The odds of winning at blackjack are quite attractive. They are just under 50% and can be skilfully exploited. Blackjack card counting is a method you can use to find an advantage over the casino.
The aim is to define the right moment for a possible win. But how does the technology work? What are its advantages and how can you learn to count cards? You can find the answers to these and other questions in this article.
How to learn how to count cards in blackjack
We explain the basics of card game strategy and explain how you can use it to experience challenging entertainment in the casino. With us you will get even more out of the classic game in the future and learn how counting blackjack cards actually helped to maximize profits in the past! We also briefly explain why card counting blackjack can only rarely be used. Instead of learning to count cards, you rely on other features to make casino winnings without counting cards!
By definition, blackjack card counting is a card game strategy that allows you, the player, to gain an edge over the casino. The method was developed in 1961 by the American mathematician Edward O. Thorp. A detailed description of the technique was published as a book in 1962 and since then it has been mainly experienced blackjack players who have benefited from this strategy.
The principle is quite simple: By counting the high cards, it is possible to recognize advantageous combinations of a deck of cards and thus to find a favorable time for higher bets. However, the handling is a bit more complicated. It has to be learned from scratch and requires some practice. Our tip: take your time. Learn how to count cards in blackjack and practice the technique first in demo mode. You can gamble with play money under real conditions before you play blackjack online with real money.
What is the point of counting cards in blackjack?
Counting cards gives you a crucial advantage over the dealer. The reason: cards that have been played once are removed from the game and are no longer available in the next round. If you count, you get an overview of the cards that have already been drawn. This way you can see when the chances of winning are good for you and when it is worth risking a higher stake. High cards are particularly attractive for a win. The more of these are in play, the better your starting position. But regardless of whether you play 21+3 Blackjack, Buster Blackjack, Double Exposure Blackjack Pro or Double Exposure Gold – the technique is only worthwhile on tables where the cards played are not taken into account in the next round. There are automatic shuffling machines that resume played cards after each round. Then counting cards in blackjack is pointless. There is no advantage to it since each coup is played with a full deck of cards.
Learning to count cards: This is how the high-lo system works
The simplest way to count cards in blackjack is the high-lo system. This is a counting technique that assigns a specific value to each card. The playing cards are divided into three categories. Cards two through six are worth plus one. Seven through nine are neutral and have the value zero. High cards – 10, J, Q, K and A – count minus one. As soon as the game starts, you count. You start at zero and add up the value of each card played. If a low card is drawn, your value increases by one. If a high card falls, it decreases by one. If your count is positive, more low cards have been dealt overall than higher cards. As a result, the likelihood of a high card being played is greater. However, if your count is negative, more high cards than low cards have already been dealt, putting you at a disadvantage compared to the dealer.