Card counting is a strategy used by blackjack players to keep track of the ratio of high and low cards remaining in the deck. The goal of this strategy is to gain an advantage over the casino by determining when the odds of winning are more favorable. Card counting allows players to adjust their bets and decisions depending on how favorable the situation is.
This strategy has become popular among players because it can greatly increase their chances of winning in a game that usually has a small house edge. This article will discuss the basics of card counting, how it works, and the possible legal implications of using this technique in different jurisdictions.

What is Card Counting?

Card counting is a technique that helps keep track of the ratio of high (tens, jacks, queens, kings, aces) and low (twos, threes, fours, fives, sixes) cards remaining in the deck in the game of blackjack. The purpose of card counting is to determine when the odds of winning are tipped in a player’s favor.
This strategy helps players make more informed betting decisions. When more senior cards are left in the deck, the chances of winning increase and the player can place higher bets. When there are more junior cards in the deck, the chances of winning are lower and the player may reduce the bets or refrain from playing altogether.
Card counting does not guarantee a win, as it depends on many factors, including the variability of the game and the skill of the player himself. However, when used correctly, this technique can significantly reduce the casino’s edge, giving the player a better chance of winning in the long run.

The Basics of Card Counting

The card counting technique allows players to track the ratio of high and low cards remaining in the deck and make more strategic bets when the odds are in their favor. Although card counting does not guarantee a win, when used correctly it can greatly increase a player’s chances of success.Next, we will consider the basic principles of card counting.

High vs. Low Cards

In blackjack, the value of the high and low cards plays an important role in determining the odds of the player and the dealer.
High cards include tens, jacks, queens, kings and aces. They have the following meanings:

• Tens, Jacks, Queens, Kings: Each of these cards has a value of 10.
• Aces: An ace can have a value of 1 or 11, whichever is more beneficial to the player.

Junior cards include cards 2 through 6. They have the following meanings:

• 2-6: Each of these cards has its own face value (2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

Higher cards increase the player’s chances of getting a blackjack (21 points from two cards), since the combination of an ace and any card with a value of 10 gives a blackjack. In addition, having a large number of high cards in the deck increases the probability of getting high hands, which allows the player to win more rounds.
Junior cards favor the dealer because they reduce the chance of going over (exceeding 21 points) when drawing cards. The dealer is required to take cards until he reaches a minimum of 17 points, and having a large number of junior cards in the deck reduces the risk of the dealer being overrun.
Thus, higher cards benefit the player because they increase the chances of getting blackjack and high hands, while lower cards favor the dealer by reducing the risk of being overrun. This knowledge helps players make more informed decisions when playing blackjack.

Assigning Values

The basic card counting system known as the Hi-Lo system is one of the most common and easiest to learn. It assigns different values ​​to cards based on their face value, allowing players to keep track of the ratio of senior to junior cards remaining in the deck.

Assigning values ​​to maps

• Low cards (2-6): +1 is assigned.
• Middle cards (7-9): Value 0 is assigned.
• High cards (10, jack, queen, king, ace): Value -1 is assigned.

How it works

1. Count Start: The player starts with a count of zero at the start of each new deck or shoe.
2. Card Tracking: Each time a card is dealt, the player adds or subtracts the corresponding value to the current count.
3. Positive count: If the count becomes positive (greater than zero), it means that there are more high cards left in the deck, which is beneficial to the player. In this case, the player can increase his bets.
4. Negative count: If the count goes negative (less than zero), it means that there are more low cards left in the deck, which is beneficial to the dealer. In this case, the player can reduce his bets or stop playing altogether.

Suppose a player sees the following cards: 2, 5, 10, queen, 3, 7, ace. The calculation will look like this:

• 2 (+1)
• 5 (+1)
• 10 (-1)
• Lady (-1)
• 3 (+1)
• 7 (0)
• Ace (-1)

Total count: +1 +1 -1 -1 +1 0 -1 = 0

Thus, after this sequence of cards, the count remains at zero, which means that the ratio of high and low cards in the deck is approximately equal.
The Hi-Lo system helps players make more informed betting decisions, reducing the casino edge and increasing the odds of success.

The Running Count

The concept of running count is a key element of the blackjack card counting technique. It consists in the fact that the players keep a total count of the values ​​of the cards that come out of the deck during the deal. This allows players to assess what cards are left in the deck and adjust their bets accordingly.

How the current count works

1. Count Start: The player starts with a count of zero at the start of each new deck or shoe.
2. Card Tracking: Each time a card is dealt, the player adds or subtracts the corresponding value to the current count. For example, in the Hi-Lo system, low cards (2-6) add +1, middle cards (7-9) have a value of 0, and high cards (10, jack, queen, king, ace) subtract -1.
3. Count Update: The player constantly updates the count after each card deal in order to have up-to-date information on the ratio of high and low cards remaining in the deck.
4. Using the count: When the count becomes positive (greater than zero), it means that there are more senior cards left in the deck, which is beneficial to the player. In this case, the player can increase his bets. If the count is negative (less than zero), it means that there are more junior cards left in the deck, which is beneficial for the dealer. In this case, the player can reduce his bets or stop playing altogether.

An example of a current calculation
Suppose a player sees the following cards during a game: 4, 10, 3, Ace, 5, Queen. The calculation will look like this:

• 4 (+1)
• 10 (-1)
• 3 (+1)
• Ace (-1)
• 5 (+1)
• Lady (-1)

Total count: +1 -1 +1 -1 +1 -1 = 0
The current count remains at zero, which means that the ratio of senior to junior cards in the deck is roughly equal.

The True Count

Converting the current count to a true count is an important step in card counting because it takes into account the number of decks left in play. This allows players to get a more accurate estimate of the ratio of the remaining high and low cards and make more informed betting decisions.

How real counting works

1. Current Count: This is the total count of the card values ​​that have come out of the deck during the game.
2. Number of Decks Remaining: The player estimates how many decks are left in the game. This can be done visually by looking at the remaining stack of cards.
3. Calculating True Count: The true count is calculated by dividing the current count by the number of decks remaining. The formula looks like this:
   Actual count=number of decks remaining/current count​

An example of calculating a true count
Let’s say the current count is +6 and there are about 3 decks left in the game. The actual count will be: 3+6=+2

Popular Card Counting Systems

Card counting is one of the most famous and effective techniques used by blackjack players to reduce the house edge. Several different card counting systems have been developed over the years, each with its own unique features and level of complexity. From simple systems such as Hi-Lo to more complex systems such as Zen Count or Omega II, each offers its own advantages for players of all skill levels. In this article, we’ll look at the most popular card counting systems, their basic principles, and how they can help players make more informed decisions when playing blackjack.

Hi-Lo System

The Hi-Lo system is one of the most common and simplest card counting techniques in blackjack. It is used by many players due to its simplicity and efficiency, which allows you to reduce the advantage of the casino and, accordingly, increase the player’s chances of winning.
In the Hi-Lo system, all cards in the deck receive a certain numerical value:

• Cards with face value 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: receive a value of +1.
• Cards with face value 7, 8, 9: receive a value of 0 (neutral).
• Cards with face value 10, J (Jack), Q (Queen), K (King), A (Ace): receive a value of -1.

The player starts counting from zero and adds or subtracts the value of the cards as they are dealt. For example, if a player sees a five (value +1) and a king (value -1), the total score remains at zero.
Performance of the Hi-Lo system in a standard blackjack game

• Card Ratio Tracking: The Hi-Lo system helps the player keep track of the ratio of high and low cards remaining in the deck. When the score becomes positive (for example, +5 or more), it means that there are more senior cards left in the deck, which increases the probability of a win for the player. In such a situation, the player can increase his bets.
  Reducing the house edge: If a player uses the Hi-Lo system correctly, he can reduce the house edge in a standard game of blackjack. While this system
• does not guarantee a win on every hand, it allows you to make more informed betting and playing decisions, increasing your chances of success in the long run.
• Ease of use: The Hi-Lo system is quite simple and straightforward, making it accessible even to beginners. It does not require complex calculations and can be easily used in real time during the game.

KO (Knock-Out) System

The KO (Knock-Out) system is a simpler and unbalanced card counting system that is popular with blackjack beginners due to its ease of use. This system allows players to track the ratio of senior and junior cards in the deck to make more informed decisions during the game.
Unlike the balanced Hi-Lo system, in which the total score returns to zero when the entire deck is used, the KO system is unbalanced. This means that when you count all the cards in the deck, the total score will not be zero.
In the KO system, the cards receive the same numerical values ​​as in Hi-Lo:

• Cards with denominations of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7: receive a value of +1.
• Cards with face value 8, 9: receive a value of 0 (neutral).
• Cards with face value 10, J (Jack), Q (Queen), K (King), A (Ace): receive a value of -1.

The main difference is that the KO system includes sevens as cards with a positive value (+1), making it unbalanced. Because of this, the total score when using the entire deck will not be zero, but positive.
Benefits of using the KO system for beginners

1. Ease of use: The KO system is very simple and suitable for beginners as it does not require complex calculations or tracking of additional coefficients. Players simply need to add or subtract one each time the cards are dealt.
2. Ease of learning: Because the KO system is not balanced, players do not need to worry about adjusting the count or applying a “true count” as in the Hi-Lo system. This makes KO ideal for those who are new to card counting and want to simplify the learning process.
3. Reduced errors: Due to its simplicity, the KO system reduces the risk of counting errors, which is important for beginners who do not yet have experience counting cards at a fast pace during the game.

Omega II System

The Omega II system is a more advanced and balanced card counting method used in blackjack. It is one of the most sophisticated card counting systems available, giving players greater accuracy and the potential to reduce the casino’s edge. Omega II requires significantly more skill and experience than simpler systems such as Hi-Lo or KO.
Features of the Omega II system

1. Balanced: Omega II is a balanced card counting system, meaning that when all the cards in the deck are counted, the total score is zero. This allows players to use a “true count” to more accurately determine the advantage they have over the casino at each moment of the game.
2. Card Numerical Values: Omega II uses a more complex numerical value system for cards, allowing for higher counting accuracy:

• 2, 3, 7: +1
• 4, 5, 6: +2
• 9: -1
• 10, J (Jack), Q (Queen), K (King), A (Ace): -2
• 8: 0

This more detailed approach to assigning card values ​​allows players to better understand when they have the upper hand and adjust their bets and strategies accordingly.

Complexity of the Omega II system

• More Complex Counting: Unlike simple counting systems like Hi-Lo, where each card has a value of +1, 0, or -1, Omega II uses different values ​​for different cards, making the counting process more complicated. This requires the player to have more concentration and mathematical skills while playing.
• Use of true count: Omega II provides a “true count” adjustment, which requires additional calculations to account for the number of decks remaining in play. This adds another level of difficulty, especially in situations where the game is moving quickly.

How to Practice Card Counting

Card counting takes a lot of practice and discipline. Here are some tips to help players practice effectively and improve their skills:

1. Start practicing with a deck of cards at home. This will allow you to learn to keep a cursory count in a calm environment. Deal the cards one at a time and keep count by adding or subtracting values ​​according to the chosen counting system.
2. There are many online simulators and apps designed to practice card counting. They can help you learn the technique faster and track your progress. Some popular applications even simulate the conditions of a real casino, which makes training more realistic.
3. Start with simple counting systems like Hi-Lo before progressing to more complex systems like Zen Count or Omega II. This will allow you to gradually master the technique and avoid information overload.
4. Practice in casino-like conditions. Include distractions, such as noise or conversation, and limit your counting time to build confidence. This will help you to be prepared for real casino game conditions.

The Legality and Ethics of Card Counting

1. Legality. Card counting is not illegal. This is a technique that uses mathematical skills to track the ratio of senior to junior cards in a deck. However, while card counting is not against the law, it is not condoned by casinos. The casino reserves the right to refuse service or deny entry to players suspected of card counting. If a player is caught counting cards, they may be asked to leave the casino or even banned from entering the casino for the future.
2. Ethics. The ethical debate surrounding card counting has been ongoing for many years. Some believe that card counting is a legitimate skill that requires considerable practice and intellectual effort. They argue that players have the right to use their skills to reduce the casino’s advantage. On the other hand, some consider card counting a form of cheating because it gives players an unfair advantage over the casino.
3. Casino countermeasures. Casinos employ various countermeasures to prevent card counting. Some of these include: shuffling cards frequently, increasing the number of decks, using automatic testers.