cardcounting

Card counting is a strategy used primarily in the casino card game blackjack. The goal of card counting is to track the ratio of high-value cards (tens, face cards, aces) to low-value cards remaining in the shoe. By doing so, a card counter can estimate when the deck is rich in high cards, which is advantageous to the player.

When the deck is rich in high cards, the probability of the player receiving a blackjack increases, as does the probability of the dealer busting. In these situations, a card counter may increase their bets. Conversely, when the deck is rich in low cards, the player's advantage decreases, and they may decrease their bets or refrain from betting.

Card counting is not illegal, as it does not involve cheating or altering the game. However, casinos view it as a form of advantage play and do not permit it. If a casino suspects a player is card counting, they may ask the player to stop playing blackjack, ask them to leave the casino, or ban them from returning.

There are various card counting systems, such as the Hi-Lo system, which assigns a point value to each card. The Hi-Lo system is relatively simple to learn and implement. A basic count involves assigning +1 to low cards (2-6), 0 to middle cards (7-9), and -1 to high cards (10-Ace). As cards are dealt, the counter adjusts a running tally.

Effective card counting requires practice, discipline, and the ability to perform the counting and betting adjustments without drawing attention from casino personnel. It is a skill that can potentially shift the house edge in favor of the player, but it does not guarantee wins in every hand or session.