A Card Counting Method

Many argue that blackjack is a game of skill rather than a game of chance. These same folks argue that counting cards is the only way to beat the house in blackjack. While many systems exist that are designed to give the player an unfair advantage against the house, the most common of those systems is the high-low card counting system. The system is fairly easy to learn and understand, but it does require some practice.

To begin, you must first know the rules of blackjack. The basic idea is to come as close to the number 21 with the cards that you are dealt without going over. Going over is called a bust, and you lose. On the other hand, if the dealer busts, then everybody at the table wins.

The idea behind the high-low card counting system is that as a person counts the cards that are being shown face up on the table in front of them, they can determine whether or not the concentration of high value cards (or face cards) in the deck is high or low. The lower the concentration the lower the bet (or just walk away from the table). The higher the concentration the higher the bet. If the value of the cards that has been displayed is "high", then the player should increase their wager because they have more of a chance of getting a "high" card. The chance that a player will win a hand of blackjack goes up if the chance that he will get a high card also goes up.

To begin we will assign a value to each card. Each card in the deck has a value of +1, 0, or -1. Cards valued between 2 and 6 are worth +1. Cards valued at seven, eight, and nine have a value of 0 (these are often referred to as "neutral" cards). And cards valued between ten and King or Ace has a value of -1.

The value of the cards must be calculated as they are dealt on the blackjack table. So, a blackjack table that has the following cards displayed:

2 of Clubs
8 of Spades
A of Diamonds
6 of Clubs
7 of Hearts

would have a value of +1. As more cards are dealt on the table it is possible that the count can climb to 15 or higher. +1 is the value of the cards above because:

2 of Clubs = +1
8 of Spades = 0
A of Diamonds = -1
6 of Clubs = +1
7 of Hearts = 0

1+0-1+1+0 = +1 This is where we get our value.

The above method works great in a single deck scenario, but most blackjack tables operate with multiple decks. When playing a game of single deck blackjack it is recommended that you not increase your bet or continue to play at a table if the count is anything less than +2. Only increase your wager at a single deck blackjack table if your count is +2 or higher.

If you happen to be trying this method with a multi-deck, you will have to add one more step before determining the true count of the table.

Once you have established your count, take a look at the stack of cards on the table that has not been played yet. Estimate how many decks are left to be played and divide your count by that number as follows:

7 of Hearts
6 of Diamonds
2 of Clubs
A of Hearts
8 of Hearts
10 of Clubs
King of Diamonds
3 of Spades
2 of Hearts
3 of Clubs
2 of Diamonds
4 of Diamonds

The value of the above set of cards is +5. If this were a single deck game of blackjack then now would be a great time to increase your wager. For the sake of this example we'll say that we're playing with a six deck (which is pretty common) stack of cards.

All we do now is take our count (which is commonly referred to as a running count because you keep the count as the cards are being dealt) and divide that by the number of decks that appears to be unplayed. If you were to look at the stack of cards that has yet to be played and you are able to estimate approximately 4 more decks left to play then divide the running count by the amount of unplayed decks. In this case:

+5 (running count) / 4 (decks still not played) = 2.5

The true count for the table you are sitting at is approximately +2.5.

Just like with single deck blackjack, don't increase your bet or stay at the table if you come up with anything less than +2. Since the example above has given us a count of +2.5, feel free to increase your wager.

When you are trying to divide the numbers in your head it is recommended that you round down rather than up. This way if you are wrong you won't lose any money. If you round up and you are wrong, you stand to lose everything you just wagered.

It is also recommended that you practice adding up the value of the cards in your head before you head to the casino. Buy a few decks of cards and see how fast you can keep count as you deal the cards in front of you. Also work on your division skills so that you can determine the true count from the running count on the fly.

When you are ready to head to the casino, keep the following things in mind:

--Alcohol is a great distraction. No matter how many free drinks you're offered, stick to water and soda. Alcohol can impair your ability to keep track of all the numbers running around in your head.

--Card counting may not be illegal, but it can get you in a world of trouble. Being labeled as a card counter can get you banned from casinos all around the country. Low level card counters may just be banned from playing blackjack in any casinos around the country.

--All blackjack does is increase the advantage that you have against the house, it does not guarantee that you will win at all. Never gamble unless you are prepared to lose, no matter how many systems you've studied.

--If you have a problem with gambling, get help.