Card Counting in Blackjack: How to Counting and Beat the House

Card counting in Blackjack has been a popular topic, even inspiring a blockbuster movie. But what exactly is this strategy about?

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The Principle Behind Card Counting in Blackjack

Card counting in blackjack games works on a straightforward idea: if the deck used in the game contains more high cards than low ones, the player gains an advantage over the casino.

This can sometimes lead to a long-term positive edge over the casino, with potential advantages reaching 2% or more.

However, on the blackjack games, if the deck is mostly filled with low-value cards, the casino’s advantage rises.

Players using this strategy adjust their bets based on their advantage; they increase bets when they have the upper hand and decrease them when the casino does.

How Card Counting in Blackjack Works?

The basic of card counting strategy assigns values to cards:

• Cards 2 to 6 are given a value of +1.
• Aces, tens, and picture cards have a value of -1.
• Cards 7, 8, and 9 are neutral with a value of 0.

The total sum of these values guides the player’s bets. This sum is then adjusted by the number of remaining decks to determine the “true count”.

Which indicates the player’s current position against the casino. A higher true count means a greater advantage for the player.

True Count Calculation

True Count refers to the total sum (from card values) is divided by the number of remaining decks.

For instance, if there are 4 decks left, you’d divide your total sum by 4. This “true count” gives an indication of the player’s current advantage or disadvantage.

The player has a significant advantage when the true count is 2 or higher. Each point of the true count reduces the house edge by approximately 0.5%.

Variations in Strategy

While the basic strategy is a good starting point, it needs adjustments as the card counts in the shoe change.

For instance, with a total of 15 against a dealer’s 10, the basic strategy might suggest drawing a card.

However, if there’s a high count of high-value cards, the strategy would advise standing. There are also other card-counting techniques that differ mainly in how they count aces, given the card’s significance in the game.

Limitations of Card Counting

Card counting doesn’t offer any advantage in video blackjack. In this version, every game uses a new virtual deck, making each hand independent of the previous one.

What is Video Blackjack? Known also as Online Blackjack, much like a slot machine. Players engage directly with a screen and the algorithm behind it. The game uses a RNG system to decide the outcome of each hand, ensure that every round is unique with cards dealt at random.

If you keep looking into this strategy and want to test it on online blackjack, try Kingmaker’s online blackjack; it’s quite good for beginners.

However, in live blackjack, card counting can offer an advantage because the shuffled cards remain consistent across hands. If you’re interested in trying, a classic Blackjack by Evolution is highly recommended.

Casino Countermeasures

Casinos have developed methods to counter card counting. While it’s a legit strategy, casinos can halt the game and even ban players found using it.

They’ve also introduced measures like the cut card, where only half of an eight-deck is dealt, and the continuous shuffling machine (CSM), which shuffles cards after each round.

Shuffle Tracking: An Alternative Strategy

Another advanced technique is shuffle tracking. This method requires keen eyesight and memory.

Players track groups of cards throughout the shuffle and adjust their bets based on their predictions for the next hand.

This strategy is only effective when cards are manually shuffled by the dealer, like on land-based casino or in a live blackjack version.

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Is Card Counting in Blackjack Worth It?

In conclusion, card counting in blackjack is a method that systematically evaluates the probabilities using mathematics. It offers a logical edge in a game that isn’t just about luck.

However, its effectiveness diminishes in online blackjack that relies on the RNG mechanism, which randomizes each outcome. For such scenarios, players need to employ a distinct and solid strategy.

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