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Card counting is an advanced blackjack strategy used by some players to gain an advantage over the casino. It involves keeping track of the ratio of high-value cards (10s, face cards) to low-value cards (2 through 6) remaining in the deck or shoe. By doing so, card counters can make more informed decisions about their bets and playing strategies.
Here are the key principles of card counting in blackjack:
Here are the key principles of card counting in blackjack:
- High-Low System: The most commonly used card counting system is the High-Low system. In this system, cards with a value of 2 through 6 are assigned a value of +1, 7 through 9 are assigned a value of 0, and 10s and Aces are assigned a value of -1.
- Running Count: Card counters keep a "running count" of the card values as they are dealt. They start with a count of 0 at the beginning of the shoe and adjust it with each card that is dealt.
- True Count: To account for the number of decks remaining in the shoe, card counters convert the running count into a "true count" by dividing it by the estimated number of decks left to be played.
- Betting and Playing Decisions: Card counters use the true count to determine when to increase their bets. A positive true count indicates a favorable deck with more high-value cards, prompting larger bets. Conversely, a negative true count suggests a deck with more low-value cards, leading to smaller bets. Card counters may also adjust their playing decisions based on the count.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations: Card counting is not illegal, but casinos frown upon the practice. Many casinos have countermeasures in place to detect and discourage card counting, such as reshuffling the deck or shoe more frequently. Players who are caught counting cards may be asked to leave the casino.