Are you tired of constantly losing in card games? Are you looking for a way to increase your win rate and take your game to the next level? Look no further than card counting, a proven strategy that can give you a significant advantage over the casino.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about card counting, including what it is, how it works, different types of strategies, and the best games to use it with. We’ll also provide step-by-step instructions, examples, and illustrations to help you master this powerful technique.
What is Card Counting?
Card counting is a technique used by skilled players to keep track of the cards in a deck or shoe to determine when the remaining cards are favorable to the player. It’s most commonly used in blackjack, but it can also be used in other card games such as baccarat and pai gow poker.
The basic premise of card counting is that high cards (10s and aces) are good for the player, while low cards (2s through 6s) are good for the dealer. When the remaining cards in the deck or shoe are mostly high cards, the player has a higher chance of getting a blackjack and winning the hand. Conversely, when the remaining cards are mostly low cards, the dealer has a higher chance of winning.
How Does Card Counting Work?
There are different methods of card counting, but the most common one is the Hi-Lo system. In this system, each card is assigned a value: +1 for low cards (2 to 6), 0 for neutral cards (7 to 9), and -1 for high cards (10 to Ace). The player keeps a running count of these values as each card is dealt. When the count is high, the player knows that there are more high cards remaining, and they increase their bet accordingly. When the count is low, the player knows that there are more low cards remaining, and they decrease their bet or sit out of hands accordingly.
It’s important to note that card counting is not illegal, but casinos do not like it and may ask you to leave if they suspect you’re counting cards. However, as long as you’re not using any devices or working with a team, it’s perfectly legal.
Different Types of Card Counting Strategies
There are several different card counting strategies, each with its own pros and cons. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Hi-Lo Strategy
As mentioned earlier, this is the most common card counting system. It’s relatively easy to learn and has a low error rate, but it’s also less powerful than some of the more advanced systems.
The Hi-Lo system is the most commonly used card counting strategy and is relatively easy to learn. The basic idea is to assign a value of +1 to cards 2 to 6, a value of 0 to cards 7 to 9, and a value of -1 to cards 10 to Ace. As you play, you keep a running count of the cards that are dealt. When the count is positive, there are more low cards left in the deck, which is good for the player. When the count is negative, there are more high cards left in the deck, which is bad for the player.
Here’s how to use the Hi-Lo system:
- Begin by keeping a running count of the cards as they are dealt. Start with a count of zero.
- As each card is dealt, add or subtract its value from the running count.
- Use the count to determine your betting strategy. When the count is positive, increase your bet, as there are more low cards left in the deck, which increases the chance of getting a blackjack. When the count is negative, decrease your bet, as there are more high cards left in the deck, which decreases the chance of getting a blackjack.
- Continue to keep the count and adjust your bets as necessary throughout the game.
Pros of Hi-Lo Strategy:
- Relatively easy to learn
- Low error rate
- Good for beginners
- Widely used in casinos
Cons of Hi-Lo Strategy:
- Less powerful than some of the more advanced systems
- Limited ability to identify specific clumps of cards
- Requires significant concentration and practice to use effectively
KO System
The Knock-Out system is similar to Hi-Lo, but it has a slightly different count. It’s more powerful than Hi-Lo, but it’s also more complicated.
The basic idea is to assign a value of +1 to cards 2 to 7, a value of 0 to cards 8 to 9, and a value of -1 to cards 10 to Ace. The reason for the different count is that it makes the system easier to use with multiple decks.
Here’s how to use the KO system:
- Begin by keeping a running count of the cards as they are dealt. Start with a count of zero.
- As each card is dealt, add or subtract its value from the running count.
- Use the count to determine your betting strategy. When the count is positive, increase your bet, as there are more low cards left in the deck, which increases the chance of getting a blackjack. When the count is negative, decrease your bet, as there are more high cards left in the deck, which decreases the chance of getting a blackjack.
- Continue to keep the count and adjust your bets as necessary throughout the game.
KO system Pros:
- More powerful than Hi-Lo
- Easier to use than more complex systems
- Reduces errors by eliminating the need to convert the running count to a true count
- Can be used for both single- and multiple-deck games
KO system Cons:
- More complicated than Hi-Lo
- Requires more effort to learn and use effectively
- Can be less accurate than more complex systems in certain situations
Omega II System
This is a more complex system that assigns different values to different cards, depending on the count. It’s more powerful than Hi-Lo, but it’s also more difficult to learn.
The basic idea is to assign a value of +2 to cards 2 and 3, a value of +1 to cards 4 and 5, a value of 0 to cards 6 and 7, a value of -1 to cards 8 and 9, a value of -2 to cards 10 to Ace, and a value of +1 to the Ace when the count is high.
Here’s how to use the Omega II system:
- Begin by keeping a running count of the cards as they are dealt. Start with a count of zero.
- As each card is dealt, add or subtract its value from the running count.
- Use the count to determine your betting strategy. When the count is positive, increase your bet, as there are more low cards left in the deck, which increases the chance of getting a blackjack. When the count is negative, decrease your bet, as there are more high cards left in the deck, which decreases the chance of getting a blackjack.
- Adjust your strategy based on the value of the Ace. When the count is high, the Ace is worth +1. When the count is low, the Ace is worth -1.
Omega II System Pros:
- More powerful than Hi-Lo and KO
- Assigns different values to different cards, making it more accurate
- Allows for more precise identification of specific clumps of cards
Omega II System Cons:
- More complex than Hi-Lo and KO
- Requires significant practice to use effectively
- Can be less efficient in multi-deck games
Wong Halves Strategy:
This system is similar to Omega II but uses fractions instead of whole numbers for the count. It’s one of the most powerful systems but also one of the most difficult to master.
How to use the Wong Halves Strategy:
Step 1: Assign values to the cards:
- Assign a value of +1 to the cards 2, 3, 6, and 7.
- Assign a value of +2 to the cards 4 and 5.
- Assign a value of -1 to the cards 10, J, Q, K, and A.
- Assign a value of -2 to the card 9.
- Note: There are no values assigned to the card 8.
Step 2: Start with a running count of 0 at the beginning of each shoe or deck.
Step 3: As each card is dealt, add or subtract its value from the running count according to the values assigned in step 1.
Step 4: Divide the running count by the number of decks remaining to determine the true count. For example, if the running count is +8 and there are two decks remaining, the true count is +4.
Step 5: Use the true count to adjust your bets and playing strategy. When the true count is high, increase your bets and take more risks. When the true count is low, decrease your bets and play more conservatively.
Step 6: Make strategic decisions based on the count. For example, if the count is high, it may be advantageous to double down on certain hands or to take insurance if the dealer has an ace showing.
Step 7: Practice regularly to improve your accuracy and speed in using the Wong Halves system.
Overall, the Wong Halves system is considered one of the most powerful card counting strategies, but it is also one of the most difficult to learn and master. It requires significant practice and concentration to use effectively, but it can provide a significant advantage in certain casino games.
Wong Halves Strategy Pros:
- One of the most powerful card counting systems
- Assigns fractions to the count, making it more accurate
- Can be used for both single- and multiple-deck games
Wong Halves Strategy Cons:
- More difficult to learn and use than simpler systems
- Requires significant practice to use effectively
- Can be less efficient in multi-deck games
Zen Count Strategy
The Zen Count is a card counting system developed by Arnold Snyder. It’s similar to the Hi-Lo system, but assigns different values to some of the cards. The system is more complicated than Hi-Lo, but also more powerful. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Assign Values to the Cards
Assign the following values to each card:
- 2, 3, 7: +1
- 4, 5, 6: +2
- 10, J, Q, K, A: -2
- 8, 9: 0
Step 2: Keep a Running Count
As with the Hi-Lo system, keep a running count of the cards that are dealt. Start with a count of 0 and add or subtract the values of each card that is dealt.
Step 3: Calculate the True Count
To calculate the true count, divide the running count by the number of decks remaining in the shoe. For example, if the running count is +10 and there are 2 decks remaining, the true count would be +5.
Step 4: Adjust Your Betting and Playing Strategy
As with the Hi-Lo system, adjust your betting and playing strategy based on the true count. A positive true count indicates that the deck is rich in high cards, which favors the player. Increase your bet size and consider making more aggressive plays such as doubling down or splitting. A negative true count indicates that the deck is rich in low cards, which favors the dealer. Decrease your bet size and consider playing more conservatively.
Note that the Zen Count also includes some additional playing deviations based on the count, which are beyond the scope of this article. It’s recommended that you study these deviations in more detail before using the Zen Count in a casino setting.
Overall, the Zen Count is a powerful card counting system that can give skilled players an edge in blackjack. However, it requires more effort to learn and use effectively than simpler systems like Hi-Lo.
Zen Count Pros:
- More powerful than Hi-Lo
- Assigns different values to some of the cards, making it more accurate
- Allows for more precise identification of specific clumps of cards
Zen Count Cons:
- More complicated than Hi-Lo
- Requires significant practice to use effectively
- Includes additional playing deviations based on the count, making it more difficult to master
Benefits and Drawback of Card Counting
While card counting can give you a significant advantage over the casino, it’s not a foolproof strategy. Here are some of the pros and cons of card counting:
Benefits
- Can give you a significant advantage over the casino
- Can increase your chances of winning in the long run
- Allows you to make more informed decisions based on the remaining cards in the deck or shoe
- Helps you manage your bankroll by increasing your bets when the count is high and decreasing them when it’s low
- Can be used in other card games besides blackjack
Drawback
- Takes a lot of practice and discipline to master
- Casinos may ask you to leave if they suspect you’re counting cards
- Can be stressful and mentally taxing
- Not a guaranteed win, as luck still plays a role in the outcome of each hand
- Some advanced systems may be difficult to learn and use effectively
Best Games to Use Card Counting
While card counting can be used in many card games, some games are more suitable than others. Here are some of the best games to use card counting:
- Blackjack: This is the most popular game for card counting, as it has a low house edge and a high degree of skill involved.
- Baccarat: This game has a relatively low house edge, and the player has a limited number of betting options, making it easier to keep track of the count.
- Pai Gow Poker: This game involves a combination of skill and luck, and the player has a good chance of winning if they can accurately track the count.
Conclusion
Card counting is a powerful technique that can give you a significant advantage over the casino in card games. While it takes practice and discipline to master, it can increase your chances of winning in the long run and help you manage your bankroll effectively. By using one of the popular card counting systems and playing one of the recommended games, you can take your game to the next level and start winning big.
FAQs
Q: Is card counting illegal?
A: No, card counting is not illegal, but casinos may ask you to leave if they suspect you’re counting cards.
Q: Do I need to have a good memory to count cards?
A: While having a good memory can be helpful, card counting is more about mental arithmetic and keeping a running count.
Q: Can I use card counting online?
A: No, card counting is not possible in most online card games, as the deck is shuffled after each hand. However, for online card games with a live dealer, you might be able to pull it off under a few conditions:
- Does the game have acceptable and fair rules.
- Deck penetration or in short, how many decks they deal before reshuffling. Casino generally deal 4 decks before shuffling the next 4 decks. Such deck penetration is shallow and its not suitable for counting.
- Rounds per hour or how fast each round take. Having a 100 to 200 rounds per hour on average will make it worthwhile counting cards.
TMTPlay offers variety cards games based on brick and mortal casino rules. If you want to put your skills to test. Register here!
Q: Can I use card counting in other games besides blackjack?
A: Yes, card counting can be used in other card games such as baccarat and pai gow poker.
