Mastering the Card Counting Strategy: Tips and Techniques

1. Silentbet
2. Betting Strategies
3. Card Counting

Author Samuel Karugu

Approved by Atanas Tanev

Updated:

10 September 2024

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As an expert from Silentbet, I have thoroughly studied, tried and tested the card counting strategy in Blackjack. After using the approach for over nine months, I have reliable firsthand details that will significantly help you.

Samuel Karugu, Betting Expert & Writer for SilentBet

From my research about the card counting strategy, I realized that this is not about counting the value of the cards you have. No! It is a conscious but discreet activity of keeping track of the value of cards left based on what is dealt already.

The Basics of Counting Cards

For a long time, card counting in Blackjack has been considered an activity of counting the cards you have at hand. However, this is not about the cards; the value of the cards remains as the dealer burns on the table.

Basically, Card Counting in Blackjack refers to monitoring the value of the cards left in your hand by knowing the value of the cards dealt. The mission of this seemingly challenging technique is to adjust your bet size and change your playing technique. Undoubtedly, the biggest aim is decreasing the house advantage and increasing your chances of winning.

Card Counting requires knowing the value of each card at hand. While this is not simple, the Hi-Lo counting strategy has made it easy and approachable. The plan gives each card a value, so you will always know its worth when valuing cards for each round.

The Card Counting Strategy in Blackjack has been in use for a long time. Edward O. Thorp recorded it for the first time in 1962 in his book Beat the Dealer. Consequently, he is widely regarded as the father of Card Counting.

How to Count Cards?

You can count cards through the standard blackjack card counting technique, which gives cards some value. Each card that hits the table will have a value based on the below scale:

• Cards 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 – Is each worth +1
• Cards 7, 8, 9 – each card is worth 0
• King, Queen, Ace, 10, and Jack – each card is worth -1

From this scale, you will always be able to know the value of the cards you deal.

For example, If you shuffle and deal a 2, 6, followed by a 5, then King and Ace, the running count will be +1.

This is obtained by doing the following calculation: ({+1} + {+1} + {+1} + {-1} + {-1})

In the above example, the running count in the game is +1

Understanding the Deck Composition

You need to know your deck composition to use the card-counting strategy successfully. How many cards are in the deck? What types of cards are in that deck? How many suits are in the deck, and what is their rank?

When you know the above, you can allocate the value to each card based on the standard Blackjack card counting technique.

Keeping Track of the Running Count

The running count refers to the value of each round of play in Blackjack. Each round of card dealing will have a result calculated based on the card’s values.

For example, if the dealer shows a 5, your running count increases by +1. If you pick a 7 followed by an Ace, your running count becomes 0. The running count in this example is obtained as follows: ({+1} + {0} + {-1})

Adjusting Bets Based on the True Count

When casinos learned that punters were counting cards, they stopped using a single deck of cards on Blackjack and introduced 6 – 8 cards. We must establish the true count by the number of decks in play to continue using the card-counting technique in multiple decks.

To calculate the true count, divide the running count by the number of decks.

For example, if the running count is +16 and the game has eight decks, the running count is +2

When you establish the true count, you can adjust your bets accordingly to increase your winning advantage.

Deviation and Playing Deviations

You can deviate from the basic Blackjack strategy when your card count is high. However, this is not to say that you play anyhow but to approach mathematical analysis that will help you continue developing an advantage over the casino.

Examples of these deviations include:

• Buying insurance on dealer’s ace
• Instead of standing, split tens
• Double down on 9 vs dealer’s 7

Camouflaging Techniques

When you become too good at card counting, you become comfortable, and the casino will likely know you are a card counter. However, making unexpected moves or camouflaging may confuse the casino and make it think you aren’t a card counter.

A few camouflaging techniques include:

• Betting is more significant when the count is favourable and lower when it is not.
• Playing abnormally short sessions
• Changing your dress code when it is a brick-and-mortar casino

Practice and Training Tips to Get You Started

Certainly, counting cards is not an easy technique. However, you can get started by following the below tried and approved tips from Silentbet:

• First, you must learn the basic blackjack strategy perfectly
• Ensure you know how to evaluate your cards effectively
• Learn the blackjack rules, and always study the table before you start your play
• Do not stay at the same table for long when doing card counting
• Most importantly, you must try your best to manage your bankroll effectively when playing
• Lastly, always practice card counting until you become perfect

Samuel Karugu, Betting Expert & Writer for SilentBet

From my observation, many Blackjack punters who use the card counting strategy tend to become too predictable. Remember, the casino does not want you to use the strategy as you will reduce its odds. You must learn all the camouflaging repertoires possible!

Evaluating Risk and Reward

Although counting cards is celebrated as a great strategy, it has hits and misses. See below for some of its advantages and disadvantages:

Common Mistakes – Learn to Avoid Them

Undoubtedly, you cannot be perfect all the time. As I tried hi lo card counting, I came across a few common mistakes punters will likely make. Some of these mistakes are as below, and you must avoid them.

• Over betting the bankroll: Avoid this by sticking to a betting budget
• Playing unbeatable games: Even when using the card counting strategy, don’t play games you know you won’t win.
• Showing emotions: As a card counter, showing emotions will give your opponent a chance to strike you hard. Avoid showing emotions and work on the cards like a typical gambler.
• Not playing your bet game: Always ensure you use the card counting strategy on your best Blackjack game. Even if you get a loss, you will still enjoy it.

Bottom Line: Should You Count Cards?

Yes, you should count cards as it is one of the most interesting working betting strategies. Certainly, this helps you decrease the house edge, which can go to its lowest – 0.28% (Source) and increase your winning chances. However, remember that it must be discreet!

Is counting cards illegal? Yes, and this is why the casino should not notice you. At Silentbet, we believe you can always try it out now and benefit.

Samuel Karugu, Betting Expert & Writer for SilentBet

Based on my research and experience, card counting practice is a common winning strategy in casinos. If you don’t know how to do it, consider trying a card-counting simulator or trainer. Why lose when you can win?

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