M
Mike_25
Guest
Alright, if you want to get serious at blackjack, you gotta start keeping tabs on those cards. There are a few ways to count cards without looking like a shark. Here's how the pros do it:
• Mental math - This is the stealthiest approach. Assign a value to each card: +1 for 2-6, 0 for 7-9, and -1 for 10-A. Then keep a running total in your head as the cards are dealt. If the count's high, the deck's rich in tens/aces. Low count means those high cards are due. Takes practice but with enough play, it'll become second nature.
• Visible tracking - Use playing cards or a card chart and physically move a marker like a button or pen mark as each card is dealt. Assign the same values as above. This gives you an easy-to-see count to refer to, even if it's not as slick as keeping it all in your head. Play in smaller stakes games until you get real comfortable with it.
• Mechanical counting - Fancy card counters are designed specifically for counting cards at blackjack. You just deal the cards and the counter automatically registers the values and spits out your count. Real high-tech. But not all casinos allow these to be used.
• Memory techniques - Pro counter can memorize strings of 10 or more cards and their values. This lets you count way higher with nearly perfect accuracy but takes intense training and practice. Not realistic for most recreational players.
• Handwritten tracking - Keep a piece of paper handy and as each card is dealt, note its value and put a small mark. Add up your marks at the end for 10s, Aces, etc. Works in a pinch but too cumbersome for fast-paced action. Best for Killercards.com-style tutorials.
The method that works best depends on how hardcore you want to get, speed of play, and house rules. But tracking the cards in some way will give you an edge by knowing what's left in the deck and making smarter calls.
• Mental math - This is the stealthiest approach. Assign a value to each card: +1 for 2-6, 0 for 7-9, and -1 for 10-A. Then keep a running total in your head as the cards are dealt. If the count's high, the deck's rich in tens/aces. Low count means those high cards are due. Takes practice but with enough play, it'll become second nature.
• Visible tracking - Use playing cards or a card chart and physically move a marker like a button or pen mark as each card is dealt. Assign the same values as above. This gives you an easy-to-see count to refer to, even if it's not as slick as keeping it all in your head. Play in smaller stakes games until you get real comfortable with it.
• Mechanical counting - Fancy card counters are designed specifically for counting cards at blackjack. You just deal the cards and the counter automatically registers the values and spits out your count. Real high-tech. But not all casinos allow these to be used.
• Memory techniques - Pro counter can memorize strings of 10 or more cards and their values. This lets you count way higher with nearly perfect accuracy but takes intense training and practice. Not realistic for most recreational players.
• Handwritten tracking - Keep a piece of paper handy and as each card is dealt, note its value and put a small mark. Add up your marks at the end for 10s, Aces, etc. Works in a pinch but too cumbersome for fast-paced action. Best for Killercards.com-style tutorials.
The method that works best depends on how hardcore you want to get, speed of play, and house rules. But tracking the cards in some way will give you an edge by knowing what's left in the deck and making smarter calls.
