How To Count Cards In Blackjack

If you want to learn how to count cards in blackjack, there are many ways to do it. The basic hi-lo system is easy to learn and appropriate for casual counters.

1. Learn basic strategy. If you don’t know when it’s mathematically in your favor to hit, stay, double down, and so forth your advantage will be eaten away by misplayed hands.
2. Watch all the cards that come out of the deck. You need to make note of other player’s hands too.
3. Assign value to each card that comes into play including hits. Start at zero and keep a running total. Add one point for every two, three, four, five and six you see. Subtract one point for tens, jacks, queens, kings and aces. Sevens, eights, and nines are neutral.
4. Divide your count by the number of decks the dealer is using. This will give you a true count. If you’re playing a double deck divide by two to accurately count cards. If you’re playing a six deck shoe divide by six.
5. Increase your bet when the count is high. You’re more likely to get blackjack now.
6. Use the running count to help you make close calls. Keep basic strategy in mind when playing your hand but if the current count is low there are more small cards if you need a hit. A large count means you're more likely to catch a ten on a hit.

Tips:

 Card counting is not illegal as long as you don’t use any computer aided devices. However if you’re spotted casino managers can ask you to leave.

Don’t start counting mid-deck. Start at the very beginning.

Don’t use online  gaming sites to practice. Hands on many Blackjack sites are randomly generated.