ace is -1. Keep a running count in your head as hands play out.
• Start each new hand with a count of 0. So the first few cards are 7 (+0), 3 (+1), ace (-1). Your count would be 0 + 1 - 1 = 0.
• A higher positive count means more tens and aces left in the deck, advantages the player. A lower or negative count means fewer remain, favoring the house. Know the deck's composition estimate based on the count to determine optimal strategy.
• Some systems use different count values or splits like hi-lo instead of +1/0/-1. But fundamentally, counting works by assigning each card a value and keeping a running total as the deck does down. Getting more positive counts means benefitting from a deck stacked with valuable cards.
• After ~50-70% of the deck is left, the counts reset. At this point, the info from early cards loses value and the remaining deck normalizes. It's best to start over with a new count total so your estimates remain as useful and precise as possible.
• Practice makes a card counter. The only way to get great at counts is by doing it, a lot. Start at a real or virtual table, work on keeping fast, accurate counts during actual hands and games. Compare your counts to experienced players when possible. With ample practice, counting cards automatically will become second nature.
