Here we will look at playing blackjack to win by using 2 simple card counting strategies that can be used by anyone and are quick to learn. In fact the second one here can be learned in under 5 minutes and is the perfect novice’s introduction to card counting!
The basics of how and why card counting works are covered in part 1, so lets look at some systems straight away.
1. Hi-Low System
One of the most popular methods of card counting systems in use is the point count – Hi-Low system.
This system is based on assigning a point value of +1, 0, or -1 to cards dealt to all players on the table, including the dealer.
Aces and 10-point cards are assigned a value of -1. Cards 7, 8, 9 each count as 0. Cards 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 each count as +1.
Logic Of The Method
As the cards are dealt, the player keeps a running count of the cards coming out, and makes bets based on the current count total.
The higher the plus count i.e. the higher percentage of ten-point cards and aces remaining to be dealt from the deck indicates the advantage is with the player and bet size should be increased.
If the running count is around zero, the deck is neutral and neither the player nor the dealer are in an advantageous position.
The higher the minus count, the greater the disadvantage to the player, as a higher than normal number of ’stiff cards remain. In this case a player should only be making bets of minimum size.
The More Cards Dealt the Higher the Probability
As the dealing of the cards progresses, the credibility of the count becomes more accurate as there are fewer cards and more past data available to study.
The size of bets can be increased or decreased with the probability of winning when the deck is rich in face cards and aces, and size of bet decreased when the deck is rich in ’stiff’ cards.
It is important to note that a players decision process, when to hit, stand, double down, etc. is still based on basic strategy, however, alterations in basic strategy play is sometimes recommended based on the current card count.
For example, if the running count is +2 or greater and you have a hard 16 against a dealers up card of ten, you stand, which is the direct opposite of what basic strategy will tell you to do.
However if you consider that the deck is rich in face cards you are more likely to bust in this situation, therefore you should override basic strategy.
Therefore, if the point count is +2 or greater in a single deck game you should increase your initial bet.
Hi/Low & Multiple Decks
In multiple deck games your bet should be increased when the ‘TRUE COUNT’ is +2 or more.
What’s the difference between a running count in a single deck game versus the true count with a multiple deck?
The true count in a multiple deck game is based on the actual number of decks left play.
For example, in a single deck game if the first six cards dealt are small cards you have a running count total of +6, which is an advantage to the player.
If the first six cards dealt in a multiple deck game are all small cards you also have a running count of +6.
This does not give the player the same advantage because several decks are left to be dealt and therefore more cards to come out of the deck.
The Player must therefore use a true count as your reason to increase bet size.
If you’re at a six-deck game, and the first six cards are low ones, the count per remaining deck (the true count) is still just a little over 1, as there is just a bit less than 6 decks remaining to be played.
True Count & Running Count
To determine the true count, you need to do the following:
Divide the ‘running’ count by the number of decks remaining i.e. the number of decks left, whether they’ll actually played or not.
In a six-deck game for example, a deck or more may be cut off by the dealer after the shuffle, but this is not taken into account when calculating the true count.
Figuring out the actual number of decks remaining isn’t as hard as it first appears.
Simply look at how many cards are in the discard tray.
This system takes a bit of practice but is not as difficult as it first appears and if you are playing blackjack to win its a great method.
Lazy Card Counting
Want a simpler system to win at blackjack that still works?
It requires no complex calculations and demands little of your memory.
You already know that a deck rich in face cards is an advantage to the player so you wait for your opportunity.
All you need to do this is observe the cards coming out of a deck.
For example, if you are playing and after a few hands you observe that very few face cards or aces were played you have a situation where the next hand could be good for you and you can increase your bet accordingly.
The key to success with this method is to ONLY look for extremes.
The absence or predominance of dealt high cards is easy to spot by any player regardless of experience.
It is an easy method and is a good place to start in card counting.
If you are new to card counting and want to play blackjack to win quickly, then these two methods are an ideal introduction and if applied correctly will help you win some big pots.
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