Card counting is a system that experienced blackjack players use to get a profitable advantage over the casino. There are many individual “counts” or systems. Many of them are named after colorful professional gamblers from times past.

• The Hi-Lo card counting style is one of the most well known of them all. Other names for this style are also known as High-Low or Plus-Minus card counting. The Hi-Lo system was first invented by the mathematician Harvey Dubner and later improved by Professor Edward Throp, who was one of the founding fathers of card counting strategy.
• Hi-Lo Count: This is a balanced count and is the first system that new counters use. You add one to the total for each card value from two through six — and subtract one for 10s through aces. Seven, eight and nine are neutral. You then divide this count by the number of undealt decks and round up as needed.
• The Hi-Lo (High Low) system is one of the easier and more popular card counting systems for blackjack. The Hi-Low consists of assigning a point value of +1, 0, or -1 to every card dealt to the player. Each card is assigned a specific point value in the Hi Lo System. Aces and 10-point cards are assigned a value of -1. Cards 7, 8, 9 each count as 0.

I begin with the OPP card counting system since it’s extremely easy to use.

The 2008 movie “21” bought card counting to the attention of the general public. It followed the true story of members of the MIT blackjack team as they won millions from casinos in LasVegas. This movie also highlighted the key challenge faced by card counters. To make a profit using these systems, you need to bet significantly more when the odds turn in your favor. Casinos are aware of this — and will quickly ban players they believe are counting cards.

This page has everything you need to know to get started with card counting. Below you will find the basics of how it works. Famoussystems, the ideal games for counters and how online blackjack can help you learn to count are also covered below.

How to count cards in blackjack

Blackjack is a game of incomplete information. Players act based on their own two cards and the single dealer up-card. Players must risk busting in many situations, even though the decisions are mathematically correct.

Small cards are the enemy of blackjack players. Values of two through six can make for the trickiest decisions. In fact, if you remove any significant number of small cards from the shoe, blackjack not only becomes easier, the player gets a mathematical edge over the house.

This is where card counting comes in.

Counters track the proportion of small cards to face cards and aces. At a certain point, the deck turns “positive.” The higher proportion of face cards means every hand played will generate long term profit for the player — not the house. This is because profit comes from doubling, splitting and hitting blackjack (natural21). All of these are more frequent when there are more high cards in the shoe.

To take advantage of this edge, counting players must boost their bet size. Without this bet size boost, money spent playing while waiting for the deck to turn positive would cancel out any wins.

There are multiple factors that affect whether a specific game is a candidate for card counting. The number of decks of cards in play, the rules on splitting and doubling down, and how the dealer reacts to a soft 17 all come into play. To get the best from counting cards, you need to find the games with the lowest house edge.

Level 3 card counting systems & true count explained

Card counting systems have three levels of complexity. The simplest systems are Hi-LoCounts. You count low cards as +1 and high cards as -1. The higher the count, the bigger the proportion of high cards to low cards.

Advantage players will increase their bets once a specific count is reached. To be sure that they have an advantage, they need to translate the current total into the “true count” first. This involves dividing the count by the number of decks still in play. If the count is +10, with five decks remaining in a six-deck shoe, then the “true count” is 10/5 = 2. This means games like double-deck blackjack are better for counting. Players do not need to play through those first decks in the shoe while waiting for the true count to be positive.

Level two and level three counting systems are more accurate. They assign +2 to some cards and +1 to others. This splits the twos and sevens from cards three throughsix, with some systems also counting nines differently. There are systems with separate counts for aces. Your bet sizes need to increase in line with the positive count — for example adding a unit every time the true count increases by two points.

If you are new to cardcounting, then a simple Hi-Lo Count is the place to start. Once you have mastered keeping track of the count while playing each hand perfectly and chatting with the other players, you will be ready to move to the next level.

Examples of card counting systems

The systems below range from level one to three. These are five of hundreds of possible systems, giving you an overview of how different systems vary in their complexity.

• Hi-Lo Count: This is a balanced count and is the first system that new counters use. You add one to the total for each card value from two through six — and subtract one for 10s through aces. Seven, eight and nine are neutral. You then divide this count by the number of undealt decks and round up as needed. You should increase your bets when the count is positive — betting more the larger the positive number that you count. The advantage of the Hi-Lo system is simplicity. Compared with other blackjack counts, Hi Lo card counting does lackprecision.
• Hi-Opt1 and 2: These systems were developed by LanceHumble, though they can be traced back to the 1960s. There are many more“neutral”cards compared to the Hi-Lo Count. Hi-Opt 1 uses aces, twos, sevens, eights and nines as zero for the count. Three, four, five and six are +1, and 10s through kings are -1. This system works best for single deckgames. Hi-Opt 2 makes 10s through kings -2 on the count, with +2 for fours and fives, +1 for twos, threes, sixes and sevens. Aces, eights and nines are neutral. These are accurate systems, though with single deck games rare (and closely watched), it can be difficult to find a suitable game to use them.
• Ace-Five System: You will need to double your bet repeatedly as the count increases to make the Ace-Five System work. This is a simple count, involving only aces andfives. Every time a five is dealt, you add one, and every ace you see removes one. When the count is +2, you double your bet. Increasing it again for every +2 that gets added. If the count reverts to +1 or less, you go back to your initial bet size. The key advantage of this system is the simplicity. The always-changing bet size is likely to attract the attention of casino pit bosses.
• Uston Advanced Count: Ken Uston was a famous card counter, known for his flamboyant lifestyle. His most complex system is the “Uston Advanced Count.” Aces count as zero in this system. Fives are +3; 10s through kings are -3; nines are -1; twos and eights are +1; and threes, fours, sixes and sevens are +2. As with the other systems, you increase your bets in line with how positive the count gets — keeping the number of decks in mind. This system is designed to work best with a separate count of theaces. The complexity means that it is for experienced card counters only.
• KO Counting System: This system works like Hi-Lo, with an extra feature involving the insurance against dealer blackjack bet. It counts cards two through seven as +1, eight and nine as neutral and 10 through ace as -1. You should increase your bet at +2 or more (based on the true count). At +3 or greater, the insurance side bet becomes profitable and should be taken.

Which blackjack games are best for card counting?

Big casino resorts in Las Vegas, AtlanticCity, downtown Detroit and elsewhere run a wide selection of blackjack games. At the lowest buy-ins (typically $5 and up per hand), the rules give the casino a huge edge over theplayers. Examples include paying 6:5 instead of 3:2 for blackjack, limiting doubles after splits and having the dealer hit on soft 17. These unfavorable rules can easily boost the house edge to 3% or even more. With six or eight decks, getting a true count can be difficult.

Contrast this with the best games. An ideal setup is a single deck game, with liberal splitting/doubling rules, dealer standing on soft 17, late surrender and 3:2 for blackjack. With a house edge of 0.5% orless, these games are restricted to the high-limit rooms. This type of game is most likely to be closely monitored. Suddenly increasing your bet would be an instant trigger for experienced casino staff to watch closely.

Successful counters look for games with the lowest natural houseedge. They know the basic blackjack card counting strategy perfectly, so as not to give any edge back to the casino in the form of mistakes. If you do not know how to adapt blackjack strategy to subtle differences in the rules, then you are not yet ready to learn card counting techniques.

Is counting cards illegal in the US?

Counting cards is legal, unless you are using a mechanical or electronic device to help you keep track of the cards. Casinos do not want card counters in their games. People who are suspected of counting will be asked to leave the casino. Repeat offenses can see players banned — with trespass laws coming into effect if they attempt to return.

In 1979, Ken Uston took a casino in Atlantic City to court, challenging its right to ban “skilled” players. The court found in his favor. Rather than banning players, AC casinos now implement measures to stop card counting from working. They include regularshuffling, limiting players to flat bet sizes on each shoe and not allowing players to join a game mid-shoe.

Elsewhere, casinos will quickly ban players caught counting. This was the reason that the MIT team played in pairs. One player (betting small) would keep count, then signal to the big bet player when the count was positive. This player could then join the table, betting big amounts, while the original counter continued with smaller bets.

Card counting in other casino games

Very few casino games use a shoe containing several decks of cards. Casino poker variations like Caribbean stud or Ultimate Texas Hold ’em have a continual shuffle system, where a fresh shuffled deck is used for each hand. Baccarat does use a shoe, though it is not suitable for counting due to the complex scoring rules. Edge sorting is used in baccarat, though it is considered illegal in many jurisdictions.

This leaves blackjack variations like Spanish 21 and Free Bet Blackjack as the only candidates for card counting systems. Many variations of blackjack have a higher house edge than the main game. Spanish 21 removes 10s from the deck — starting the count on a negative.

Experienced advantage players use card counting to beat optional side bets. This requires a separate understanding of how each side bet works, with a counting system developed separately. Separate aces counts in blackjack can determine when the insurance against dealer blackjack bet becomes profitable.

Is it possible to count cards online?

Online casinos in regulated states have both live dealer and software-based blackjack options. They also have a range of games with different rules and side bets. Add in the game variations based on the 21 concept — and you will find a wide array of choices.

Advantage play through card counting is not possible at online casinos. Software based games use random number generator software to shuffle the cards for every hand. This means no count is possible. Live dealer games that are dealt in real time use eight deck shoes. What they do differently from brick and mortar casinos is reshuffle after around half of the cards are dealt. This makes it hard to spot situations where there is a positive true count. Add to this software that will instantly detect the bet sizing changes associated with counting.

What you can effectively do online is practice your counting skills. There are live dealer rooms at many of the biggest online casino brands, including Golden Nugget and BetMGM. You can enjoy a game and learn to keep score of the count while you play. Starting with simple systems like Ace-Five and Hi-Lo is ideal — you can move on to the more advanced systems as you gain experience.

If you live in a state with legal online casinos, make sure you keep a close eye on the casino bonus and promotion offers. You never know when a bonus aimed at blackjack players will become available.

Wrapping up: Card counting in blackjack

Card counting has been a part of blackjack since the1960s. Famous players including Humble and Uston published books on beating the house. Many of them are now considered among the classics of gambling literature.

Counting cards in blackjack gives you an edge over the house when there are relatively more high cards in the deck. This takes advantage of the player’s option to split, double down and to take insurance against dealer blackjack. Counting systems are graded into three levels, depending on their complexity. More complex systems are more accurate — though harder to use.

There is an Achilles’ heel for card counters. To make your knowledge of the count profitable, you need to significantly boost your bet sizes when the odds are in your favor. These bet size increases are a flag to casino staff to watch your play closely — which leads to card counters being banned. Card counting is not illegal, unless you use a device to help you keep track.

Online casinos are the perfect place to practice your card counting skills. You will not be able to get an advantage from them — as safeguards are in place. Live dealer casinos show a real table, making this the ideal way to find the right card counting system for you ahead of your next visit to a brick and mortar casino.

If you’re serious about blackjack card counting, you then’ll have many techniques to select from. Each system varies based mostly on its diploma of accuracy and complexity.

Despite the variability, although, most playing consultants shortly suggest the Hi-Lo system. Blackjack legends reminiscent of Al Francesco, James Grosjean, and Tommy Hyland have used this counting technique to make fortunes.

Nevertheless, some card-counting strategies can ship an excellent larger edge over the on line casino. Why, although, is all people so fast to push the Hi-Lo system?

The following information discusses how this counting system works, its benefits, and why it’s so well-liked amongst each consultants and amateurs.

How Does the Hi-Lo System Work?

The Hi-Lo is among the best counting techniques to make use of. Herein lies one of many greatest the explanation why it’s so beneficial.

This system can be utilized in a number of easy steps. Here’s a brief information on learn how to efficiently make use of the Hi-Lo.

1 – Assign Values to Each Card

This counting technique requires you to interrupt playing cards down into totally different teams and assign them level values as comply with:

• Low playing cards (2 by means of 6) = +1
• Non-counting playing cards (7, 8, and 9) = 0
• High playing cards (10 by means of A) = -1

You want to observe for and rely each card that comes out of the shoe, no matter whether or not it’s meant for you, the following participant, or the seller. Failure to account for even one card can throw the rely off and decrease your potential edge.

2 – Convert to the True Count

Most blackjack video games at present contain a number of decks. With that being stated, it’s important to account for all accessible decks when taking part in shoe video games.

The “true count” takes a number of decks into consideration. You arrive on the true rely by multiplying the operating correct rely by the estimated variety of remaining card decks.

Here’s a fast instance on doing so:

• The operating card rely is +8.
• You make an estimate of 4 decks stay.
• 8 / 4 = +2 is the true card rely

3 – Raise Bets When Necessary

The closing step to utilizing the Hi-Lo entails elevating bets throughout optimistic counts. To do that, you need to first set a unit measurement that measures how a lot to extend wagers.

Here’s a have a look at how you are able to do this:

• The desk’s minimal guess is $10.
• You place the smallest guess you may till the true rely turns into optimistic.
• You set a unit measurement of $25.
• You’ll add one unit for each +1 on the true rely.
• +1 true rely = $25 guess
• +2 true rely = $50 guess
• +Three true rely = $75 guess
• +Four true rely = $100 guess

You have to be cautious when setting your unit measurement. A bigger unit and, thus, larger raises typically alert a on line casino worker or pit boss and get you thrown out (coated extra later).

The key’s to contemplate your “bet spread.” The latter is the space between a desk’s minimal wager and your most guess throughout optimistic counts.

You usually need the unfold to be between 1-10 (e.g. $10 to $100) and 1-15 ($10 to $150). Some casinos could also be stricter or extra lenient on these spreads, however 1-15 is commonly the best you may realistically go.

What Are the Advantages of the Hi-Lo?

The Hi-Lo enjoys favorable standing amongst many counters for a number of causes. Here are the largest the explanation why it is best to take into account this technique.

Solid Edge Over the Casino

This system isn’t probably the most correct amongst totally different counting methods. However, it’s adequate to create a good edge over the home.

Provided you not often make errors, you’ll be taking a look at between a 1% and 1.5% benefit with the Hi-Lo. This edge is about the identical that casinos get pleasure from over educated beginner gamers.

You could not see the fruits of this benefit instantly. If you retain taking part in, although, you then’ll finally rack up severe income.

Easy to Learn

Contrary to well-liked opinion, you don’t must be a genius to grasp card counting. Instead, you may be taught the Hi-Lo with relative ease.

As proven in a earlier part, this technique solely entails three fundamental features:

How To Count Cards Hi Lo

You could not discover this technique completely straightforward to implement to start with. However, you at the very least received’t wrestle to be taught it.

Works on Multi-Deck Games

The majority of blackjack video games at present function a number of decks. Casinos started implementing shoe video games within the late 1960s as a approach of thwarting card counters.

Luckily, playing consultants discovered a approach round this by growing distinctive techniques. The Hi-Lo is one such technique that lets you get across the multi-deck shoe drawback.

You want solely convert your operating rely to a real rely. This step needs to be no drawback so long as you’re good at estimating what number of decks are left within the shoe.

How To Count Cards Hi Lo Method

Do More Accurate Card Counting Systems Exist?

The Hi-Lo could also be the most well-liked card counting system, nevertheless it’s not probably the most correct. Mathematicians have developed extra highly effective techniques by means of laptop applications.

The Thorp Ultimate, for instance, can present an even bigger edge over the home. It differs tremendously from the Hi-Lo when assigning values to totally different playing cards.

Here’s a have a look at the values for every card:

• 2 = +5
• 3 = +6
• 4 = +8
• 5= +11
• 6 = +6
• 7 = +4
• 8 = 0
• 9 = -3
• 10-Okay = -7
• A = -9

This setup is like night time and day in comparison with the Hi-Lo. Rather than simply including a easy -1 or +1 right here or there, you assign all the pieces from -9 to +11 to playing cards.

You would possibly very effectively have the ability to memorize all of those totally different values. But can you employ them on the fly throughout reside video games?

Probably not, except you’re a pc, which is why techniques just like the Thorp Ultimate are suspended in principle reasonably than practicality.

The Goal Is to Minimize Mistakes

You’ll get pleasure from extra card-counting winnings by being correct with a easy system reasonably than being much less correct with a sophisticated technique.

As defined above, some computer-developed techniques are extra correct than the Hi-Lo. But they’re merely not possible when taking part in in an actual sport.

The fundamental two objectives with card counting embrace:

• Using a professional system
• Minimizing errors

The latter is usually missed by aspiring card counters. They assume that income are assured as long as they’re utilizing a system regardless of how expert or unhealthy they might be.

However, avoiding errors is extraordinarily essential to reserving income. It’s additionally way more essential than merely utilizing probably the most correct system.

The Hi-Lo works effectively sufficient to ensure winnings. Its simplicity additionally reduces the possibilities that you just’ll make errors when counting.

Of course, it is best to observe fairly a bit earlier than counting in casinos. Practice helps you keep away from errors throughout a reside sport.

Here are some alternative ways to observe your counting skills:

• Deal playing cards to your self.
• Have a pal deal playing cards whereas appearing because the seller.
• Use a web based coaching program.
• Visit a land-based on line casino and rely off to the aspect.
• Play low-stakes blackjack and observe counting with out elevating bets.

How to Avoid Getting Caught While Using the Hi-Lo

Learning and mastering the Hi-Lo are large elements of being profitable with card counting. However, you want to take issues additional by additionally camouflaging your play.

Pit bosses are tasked with rooting out card counters as a result of casinos don’t like shedding fortunes to benefit gamers. Therefore, you have to be adequate to maintain an correct rely with out being too apparent concerning the matter.

The first step to undertaking this aim entails mixing in with different gamers. You can achieve this by wanting like the typical gambler and appearing informal.

Of course, you’ll want to lift your bets sooner or later when the rely is optimistic. Bet spreading is commonly a giveaway to card counting.

How To Count Cards In Blackjack Hi Lo System Online

You ought to analysis casinos and discover out which of them are extra lenient on guess spreading. Some casinos will allow you to go for some time earlier than the pit boss begins monitoring you, whereas others clamp down immediately.

Conclusion

How To Count Cards In Blackjack Hi Lo System Rules Of 17 Or 18

When it involves blackjack card counting, less complicated is healthier. The key’s accuracy reasonably than utilizing a extremely difficult system that will increase the probability of errors.

Some computer-developed methods, just like the Thorp Ultimate, are extra correct. Your possibilities of pulling off such techniques, although, are 0%.

How To Count Cards In Blackjack Hi Lo System

For this motive, the Hi-Lo system reigns supreme. It supplies sufficient accuracy and, most significantly, simplicity.

How Does Hi-lo Card Counting Work

You can shortly be taught and implement the Hi-Lo. As a outcome, you’ll have the ability to dedicate extra time to engaged on camouflaging your play.