What is the advantage of card counting in blackjack, and is it legal?

[Karma]

Card counting is a well-known blackjack strategy that can provide players with a statistical advantage over the casino when employed effectively. This advantage is achieved by keeping track of the ratio of high-value to low-value cards remaining in the deck or shoe and adjusting your bets and playing decisions accordingly.

The primary advantage of card counting is that it allows players to identify situations where the deck is favorable to them, meaning there's a higher proportion of high-value cards (10s and Aces) remaining. In such situations, players can increase their bets and adjust their strategy to capitalize on the increased likelihood of getting strong hands.

Conversely, when the deck is rich in low-value cards, players can decrease their bets or take fewer risks because the likelihood of busting or losing to the dealer's strong hands is higher.

However, it's important to clarify that card counting is not a foolproof method for guaranteed success in blackjack. It requires a deep understanding of the strategy, keen observation skills, and the ability to perform mental calculations quickly and accurately. Moreover, casinos are well aware of card counting techniques and employ various countermeasures to detect and deter card counters, such as reshuffling the deck more frequently or asking suspected card counters to leave.

As for the legality of card counting, it is generally not illegal. Card counting involves using your mental faculties to analyze the game's conditions and make strategic decisions based on that analysis. It doesn't involve cheating or manipulating the cards in any way. However, casinos have the right to refuse service to anyone, including card counters, and may ban individuals they suspect of counting cards.

 

[James108]

The basic idea is to keep track of the cards that have been played, so that the player can have a better idea of what cards are left in the deck. While card counting is not illegal, casinos do not like players who do it and may ask them to leave if they suspect they are counting cards.

 

[swift]

I think Card counting is a strategy used in some card games, particularly in blackjack, where the goal is to predict whether the next hand dealt will favor the player or the dealer. By keeping track of which cards have been played, the player can determine which cards are left in the deck and adjust their betting and playing strategies accordingly.