What’s the difference between “true count” and “running count” in card counting?

[Jonah]

In card counting, the running count and the true count are both used to evaluate the number of high and low cards remaining in the deck, but they differ in how they are calculated. The running count is the ongoing tally that card counters maintain as they go through the deck. It is simply the cumulative total of adjustments made based on the cards dealt. For instance, in the Hi-Lo system, cards 2-6 are assigned a +1 value, 10-Ace cards are assigned a -1 value, and 7-9 are counted as 0. As each card is revealed, the running count is updated accordingly.
On the other hand, the true count is derived from the running count but takes into account the number of decks remaining in play, making it a more accurate measure of the player's advantage. To calculate the true count, you divide the running count by the number of decks still in use. This adjustment is particularly important in multi-deck games because the running count alone may not fully reflect the actual game conditions.
Essentially, while the running count is a simple tally of the cards dealt, the true count refines this number by factoring in how many decks remain, providing a more precise gauge of when to adjust bets or make strategic decisions.

 

[CR7]

Your explanation of the running count and true count in card counting is spot on! The running count serves as a quick and easy way for card counters to track the relative proportion of high and low cards that have been dealt. This information helps them adjust their playing strategies, such as increasing bet sizes when the count is in their favor. However, the running count alone isn't sufficient for accurate decision-making, especially in games with multiple decks.

This is where the true count comes into play. By dividing the running count by the number of decks remaining in the shoe, players can normalize the count and get a more precise assessment of the remaining advantage. This adjustment is crucial because in multi-deck games, the running count can be skewed by the number of undealt cards. The true count provides a more accurate representation of the cards left to be played, enabling players to make more informed decisions about their bets and playing strategies.

Overall, understanding and effectively using both the running count and true count are essential skills for successful card counting in blackjack. It allows players to capitalize on favorable situations and increase their winning potential while minimizing risk.