Counting cards at blackjack

Card counting is a strategy that helps to calculate the ideal time to bet, and has been reflected in the best blackjack books and films. An example of this is Blackjack 21, a film by Robert Luketic whose plot focuses specifically on card counting. The main characters (a professor and his students) go to Las Vegas and put this popular method to the test with excellent results.

Make sure you know the rules of blackjack before you play

The great advantage of playing online blackjack is that you can play at any time of the day, wherever you are. But before you get carried away, we recommend that you study the rules thoroughly, as this will increase your chances of success.

How to count cards? The Hi-Lo system

Harvey Dubner developed the Hi-Lo system back in 1963. It is a system that increases your chances of success, as long as your game is not based on RNG (random number generator). Thus, this strategy only works for games that are played live, either online or in land-based casinos.

General principles of card counting

Based on the fact that it is impossible to make a mathematical prediction about the cards that will be dealt, card counting estimates whether there are more high or low cards left in the deck.

Is it a balanced system? "Blackjack 21 (Lasvegas 21)

Online blackjack allows you to apply the Hi-Lo system, which is a balanced strategy whenever you play live.

Card values in the Hi-Lo system

The following is an example of sample card counting using the Hi-Lo system:

• Cards from 2-6: +1
• Cards 7-9: 0 (zero)
• Cards from 10 to Ace: -1

Hi-Lo system: a practical example

We would like to share an example with you, as it is the best way to understand how this strategy works, which is useful in blackjack. Once the dealer has shuffled the cards, the count starts at 0.

The dealer deals the following sequence of cards: 5, 7, Ace, 6, 3, 8, Jack (J). With each card that comes up, the count is adjusted as follows: +1 for the 5, 0 for the 7, -1 for the Ace, +1 for the 6, +1 for the 3, 0 for the 8, - 1 for the Jack (J). Applying the count, you get the following sum: +1 0 - 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 0 - 1 = +1 - The final count after the sequence of cards dealt above is +1.

If the counter you get is positive, as in the example, it means that you have a certain advantage. It is therefore advisable to increase the size of your bet. The higher the number you get as a result of your count, as long as it is a positive symbol, the better it is for you. If the value of the counter is negative, it means that you have no advantage and you will have to bet the minimum on the next turn.

You should be aware that the higher the sum, the more high value cards will be left in the dealer's deck. You should continue the addition procedure for each round you play, dynamically adjusting the size of the bets according to the value obtained in the count. The Hi-Lo system is a balanced method, which means that the sum of the values attributed to the big cards (10) and the small cards is 0. The correlation level is 0.97 for the bets and 0.51 for the game variations.

If you want to master this counting system, you need to start practising it as soon as possible. There is no point in knowing the theory if you don't get going and learn from your mistakes until you are 100% familiar with the technique.
When playing in an online casino, players are not responsible for the dealing of cards after the dealer's first round. Thus, the counting starts with the dealer's card and the cards are counted 2 at a time as the second card is dealt to each player. After this, the cards are counted 1 by 1 until the next round or hand.

This system has proven to be so effective in increasing the odds of successful play that it is not allowed to be implemented in many casinos. If you play at an online gambling house, you should be aware that it is not legal to use software that does the counting for you and that, if you do so, you run the risk of being banned.

In any case, we invite you to read the terms and conditions of the casino where you are going to apply the technique before doing so, in case it is expressly forbidden.

We would also like to remind you of the importance of playing responsibly. You should be aware that, even if you use strategy, casino games have a large component of chance that is beyond your control. Therefore, it is not certain that you will always win, even if you apply strategies that have been proven to be reliable.

On the other hand, we believe it is advisable to set a budget limit before you start betting or gambling to avoid spending more money than you can afford.

At Casino Solera we are committed to your wellbeing, so we recommend that you contact our customer support team should you have any doubts about your gambling. Ultimately, you should consider gambling as a form of entertainment and never as your main source of income. Did you know that e-learning tools exist? We will tell you about them, in brief, below.

E-learning tools

888Casino has developed a tool that allows you to practice card counting, check it out to see how it works.

Other strategies: basic blackjack strategy

In the early 1960s, mathematician and blackjack player Edward O. Thorp developed the famous basic strategy in one of the best blackjack books. The basic strategy is much simpler than card counting and therefore suitable for beginner players. Over time, this strategy has been translated into tables showing the actions you can take to reduce the dealer's advantage. So, with these charts you will know when to hit, stand, split, double... depending on your cards.