Counting cards in blackjack is to give the player an advantage. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't require a Rain Man brain - anyone can learn paper counting with a little practice, not just Kevin Spacey and his bunch of MIT brains. Here's how to do it.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Knowing the Game
Step 1. Learn the basic strategy
First and foremost, you can't count cards effectively if you don't know the basics of blackjack. Sure, you can count anyway, but you wouldn't win anything. Before running, you need to know how to walk.
- If you want to learn how to count cards at the casino you have to practice on the spot. Unlike your kitchen, there are countless factors in the casino that need to be considered, such as hiding the fact that you are cheating everyone.
- When you play blackjack with an established strategy, you bring the house advantage to practically zero. All casino games favor the house, so zero is very good!
Step 2. Getting good at blackjack is as easy as breathing
When it comes to this game, you have to be like a machine, making the best decision within a couple of seconds. You don't need a book, you don't need time… you need to be able to do everything with one eye closed and your arms tied behind your back.
Knowing this game like the back of your hand is the only way to make money. Counting cards will give you a 1% edge. If you bet 100 euros, you will make 1 euro per hand. The only way to turn that 1% into millions is to do things artfully
Step 3. Familiarize yourself with the concept of card counting
The strategy is generally the one used for "Hi-Lo". High cards have a specific value of -1 and low cards instead of +1. When added together, they will give a "running total". That's all. The simpler you do it, the less your brain will explode, so think of it as fun.
Understand why card counting works. It works because high cards (tens) increase a player's chances of hitting blackjack, which pays 3: 2. The dealer's chances of "busting" also increase. Low cards, on the other hand, are bad for the player (who wants to blackjack to beat the dealer) but great for the dealer (because it prevents him from busting at 16 or less)
Method 2 of 4: Using the Hi-Lo Strategy
Step 1. Learn how it works
If the proportion of high and low cards is higher than normal (ie if there are many high cards in the deck), the player can make larger bets to increase the winning amount when the game is in his favor. Players keep in mind a number that will tell them when and how much to bet - or not at all!
A dealer with a positive number is good. The higher the number, the more you will bet. The higher the number, the more high cards are left to play
Step 2. Learn the values
To take into account the proportion of high and low cards (and thus know if the dealer is good or not), you will need to assign a value to the cards. Start from 0 and, as the cards come out, add them to the score.
- Cards 2 to 6 have a value of +1.
- Those 7 to 9 don't have any.
- Those that are worth 10 have a value of -1.
- Aces also have a value of -1.
Step 3. Learn how to bet
Increase bets when the count is positive (i.e. from +2 to grow). The higher the count, the more you should bet, but remember if you raise the stakes too high the casino may get suspicious.
In general, you need to increase your bet by 1 for each point in the count. If you do it more drastically, the cameras will point you right away
Step 4. Test yourself
Take a full deck (no jokers) and start counting. You should eventually get close to 0, if you have contact correctly. Try to do it in less than 25 seconds. That way, the speed software won't notice.
- Start timing yourself once you can count the whole deck to close to 0. Even though it's basic math, it's easy to get confused. Don't be surprised if you end up with a different number each time at first.
- Take a card and leave it face down. Pass the whole deck and keep track - what's the hole card?
Step 5. Think in pairs
If you see a jack and a 4, you don't have to think "-1 and +1 = 0": you should automatically calculate "0". When you see a low and a high card, they cancel each other out. Remember this and it will be easier when the cards pass quickly in front of your eyes.
Counting cards is all about remembering the count. Doing it right is in accuracy and speed. Counting cards well is like riding a bicycle - you can put it on autopilot. Thinking in pairs makes everything easier and allows you more accuracy
Step 6. Make the exact calculation
Gone are the days when casinos only used one deck (most at least). Now it is easier to come across tables where you play with 5 or 6 decks (contained in what is called a shoe). As a result, your count may be incorrect.
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To find out the real one, divide your current account by the number of decks left to play. If your count is +4 and there are still 4 decks left, then the exact count is +1.
To find out how many decks are left, you'll need to take a discreet look at the discarded cards. Do it without getting noticed
- On the other hand, if you are playing with only one deck, reverse and multiply. Let's say you still have 3/4 of the deck and the count is +4. You will need to multiply 4 x 4 and divide 16 by 3 (just over 5). Some choose to count with a deck, but remember that the actual count is always slightly different (usually in excess).
Step 7. Practice distractions
It's okay to start counting cards in the quiet of your home, behind closed doors, with the curtains drawn and the phone off the hook. But how do you do it in the casino? There will be millions of distractions at the same time. No matter how easy it is to reckon - if you go wrong by 1, you shoot yourself in the foot.
Turn on the TV first. Then the radio. Bring the dog and the kids in and you'll be almost at the level of a casino desk. Not to mention the various eyes on you - you have to be careful and keep a "low profile"
Method 3 of 4: Other Counting Methods
Step 1. Learn alternative methods
For the record, Hi-Lo is the most popular for a good reason - it brings good results and is easy to follow. However, it has many variables.
- In KO, the difference is that 7s are worth +1.
- In Omega II, 4, 5 and 6 are worth +2. 10, J, Q, and K are worth -2 and the aces 0.
- In Halves, 2 and 7 are worth +0, 5. The 5 is worth +1, 5. The 9 -0, 5.
Step 2. Learn the stats of each variant
Anyone who does statistical analysis knows all these figures and knows that it is not just a question of "Does it work or not?". There are a number of factors to consider:
- When it comes to betting coefficient (BC), Halves is the highest. It is used to predict bets.
- Hi-Opt II and Omega II have the highest coefficient of play (PE). This determines decisions and changes (when you change a basic strategy) during the game.
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Hi-Opt II has the highest insurance ratio (IC). In short, it tells you when it is best to take card insurance (because the Hi-Opt II has an additional Ace account).
As you will notice, Hi-Lo is not mentioned, because it is exactly in the middle of each factor. Hi-Opt II has an additional ace count and Halves is annoying (adds more distraction), while the efficiency of Omega II doesn't match the wagering coefficient. So, unless you are the best blackjack player in the world, go for Hi-Lo
Step 3. Learn the concept of "wonging", ie counting from the rear
In a nutshell, it means not sitting at the table and counting until you are sure that the right time has come. When the table cools, you walk away. This is usually done on the larger tables, or you risk getting caught right away.
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Many casinos have eliminated access to the tables when the shoe is halfway through. If you enter at that moment, know that you will be considered suspicious even to the less experienced eyes. If you weren't counting cards, how would you know it's the exact time to enter that table?
The suspicion that you are "wonging" changes your bets. In this case, in fact, you will bet the same exorbitant amount every time
Method 4 of 4: Disguise the Strategy
Step 1. Be a tourist
Card counters play blackjack for hours on end without eating or enjoying other casino entertainment. By being a tourist enjoying the place, however, you will avoid becoming a suspect.
Mixed. It is not by showing off your Armani suit that you will start a dazzling career as a winner. Leave your trendy clothes at home and act as if you were a normal human being
Step 2. If you need to increase your bets, do so
The dealers are instructed to shuffle the cards when the bets rise inexplicably. For this reason, you need to increase yours slightly and in a seemingly "random" way.
It may seem counterproductive to you in order to make money, but if they throw you out your profit will be zero. Counting cards is not illegal, but it is badly looked at anyway
Step 3. Show interest in something other than the game
That's why we advised you to train with TV, radio and noisy kids around. If you are busy counting cards, your lips move betraying you. Do something else, order a drink, talk to someone. Have fun.
- Those who matter have a reputation for keeping their eyes on the game. He will remain to look at the cards while the others turn behind a beautiful woman. Try to remember that.
- You need to be good enough at counting while talking to someone. Chat with the dealer and ask how his evening is going. If the manager comes to the table, he also talks to him.
Step 4. Tip the dealer
Many know how to count cards. A dealer who likes you will be more inclined to give you a second before hitting a good hand.
A dealer can do you good or ruin you. Motivate it in a way that is good for you. The same goes for everyone who works at that table - get them on your side and not against you, so that your trick goes unnoticed
Step 5. Understand who is watching you
There are always hundreds of cameras spying on the casino's moves as well as the eyes of the dealer, the various dealers and security. If they spot a waitress serving a customer a drink every 18 to 37 minutes, they sure have the attention span to catch you. This is why it is important to keep a perfect behavior.
If the casino suspects you are counting, they probably won't come to notice right away. They can send someone to distract you by talking to you, assign you a faster dealer, or change the betting rules. If this happens, take a step back by withdrawing without haste and without problems
Step 6. Do everything slowly
When choosing a table, stay there for a while. Why should you leave? And when you make your moves, take a second to think about it. Those who play usually haven't spent three months planning and studying everything. What you need is nonchalance and tranquility.
Don't jump from table to table every time a hand goes wrong. In this case, in fact, you would immediately attract attention. Make minimum bets until the stakes are up. Increase them randomly because you're doing well, and not because you know what's going to happen
Advice
- Some players keep in mind how many aces they hit. Only do this if you have learned to count cards well first.
- If a manager asks you to leave because he suspects your behavior, you just have to. It is a legal requirement in most casinos. The best way to leave is to nod and take your chips. You can cash them the next day.
- Act naturally. Talk to the dealer, joke about what you win or lose, and most important of all, talk about things outside the casino (even made up). This is a diversion so as not to appear suspicious or nervous who silently observes the cards doing the sums in mind.
- Start counting when the dealer starts dealing again. That is, when the dealer shuffles the cards and starts from a new shoe.
- Remember that the count varies with the number of cards left in the shoe. A count of +6 with only two decks left is more favorable to the player than one of +10 when there was only one (and there are still five left).
Warnings
- Don't play money you can't afford to lose, especially if you're still learning. Variables can lead to big losses even if your strategy is perfect. This article is an introduction to how to count cards, but there is more to learn before becoming a pro.
- Even if the odds are in your favor, it will take at least six hours of play before they start to pay off (even a coin tossed 10 times can land 7 times on heads). Remember that you can ALWAYS lose. Counting helps you improve at blackjack, it doesn't play for you.
- Counting cards attracts attention! Eventually someone will notice you and anything could happen.
- Do not attempt to count cards in the casino unless you are familiar with it and can do it without moving your lips. Counting cards is not illegal, but casinos can ban you from playing if they think you are. And they can just as well banish you for life from the entire facility.
