Written by: Kim Birch | The review was last updated: 03 July 2024 | Fact-check by: Jasmin Williams
Ever dreamed of being that clever uni student who raked in the cash from casinos using maths? If you're keen to learn how, stick around. We'll show you some straightforward ways to boost your chances at blackjack.
Here's the thing: there's actually a method to gain a slight advantage over the casino in blackjack. It's called card counting. Now, don't worry - you don't need to be a maths whiz to pull this off. Plenty of punters reckon it's too complex, but that's not the case. We'll break it down for you, and you'll see it's doable no matter your skill level. While it's not a guaranteed win or a foolproof edge, one thing's for sure: your game will improve, and your bankroll will stretch further.
Blackjack's been around for yonks, keeping punters entertained worldwide. It's got a proper cult following, and you've likely spotted it in heaps of flicks - it's the go-to for gambling scenes. It's also a favourite among high-roller types. You'll see it pop up in films like Ocean's Eleven, Rainman, and 21.
No doubt blackjack's popular, but like any casino game, it's got its risks. You never know what cards you'll cop or what the other players will get. But there's a way to minimise that risk if you've got a head for numbers.
To give yourself a leg up in blackjack, you'll want to get your head around the patterns and rules. This'll help you get under the bonnet of the game and give you an edge over the competition. Keep reading, and we'll show you how to crunch those numbers and become a blackjack pro.
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Using a card counting gadget at the pokies is against the law.
There aren't many casino games where you can legally gain an edge, but blackjack is one of them.
While it's impossible to predict the exact next card, mastering card counting can give you a fair idea of what's likely to come up. With this knowledge, you can adjust your strategy and boost your chances of winning.
In blackjack, cards are dealt from a shoe with a fixed number of cards. Once you've seen a card played, like the King of Hearts, you know it won't show up again until the shoe is reshuffled.
By keeping tabs on the cards played, you can use various techniques to predict future outcomes and improve your game.
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Before diving into card counting, let's clear up some common misconceptions. Here are a few myths about card counting in blackjack that need busting:
Rubbish. While it's a bit trickier with multiple decks, it's still doable. The real headache for card counters is those continuous shuffling machines some casinos use.
Not true at all. If you can keep a number in your head and do basic addition and subtraction, you're set. It's not about being a human calculator - it's about staying focused. Learning systems like Omega II can boost your skills and potential winnings in blackjack.
Is card counting illegal? Nope. You won't end up in the slammer for counting cards in your head. Just don't use any electronic gadgets or apps to help you count - that's when you're crossing the line.
While card counting can give you an edge in blackjack, it's not a guarantee of winning. It's just one tool in your kit for improving your game in this popular card game.
With the rise of online casinos, it's worth noting that card counting techniques can be applied in digital formats too. Just remember to play responsibly, whether you're at the casino or on your device.
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Master card counting in online blackjack to slash the house advantage
In blackjack, you're dealing with a set number of cards, whether it's one deck or several. Card counting is all about keeping tabs on which cards have been played and which are still in the deck. You do this by mentally tracking the cards as they're dealt. This gives you an idea of what cards might come up next and how the dealer might play. With this info, you can work out which cards are good for you and which aren't.
To make it simple, think of high cards (aces and face cards) as good, and low cards (number cards) as not so great. This good-bad system is the core of blackjack card counting.
Card counting relies on probability, and there are two key things to remember:
High cards are gold in blackjack - they make it easier to hit 21 or close to it. When there are more high cards than low ones left, we say the shoe is 'running hot'. That's when you want to up your bets. If there are more low cards left, we call it 'running cold'. In this case, the dealer's more likely to bust, so you might want to bet less.
This is the gist of card counting. It might sound tricky, but with a bit of practice, it's not as hard as you'd think. It's the same method the pros use to get an edge at the tables.
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The Hi-Lo card counting system, a popular technique among blackjack punters, was introduced by Harvey Dubner in 1963. This straightforward method uses simple addition to predict whether the next card will be high or low. It's all about analysing the cards that have been played to get a sense of what's left in the deck.
In the Hi-Lo system, each card is assigned one of three point values: -1, 0, or 1. It's pretty simple - you just need to group the cards like this:
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The key to card counting is tracking the cards as they're dealt. The Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 all have a count of -1 (minus one).
Ace-high card counting: How the pros like the MIT blackjack team do it
These cards cop a negative sign mainly because they pop up heaps on the table. That means fewer of 'em are left in the deck, which isn't great for you as the punter.
Cards with a 'ZERO' count: Numbers 7, 8, 9
Aussie blackjack pros used Neutral cards to count like a pro at the tables
For these neutral cards on the table, just keep your count steady - no need to add or subtract anything.
Cards with a +1 Count: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Mastering the Hi-Lo Count: Blackjack's Winning Edge in Oz
These cards have a positive count because spotting lots of them on the table means there are fewer left in the deck, which works in your favour as a player. As the dealer reveals hands, you'll tally up the card values you've seen using this assessment method.
Sounds straightforward, yeah? It is, and the Hi-Lo counting system's simplicity comes down to it being based purely on probability. But there are still a couple of tricky bits to watch out for:
When you're at a table with other punters, things get a bit more complex. You'll need to add and subtract numbers in your head quickly, turning card counting into a speedy mental maths exercise. In a nutshell, the Hi-Lo system is pretty basic - you just need to know your numbers, have a decent memory, and keep a cool head while you're playing.
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To get your head around card counting, check out these examples.
During play, cards are dealt quickly, and you'll need to tally up the assigned values on the fly. Here's an example hand:
Here's another scenario from a blackjack game. Let's say the current count is 0, and a punter at your table goes bust with these cards:
Counting cards in blackjack: A real pokie example. Gamble wisely.
Right, so what happens when the dealer reveals the next punter's cards?
Hi-Lo card counting: Casinos can boot suspected counters
With the current tally at +1, we'll keep going. Subtract 1 for the Ace, add 1 for the 3, and another 1 for the five. The new count's +2. As we've said before, you've got to be quick with your counting - the dealer won't leave the cards out for long. You might miss a few at first, but you'll get better with practice. You can even practise at home with a standard deck.
Here's a handy tip: instead of counting each card, try pairing off positive and negative cards. For example, with an Ace, a 3, and a 5, the Ace cancels out the 3, leaving just the 5. So the tally for this group is +1. This trick lets you ignore two-thirds of the cards, focusing on just one.
The core of this system is simple: count the cards and bet more when the count's high, less when it's low. You'd typically increase your bets when the count hits +3 or +4. But your betting strategy also depends on how many decks and cards are left in the shoe. If it's still full, your count isn't as crucial because it can change quickly. But with fewer cards left, you can trust your count more. A good rule of thumb is to divide your total count by the number of decks remaining. This gives you a more reliable figure to work with.
Mastering card counting in blackjack: Essential skills for Aussie punters
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To count cards effectively in blackjack, you'll need to nail the basic strategy first. Knowing when to hit, stand, split or double down is even more crucial than the counting itself. Without a solid grasp of basic blackjack strategy, your card counting skills won't save you from losing dough.
If you're not great at memorising, don't stress. There are some handy rules of thumb to get you started. For instance, always split aces and 8s, and assume the dealer's hole card is a 10. These tips can help you get your head around the basics.
While using basic strategy charts will definitely help your bankroll last longer, it's not enough to give you an edge over the house. That's where card counting comes in.
Card counting does give you a slight advantage, but you'll need to play by the book and have a hefty bankroll to see real results. Keep in mind that casinos are always finding new ways to make card counting less effective, like frequent shuffling or using more decks.
A newer trend in the card counting world is team play, made famous by the MIT gambling teams. It's particularly interesting when players work multiple tables. Team members use subtle signals to communicate good or bad counts, allowing others to swoop in with big bets when the odds are favourable.
The beauty of this setup is that it's not immediately obvious what's happening, as the counters themselves aren't making huge bets. We've only scratched the surface of team counting here - this article is just an intro to card counting basics. For more in-depth blackjack info, check out our other articles on BETO.com.
You can also find online blackjack games at top-notch online casinos, where you can put your card counting skills to the test and work on becoming a blackjack pro.
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Top Questions About Card Counting in Live Blackjack
With enough practice and skill, card counting can definitely give you an edge in blackjack. It's not a guaranteed win, but it can tilt the odds in your favour if you've got the knack for it.
In Australia, like in the US and Europe, card counting isn't against the law. You won't cop any charges for doing mental maths at the blackjack table. Just don't whip out your phone or any gadgets to help you count - that's when you'll find yourself in hot water with the casino.
Nah, card counting in blackjack isn't rocket science. With a bit of practice, you can pick it up pretty quickly. It's not as tricky as some punters make it out to be.
It's worth noting that card counting isn't against the law, so you won't cop any legal trouble if you're sprung doing it. That said, casinos mightn't be too chuffed about it.
Improving at any skill takes practice, and card counting's no exception. Keep at it, and you'll be a top-notch counter before you know it. Just remember to play responsibly and within the rules at your local casino or betting shop.
Working out the true count is straightforward - just divide the running count by the number of decks left. In a typical 6-deck game, each true count point gives you a 0.5% edge over the house. It's a handy skill for any serious blackjack punter to have up their sleeve.
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