- Counting Blackjack Practice
- Blackjack Counting Test
- The Zen Count In Blackjack
- Running Count In Blackjack
- How to Count Cards in Blackjack: Card Counting Trainer & Guide You need to learn about blackjack card counting to take your game up a level. Counting cards is an easy skill to pick up, but.
- In blackjack, if you count cards, it's very easy to tell if other players are counting. Counting cards changes your play style in certain ways. You assign each card a value when counting and then.
We are proud to present our second online blackjack trainer with the added ability to assist in learning the art of card counting, this is our first.This is meant as an advanced tool, for those who have mastered basic strategy and are looking to perfect their card counting skills.
Card counting is one of those rare gambling strategies that can actually work. Most so-called gambling strategies are just systems relying on the gambler’s fallacy, and in the long run, they fail.
But counting cards actually gives a demonstrable, mathematical edge over the casino.
And the casinos know it. Double bubble slot.
As a result, they’ve instituted countermeasures to make it harder to get an edge. One of these countermeasures is the use of multiple decks. It’s harder to get an edge when facing eight decks in a shoe.
And the use of those additional decks requires you to convert the running count to a true count. This post focuses on how and why you need to convert the running count to a true count.
But first, I’ll explain some of the basics of card counting.
The process is deceptively simple, but it takes practice and discipline to make any money with it. For purposes of introducing these concepts, I’m going to use the “Hi Lo Count,” which is the most widely used card counting system. It’s also one of the easiest to understand.
If you’ve ever read an actual book about blackjack or counting cards, you’ve probably seen some reference to it. Harvey Dubner first introduced this system in 1963, but it’s as effective now as it was 50 years ago.
Stanford Wong covers the Hi-Lo System in his book Professional Blackjack, and Don Schlesinger goes into more detail about the system in Blackjack Attack. Beat the Dealer by Ed Thorp features a card counting system that’s almost the same as the Hi-Lo System, too.
Being able to convert the running count to the true count is a skill necessary for any counter using any system — but only if they’re playing in a game with multiple decks.
How and Why Counting Cards Works
Most gambling systems involve raising and lowering the size of your bets based on what’s happened on previous outcomes. Most of them don’t work.
Here’s why.
Almost all games feature independent, random trials. The probabilities don’t change based on what happened during the previous trial.
For example, you roll a pair of dice. The probabilities are based on the number of sides each die has.
Once you’ve rolled the dice, and you’re ready to roll them again, the dice still have the same number of sides.
The formula for an event’s probability is the number of ways that event can happen divided by the total number of possible events.
When rolling dice, for example, you have 36 possible outcomes. Only one of those outcomes totals 2, so the probability of rolling a 2 on a pair of dice is 1/36.
If you roll a 2, then roll the dice again, the probability of rolling a 2 on the next roll is still 1/36. It doesn’t go up or down based on what happened on the last roll.
But in blackjack, the probabilities change as the cards are dealt because the number of possible outcomes changes.
- You’re playing blackjack from a single deck. The probability of a card being an ace is 4/52, or 1/13.
- You deal out two hands, and each of those hands has an ace.
- The probability of getting an ace on the next card has changed.
- For one thing, now there are only 48 possible outcomes — that’s how many cards are left in the deck.
- There are also only two aces left in the deck, so the probability of getting an ace drops to 2/48, or 1/24.
There’s a big difference between a 12 to 1 shot at an ace and a 23 to 1 shot at an ace.
Why the Aces and Tens Are Important
I used aces in the previous example, but I could have also used 10s. There are 16 cards worth 10 points in a blackjack deck — four each of 10s, jacks, queens, and kings. The probability of being dealt a card worth 10 is 16/52, or 4/13.
The 10s are as important as the aces, but you’re more likely to get a 10.
Here’s why that’s important.
When you win at blackjack, you get paid off at even money most of the time. The exception is when you have a two-card hand that totals 21.
That’s called a “blackjack” or a “natural,” and that pays off at 3 to 2.
Since the decks are shuffled and randomized, the aces and 10s might be disproportional based on where they fell in the deck. If a lot of the aces and 10s have already been dealt, your probability of getting a blackjack decreases.
But if you have a higher-than-usual proportion of aces and 10s in the deck, your probability of getting a blackjack increases.
If you bet more when you have a better probability of getting a 3 to 2 payout, you’ll wind up with a mathematical edge over the casino.
And counting cards enables you to track that ratio.
How and Why to Use the Hi-Lo Count as a Beginner
The Hi-Low Count, or the High-Low Count, assigns a value of +1 to the lower-valued cards in the deck and a value of -1 to the higher-valued cards in the deck. Mid-sized cards have a value of 0.
As you see these cards get played, you adjust the count according to which cards have already been dealt.
- When you see a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, you add 1 to the count.
- When you see a 10 or an ace, you subtract 1 from the count.
- For counting purposes, you ignore the 7, 8, and 9.
This gives you an idea of your edge at any given time, until the casino dealer shuffles the cards back in the deck.
When the count is positive, you have a proportionally higher number of favorable cards in the deck.
When the count is 0 or negative, you have a proportionally lower number of favorable cards in the deck.
You raise the size of your bets when the count is positive.
You bet your minimum when the count is 0 or negative.
It’s almost just that simple, too.
You’ll find different guidelines for how much to bet based on the count, but the easiest system I learned was to start with a single unit — your minimum. Then decide what your betting spread will be, keeping in mind that the bigger the spread is, the more aggressive you’re being. Double down casino slots free download.
The more aggressive you are, the more likely you are to catch heat from the casino.
Then you add the count to 1 to decide the size of your bet.
- You’re playing at a table with a minimum bet of $5.
- You decide you’re going to use that as your base betting unit, and you’re going to have a betting spread of 1 to 4 units, based on the count.
- You’ll be betting in amounts of $5, $10, $15, or $20 — 1 unit, 2 units, 3 units, or 4 units, respectively.
- When the count is 0 or less, you’ll bet $5.
- When the count is +1, you’ll bet $10.
- When the count is +2, you’ll bet $15.
- When the count is +3 or higher, you’ll bet $20.
This works fine as long as you’re playing in a game being dealt from a single deck.
But if you’re playing in a game being dealt from multiple decks in a shoe, you need to know how to convert the running count to the true count.
Converting the Running Count to a True Count
Converting the running count to a true count isn’t as hard as many people think. It’s just a matter of estimating how many decks are left in the shoe. You divide the running count by the number of decks left to get the true count.
Most people get hung up on being too accurate. All you need is an estimate. Rounding off is your friend here.
Take a look at the example below.
The running count is +9, and you estimate that there are four decks left in the show.
9 divided by 4 is 2.25, but you can just round that off to 2 and make your decisions based on a true count of +2.
You’ll find card counting systems which eliminate the need to convert to a true count, but I don’t think they’re necessary. If you’re able to keep up with the running count accurately, you’re also smart enough to convert that to a true count.
Another advantage to doing the true count conversion is that it reminds you to start over at 0 when the dealer reshuffles the cards. One time, I was drinking while I was counting cards, and I was also chatting with my wife while we were playing.
I bet according to the count, even though the dealer had already shuffled.
Your edge is too small when counting cards to let small mistakes like this slip into your game.
The counting systems that eliminate the need to convert into a true count are usually unbalanced systems. They have a different number of positive and negative values, so if you counted through a single deck, you’d wind up with something other than 0.
With these other counting systems, you’ll also often start your count with a number other than 0. This is to compensate for the number of decks in play.
In these unbalanced systems, you have to jump through so many hoops that you’re better off just doing the true count conversion.
- With the Hi-Lo System, a single deck of cards has 24 cards worth +1 and 24 cards worth -1.
- They even out.
- But with an unbalanced system, you might have 24 cards worth +1 and 26 cards worth -1.
Count through a deck with this system, and you’ll end up with -2 instead of 0.
Why the Number of Decks Matters
When I first learned about card counting, I couldn’t figure out why the number of decks would matter. After all, the ratio of aces and 10s to the other cards is the same regardless of how many decks there are, right?
This is true before you deal any cards, yes. With eight decks, you have 32 aces and 516 totals cards, which is still 1 in 13.
But the ratios change as the cards are dealt, and with more cards in the deck, the ratios are different.
- You’re playing in a single-deck game, and all four aces have already been played.
- Your probability of getting an ace is now 0.
- Later, you’re playing in an eight-deck game, and you see four aces come out.
- Your probability of getting an ace isn’t 0, because there are still 12 aces left in the deck. The probability isn’t as good, but it’s not 0, either.
- That’s why the number of decks matters.
- The numbers you’re using to divide by when determining the ratio are bigger.
Changing Your Basic Strategy Based on the True Count
Changing the size of your bets isn’t the only way to get an edge when playing blackjack. Skilled counters also know when to deviate from basic strategy.
In blackjack, there’s a correct mathematical play in every situation. That’s the play with the best expected return. In some situations, the expected return is negative no matter which choice you make. In those situations, you want the expected return that’s the least negative.
The first and easiest basic strategy deviation for the card counter is insurance. Basic strategy says you should never take insurance. After all, it’s a sucker bet.
But when the true count is +3 or greater, insurance becomes a positive expectation bet.
That’s because as the ratio of high cards changes, the dealer has a better probability of getting a blackjack, too. When that probability gets high enough, insurance becomes a positive expectation bet.
When you have a hard 16 versus a dealer’s 10, you also have a strategy change to consider. The correct strategy play is to hit because of the likelihood that the dealer has a high total. You’re still likely to bust, but it’s still the correct play.
But if you’re counting cards and the count is positive, you should stand instead of hitting. Even a slightly higher positive count results in a higher probability of busting with that extra card.
When you have a hard 15 versus a dealer 10, you also have a basic strategy adjustment to make, but you only make the adjustment if the true count is +4 or higher. This is another hand where you would normally hit if you’re following basic strategy.
But if the count is +4 or higher, you’ll stand instead.
If you’re following basic strategy, you also know that you never split 10s.
But if the dealer is showing a 5, and if the true count is +5 or more, the correct play is to split those 10s. That’s because you have such a high percentage of getting an ace or a 10 as your next card that it’s worth your while to get two really strong hands into play against the dealer.
After all, the dealer has a lousy hand with that 5 showing.
A pair of 10s versus a dealer 6 is the same, but the true count only has to be +4 to split instead of +5.
If you have a hard 10 when the dealer is showing a 10, you’ll deviate from basic strategy if the true count is +4. Normally, in that situation, you’d hit, but if the count is this positive, you’ll double down instead.
If you have a hard 12 versus a dealer 3, you’ll deviate from basic strategy if the true count is +2 or higher. Ordinarily, you’d hit this hand, but if the count is this positive, you’ll stand, hoping that the dealer will bust when she gets a 10.
A 12 versus a dealer 2 is the same thing, but the true count needs to be +3 or higher before you deviate from basic strategy.
If you have an 11 versus a dealer’s ace, you’ll deviate from basic strategy when the count is +1 or better. Normally, you’d hit this hand, but when the count is positive, you’ll double down.
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If you have a 9 versus a dealer 2, you’d usually hit, but if the count is +1 or higher, you’ll double down.
Those are the ten most important basic strategy deviations based on the true count. You can find more basic strategy deviations by searching for phrases like “Illustrious 18” and “Fab 4.” (The “Fab 4” describes when you should surrender based on the count.
Conclusion
Counting cards can be a lot of fun and can get you an edge over the casino.
But if you’re playing in a game with multiple decks, you’ll need to know how to get the true count.
Luckily, it’s easy to do.
![Blackjack Blackjack](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61lZwx2ypNL._SY445_QL70_.jpg)
You just divide the running count by the number of decks left in the shoe.
And don’t forget, an estimate is all you need. You should just round off.
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.You’ve likely seen movies where card counters make big profits. Although such film scenes are unrealistic, they at least show that skilled counters do win money.
But one thing you never see in these movies is somebody sitting at home and making thousands of dollars through online blackjack. In fact, it’s widely assumed that card counting doesn’t work at online casinos.
You may be surprised to find out, though, that card counting actually is possible at gaming sites. However, the real question is if it’s profitable.
I’m going to cover the stigma against online card counting and why it’s feasible in certain cases. I’ll finish by discussing if the profits make it worth your time to be an internet card counter.
What Are the Basics of Card Counting?
The very essence of card counting is to determine when you have a stronger chance of getting a natural blackjack. Assuming you’re playing at a table with favorite rules, then you’ll receive a 3:2 payout on your original bet (some tables only offer 6:5).
Your chances of getting a natural blackjack increase greatly when the shoe has a larger percentage of aces and 10s compared to other card values. You’ll theoretically gain more value by increasing your bet size at this point.
Of course, you won’t naturally know when these situations are present. But card counting gives you a tool for figuring out when the shoe is rich in aces and 10s.
The first thing you need to count cards is a system. Many different counting systems exist, and they differ based on their accuracy and complexity.
The Hi-Lo offers a happy medium between accuracy and ease of use. But the jest of the Hi-Lo is that you assign values to each card that comes out. Here are the point values for each type of card:
- Aces, face cards, and 10s (high cards) = -1
- 7, 8, and 9 = 0 (neutral)
- 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (low cards) = +1
You want fewer low cards in the shoe, which is why your positive count increases when they come out.
The Hi-Lo also calls on you to account for how many decks are left in a shoe with a “true count.” You do this by dividing your “running count” by the estimated amount of remaining decks.
Here’s an example:
- Your running count is +6.
- You estimate that two decks are left.
- 6 / 2 = +3 true count
You can increase your bet size as the positive true count grows. A simple way to do this is by:
- Flat betting with a count of 0 or +1.
- Increasing your minimum bet 5x with a count of +2.
- Increasing your minimum bet 10x with a count of +3 or higher.
Why Online Card Counting Usually Doesn’t Work
One more aspect to card counting in blackjack that I haven’t discussed is deck penetration. This term refers to how many decks a casino deals before reshuffling the shoe.
Here’s an example:
- You’re playing at a table with an eight-deck shoe.
- Five of the eight decks have been dealt.
- 5 / 8 = 62.5% deck penetration
You want higher deck penetration, because this allows you to place bigger bets with more confidence. A +2 or +3 true count is much more accurate when only one deck remains, versus five or six.
Generally, 75% deck penetration is considered ideal for placing big bets with a positive true count.
Of course, many casinos reshuffle before this point in order to thwart card counters.
Other casinos allow more deck penetration, because they don’t want to slow down games by constantly reshuffling. They figure that lost hands are most costly than simply giving a few counters a bigger advantage.
Online casinos don’t have to worry about lost hands when reshuffling decks. Their software-based (a.k.a. virtual) tables can automatically reshuffle a shoe with no time wasted.
Online gaming providers program their blackjack games to reshuffle with very little deck penetration. You have absolutely no chance to gain an advantage in these cases.
Of course, you could slightly improve your odds if a casino allowed, say, 25% penetration. But this amount isn’t enough to count with any confidence and swing the odds in your favor.
The low deck penetration in online blackjack games is why card counting doesn’t work at virtual tables.
Some Live Dealer Casinos Allow More Deck Penetration
Many online casinos offer live dealer blackjack, which features a human dealer and real cards. These tables operate just like a normal land-based casino would, with the exception that the action is being streamed through your internet device.
Assuming the conditions were perfect, live blackjack would be the best way to count cards. After all, you could sit at home and count without drawing as much suspicion from pit bosses and floor supervisors.
Of course, online casinos aren’t dumb. They know their live tables are susceptible to being beaten through card counting.
Dealers are instructed to shuffle shoes before too much deck penetration is allowed. They’re not going to deal through 75% of the shoe and give you an easy chance to count.
On the other hand, live casinos also need to worry about over-shuffling. Too much shuffling costs hands, meaning the casino has fewer chances to let its house edge take effect.
Some live dealer casino games allow up to 50% deck penetration before reshuffling. You can theoretically gain a tiny advantage in these situations.
I mentioned earlier that at least 75% penetration is ideal. But 50% is just enough to where you can earn a little money over time.
You can visit different live dealer casinos and watch their games to figure out the deck penetration. Take notes on the different percentages in order to find sites that are more susceptible to counting.
What Is the Profitability of Live Dealer Card Counting?
The problem with counting in the aforementioned live blackjack games is that it’s just not very profitable. At best, you’re looking at earning a small amount of profits over time.
You also need to be able to use a large “spread,” which is the distance from the minimum bet to your highest wager.
Here’s an example:
- You’re playing at a table with $5 minimum bets.
- You increase your wager to $75 with a true count of +3.
- 75 / 5 = 15
- Your bet spread is 1-15.
![Blackjack Blackjack](https://casimg.com/w/articles-attachments/0/570/7658deba03.png)
Pro counters generally use between a 1-10 and 1-15 bet spread. But they must be careful, because such large spreads are a telltale sign of a counter.
You need to thoroughly research which land-based casinos allow this type of action without immediately tossing you. Some Las Vegas casinos are more lenient than others.
Gaming sites with live blackjack are generally very lenient with bet spreads. After all, they’re not allowing enough penetration to where you’ll gain a big advantage.
But you need around a 1-30 spread to get an edge with just 50% penetration. If the table minimum bet were $5, for example, you’d be betting $150 with a +3 true count.
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Some online casinos might allow this. Others may eventually ban you if they monitor your play and deem you to be a bad customer.
You can of course “wong in,” which involves counting while sitting out and entering games at favorable points. “Wonging” prevents you from having to play unprofitable hands until detecting a positive count.
Even if you wong in and use a 1-30 spread, you won’t make much money with live dealer card counting. 50% deck penetration is just too low to earn reliable profits.
Another problem is that you’ll have to dedicate a lot of time for such little payoff. Online card counting is nothing more than a low-paying hobby in the long run.
Conclusion
Counting cards at live dealer casinos can result in minimum profits with 50% deck penetration. But you’ll never make any serious money with this practice.
You might be lucky to earn a few dollars an hour, even with a 1-30 bet spread and wonging. These tiny profits hardly seem worth the effort.
Live dealer counting can be a fun hobby. It’s also a nice way to prepare for counting cards at a brick and mortar venue.
Just be aware that you won’t be able to use such large spreads at a land-based casino. You might even attract suspicion at some live dealer tables for doing so.
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Also, wonging isn’t permitted at most brick and mortar establishments. Casinos have a “no mid-shoe entry” rule to prevent this from happening.
Running Count In Blackjack
Nevertheless, land-based casinos are better for profitable card counting. Live dealer sites, meanwhile, are just fun places to hone your counting skills while potentially earning a little money.