How to Count Cards in Blackjack
Counting cards is an in-depth method that is difficult to cover on a single page, but when you learn how to count cards in blackjack, you can gain an edge against the casino. Because blackjacks pay more than even money and you have the opportunity to double and split in favorable situations, if you can change the bet size based on the remaining cards in the single or multiple decks you can shift the house edge to your advantage when you play blackjack and other casino card games.
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How to Count Cards in Blackjack
Almost anyone can learn to count cards. I won’t tell you it’s easy, but it’s probably not as hard as you think. Statistically, if more high cards remain in a deck than low cards, the edge moves toward the player. When the high cards have been played at a higher rate than low cards the edge is shifting toward the house. From the top of the deck or shoe, the house edge is strong.
Basic strategy counting systems only require the ability to add or subtract one at a time and keep the total in your head.
Here’s an example. If you start at zero (where many counts start) and the following hands are played, you end up with a count of +1 using the popular Hi Lo system.
When you learn how to count cards in blackjack, you can gain an edge against the casino.
- Hand 1: 2 – 5 – 6 – 6
- Hand 2: ace – ten
- Hand 3: king – queen
- Dealer: ten – 4 – 3
In Hi Lo, all cards 6 and below are +1 and all cards 10 and higher (including aces) are -1. You see six +1 cards and 5 -1 cards, so the new count is +1.
If you can do that, you can learn how to count cards.
Difficulties of Counts – Level System
Card counting systems are generally put into groups depending on their supposed difficulty.
Some counts are harder than others, and if you can’t keep an accurate count you’ll lose the edge counting is supposed to give you.
You’re always better off playing a less effective system perfectly than a more advanced system with mistakes. Pick an effective system and master it. Don’t worry about finding the most powerful system known to man.
Each of the system summaries below includes a level. The level is simply the highest number you need to add or subtract from the count. A system that only adds or subtracts one is a level 1 system and a system that adds or subtracts two is a level 2 etc.
How to Count Cards in Blackjack: Playing Strategy
Running vs True Count
The running count is the count you keep in your head as the cards are played. It goes up and down as you play blackjack through the shoe.
In a balanced system (covered in the next section) you have to divide the running count by how many decks are left in the shoe. The closer you can estimate the number of remaining cards and remaining decks the better you will be. Most professionals recommend being able to determine to the closest quarter of a deck how many cards are left.
Balanced vs Unbalanced
A balanced count ends at zero if you count an entire deck of cards and an unbalanced count ends with a positive or negative number after counting an entire deck. (Unbalanced counts usually end with a positive number.)
The advantage of an unbalanced count is you don’t have to convert your running count to a true count. While this may seem like a huge advantage, the truth is most players who can learn to count don’t have any trouble converting counts on the fly so it isn’t a big deal.
Unbalanced counts generally don’t start at zero. The starting number will depend on how many decks are in play.
Side Counts
A side count is an extra count you need to keep while also maintaining your normal count.
If you think it sounds complicated, you’re right.
Omega II System
The Omega II system listed below uses an ace side count.
| Name | Playing Strategy |
|---|---|
| Hi Low | The Hi Lo is the most popular system. It’s a balanced level 1 system. |
| Ace Five | By far the easiest count, it only tracks two cards. It’s a balanced level one system. Because of the simplicity of the system, it’s also the least accurate on this list. |
| Red 7 | An unbalanced level 1 system, you also have to be aware of the color of sevens as they’re played. This adds a small level of complication to the system, but not having to convert to a true count makes up for it. |
| 10 count | The 10 count was the system listed in the famous book by Thorp, Beat the Dealer. It’s not used any more, but it’s the basis for every other system on this page. It was designed for the single deck game and used +4 and -9. |
| Revere Advanced Plus Minus | A level 1 balanced count. |
| Wrong Halves | Famous gambling author Stanford Wong’s system is a balanced system and is unique in using halves (.5) in the count. It’s usually listed as a level 3 system because it uses .5, 1, and 1.5. |
| Revere Point | The Revere Point count is a balanced level 2 system. |
| Unbalanced Zen II | A level 2 unbalanced counting system. |
| Hi Opt 1 | The Hi Opt 1 is a level 1 balanced system. |
| KO | Another popular system, the KO (or K-O) is an unbalanced level one system. |
| REKO | The REKO is a variation of the KO. It’s a level 1 unbalanced system. |
| Uston Advanced Count | A level 1 balanced count. |
| Zen | The Zen count is a level 2 balanced system. |
Counting Cards Online Vs. A Land-Based Casino
Land-Based Counting
When it comes to counting cards, though it’s not illegal at the federal or state level, it is frowned upon by pit bosses at brick-and-mortar casinos. Back when card counting was a new concept, casinos lost a lot of money to it! Now they often have automatic shufflers which will shuffle cards between plays. You may also find yourself escorted off the premises if they suspect you of counting cards.
Online Card Counting
If you count cards when playing online, you don’t have to worry about pit bosses or consider the “eyes in the sky” tracking your strategy. It’s a more peaceful and less stressful experience. That said, legal online gambling sites in the USA use Random Number Generator technology which makes card counting impossible. While there is no advantage to be gained when counting online, it’s still fun to try!
How to Count Cards in Blackjack: Conclusion
Counting cards is one of the best ways to give yourself a real chance to beat online casino games for real money. Take a few minutes to look through the systems to find one that looks like it’ll work for you.
Don’t get overwhelmed by the number of systems listed. If you master any system it will help you get an edge.
If you’re having a hard time getting started, try learning about the Hi Lo and Red 7 first. Both are popular systems and you’ll learn the advantages and disadvantages of balanced and unbalanced systems as you learn more about each system.
Blackjack Card Counting FAQs
Can you count cards when playing blackjack online?
You can absolutely try, but it’s much more difficult to count cards in online blackjack games. Online casinos use a random number generator to deal cards. This system means every hand is being played with a new deck. A user could count cards, but there would be no value in doing so.
Should I ever take insurance at the blackjack table?
Nope. Insurance can be viewed as a sucker bet that, in the long-run, benefits the casino by boosting the house edge. The pit boss will be happy every time you take insurance and perfect strategy requires avoiding it at all costs.
Is blackjack basic strategy card counting?
No, card counting is different than basic strategy. Each will lower the house edge and benefit the player, but basic strategy is making the right choices based on the odds of each hand, without accounting for the cards remaining in the shoe. However, basic strategy is allowed in all casinos while card counting is not.
Can I use basic strategy when playing online blackjack?
Yes! Basic strategy is applicable to both online blackjack and playing at a table in a casino. You may even be more comfortable practicing basic strategy online while using a physical strategy chart. Using the chart for online play can help you memorize it for both online and in-person betting.
How do I memorize basic blackjack strategy?
Practice makes perfect, so the more you employ basic strategy, the easier it will get to remember the rules. To start, consider focusing on major rules like always splitting 8’s or doubling down on 11.
