Blackjack card counting is a basic strategy. Gamblers use it to increase the player’s edge by memorizing and keeping track of the cards. The goal of counting cards in blackjack is to know the ratio of high cards to low cards. Using a proper counting strategy in a blackjack card game gives you a 1% to 2.5% advantage over online casinos.
Counting cards in blackjack land-based tables was easier. For instance, players would use Back counting to stand behind the dealer and watch the cards being dealt. With online games, much more meticulous strategies are required.
Blackjack Card Values
The goal is to form the most substantial hand, without going over 21. Before you can learn how to manipulate the card counting system, you must know how to calculate card values. Standard variants use the typical 52-deck, minus the joker.
Number cards
Number cards in blackjack are valued according to the number displayed on their face. For example, a 5 of hearts is worth 5 points, and a 9 of spades is worth 9 points. These cards are straightforward to calculate, as their value remains consistent with the number shown, making them an essential part of the game’s scoring system.
Face cards
All face cards have the same value.
Face cards in blackjack include the King, Queen, and Jack from each suit. These cards are all valued at 10 points, regardless of their suit or specific face. Their consistent value adds simplicity to the game while also playing a significant role in forming high-scoring hands.
Aces
Aces are the most versatile cards in blackjack, as they can be valued at either 1 or 11 points, depending on the player’s hand. This flexibility makes them highly valuable, as they can help create a “soft” hand (one that cannot bust with an additional card) or adjust to a lower value to avoid exceeding 21.
Importance of knowing card values in card counting
It helps you choose the best card-counting strategies.
Keeping track of your opponents’ hands in blackjack games is easier.
You can avoid bursting.
How To Keep a Running Count in Blackjack?
Card counting is a skilful strategy that has long been practised by pro players at online casinos. Your chances of a winning streak are higher if you can keep a running count in blackjack.
The running count in blackjack games is defined as the continuous tallying of all card values dealt. In short, it involves comparing the cards taken with the remaining cards in the shoe.
Low cards (2-6)
If the running count is low, the shoe has more low cards. This is less advantageous to the player. A high proportion of low-value cards mean it will take longer to achieve a 21, otherwise known as a blackjack.
Neutral Cards (7-9)
Neutral cards aren’t valuable when counting cards in a blackjack game. They are 7, 8 and 9. These cards in blackjack don’t favour either the house or the player.
High Cards (10, J, Q, K, A)
High cards are Aces, Jacks, Kings, Queens, 10s and 9s. If there are more high cards remaining, it means the game is advantageous to the player. Replacing your low card with a high card is also known as the Hi-Lo system. The high cards blackjack strategy helps you form a 21 faster than any other cards in the shoe.
Calculate True Count in Blackjack
You can calculate true count in blackjack using a simple formula. Each true count reduces the casino’s house edge by 0.50%.
Blackjack Card Counting Formula
Simply divide the running count value by the number of decks left in the shoe.
How to calculate the running count?
The running count is the sum of the values assigned to each card as they are dealt. It’s a simple process but critical for any card counting strategy.
Assign a value or each card
Each card is given a value based on the card counting system you’re using, such as:
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- Cards 2–6 = +1
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- Cards 7–9 = 0
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- Cards 10, J, Q, K, A = -1
Keep track to the running count
Pay attention and constantly update the running count. If the running count increases, know that the game is sitting to your advantage. If the running count decreases, the house gains more edge. At the beginning of the game or shoe, the running count always starts at 0.
Calculate the ‘True count’
For each card dealt (to players or the dealer), add or subtract the card’s value from the running count. Ignore cards with a value of 0 (e.g., 7, 8, 9 in Hi-Lo).
How to Adjust Your Bets Based on the Count in Blackjack?
The best betting strategy in card counting must be dynamic and allow players to adjust bets. Thankfully, changing your bets according to the true count is possible. Before you can start playing or card counting, it is vital to establish a betting unit. This is like a betting law that dictates how much you will stake at different game stages.
The ideal betting unit is 1/100 of your entire bankroll.
To know how many units to stake
Subtract 1 from the true count, then multiply the units by your assigned betting unit.
For example: If your betting unit is £50, true count is +5 and running count is +10, the ideal total bet should be £50 x 4 = £200.
Increase bets
When using card counting strategies, you should only make bigger bets when the true count reaches a level where you have an advantage over the house edge. For responsible gambling, your maximum stake should be at least 4x your betting unit. In short, avoid betting more than 1/4 of your bankroll.
Decrease bets
In Blackjack card counting, you must reduce your bets when the house gains an advantage. Again, use the true and running counts to know if the dealer has an advantage in that blackjack round.
Different card counting systems in Blackjack
Are you looking for an easy yet effective way to count cards in blackjack? Want to master card counting in multi-deck games? Here are several proven card-counting strategies that can help you gain an edge. Keep in mind that mastering these methods requires practice and skill, so take the time to learn how each system works before applying it in real-money games!
Hi-Lo
This is the most common strategy. As mentioned in the example above, the goal is to assign card values according to their values.
- Add 1+ Low cards
- Add or subtract nothing to neutral cards
- Subtract 1 from high cards.
Red Seven
This card-counting strategy depends on the colour of the 7 suit. It also adds more to a player’s advantage than other card-counting strategies. The 7 is counted differently.
In this strategy:
- Face cards, Aces and 10s get -1
- 2 to 7 cards get +1
However, 7 cards with the red colour are assigned an additional 1+, which equals +2.
K-O
This strategy is similar to the Hi/Lo blackjack card counting method, but it simplifies the process by eliminating the need to calculate the true count. Instead, you only need to monitor the running count, making it easier to apply while still improving your gameplay decisions.
Kiss
In blackjack, the “Kiss” refers to a card counting strategy designed to simplify tracking cards in play. Unlike more complex systems, it focuses on a modified count, aiming for balance between effectiveness and ease of use. This method allows players to make informed decisions without overly complicated calculations.
Omega II
The Omega II is an advanced card counting system in blackjack, designed for players seeking high accuracy. It is a balanced system, meaning the count returns to zero after a full deck is dealt. The system assigns different values to cards:
• +1 for 4, 5, and 6
• +2 for 2 and 3
• 0 for 7, 8, and 9
• -1 for 10, J, Q, and K
• -2 for Aces
Because of its complexity, it requires players to also track the true count by dividing the running count by the remaining decks. The Omega II is most effective for seasoned players who want to maximize their edge.
Hi-Opt
The Hi-Opt I (short for High-Optimum I) is a balanced card counting system primarily used in blackjack to gain a statistical advantage over the house. It’s simpler than its successor, Hi-Opt II, making it more suitable for intermediate players.
Card Values in Hi-Opt I:
• +1 for 3, 4, 5, and 6
• 0 for 2, 7, 8, 9, and Ace
• -1 for 10, J, Q, and K
Zen Count
The Zen Count is a balanced card counting system designed for advanced blackjack players. It is more complex than beginner-friendly strategies like Hi-Lo but offers greater accuracy in predicting favorable situations for the player.
Card Values in Zen Count:
• +1 for 2, 3, and 7
• +2 for 4, 5, and 6
• 0 for 8 and Ace
• -1 for 9
• -2 for 10, J, Q, and K
Wong Halves
The Wong Halves system is a highly advanced and precise card counting strategy in blackjack, named after Stanford Wong, a renowned blackjack expert. It is a balanced system, meaning the count starts and ends at zero in a full deck.
Card Values in Wong Halves:
• +0.5 for 2
• +1 for 3, 4, and 6
• +1.5 for 5
• 0 for 7, 8
• -0.5 for 9
• -1 for 10, J, Q, K, and A
Illustrious 18
The Illustrious 18 is a list of the 18 most important strategy deviations for blackjack card counters. Created by Don Schlesinger, it highlights decisions that give the highest advantage when the true count indicates a change from basic strategy.
Key Examples:
- Insurance: Take insurance when the true count is +3 or higher.
- 16 vs. 10: Stand instead of hitting at a true count of +0 or higher.
- 15 vs. 10: Stand instead of hitting at +4 or higher.
Single-Deck
In Single-Deck Blackjack, only one deck of cards is used, unlike the multiple decks found in most casinos. This creates a higher chance of getting favorable hands, such as blackjacks or higher-value cards.
Key Points:
- Higher Player Advantage: Fewer cards in play increase the chances of drawing a blackjack or a 10-value card.
- Card Counting: Card counters find it easier to track cards in single-deck games, making it a preferred choice for advanced players.
- Payouts: Some casinos offer a higher payout for a blackjack, typically 3:2, but be mindful of rules that may reduce the player’s advantage.
Multi-Deck
In Multi-Deck Blackjack, multiple decks of cards (usually 4, 6, or 8) are used, making it more difficult for players to track cards compared to a single-deck game.
Key Points:
- Lower Player Advantage: More decks in play mean the odds are closer to a standard house edge, reducing the chances of getting favorable hands like a blackjack.
- Card Counting Challenges: With multiple decks, it becomes harder to keep track of high and low cards, making it less favorable for card counters.
- Payouts: Typically, multi-deck games offer a standard 3:2 payout for blackjacks and may come with additional betting options like insurance.
Strategic Blackjack Gameplay – Make Right Decisions!
Most people wonder, ‘is it possible to count cards in online blackjack?’ If you want to win more, then you must utilise the best strategies in addition to card counting.
The rules below apply to a majority of variants:
Always double down on a hard 11.
Always split a pair of Aces and 8s.
Never split a pair of 10s or 5s.
When the dealer’s upcard is 9 or less, double down on 10.
Avoid making an insurance bet.
Always choose the best casinos to play for safety. Also, keep up with an online blackjack forum and read a blackjack book to perfect your strategy!
