Using basic Blackjack strategy is what many players do. In other words, these players follow the same rules as the house—standing when the cards score 17 or greater and taking a hit when the cards score 16 or less. And, this strategy is the best one to use—if a player doesn’t know about card counting.
Card counting is an advanced Blackjack strategy that can greatly increase a player’s odds of winning. This makes it a worthwhile method for frequent players to learn.
Card counting can help Blackjack players in two ways.
People who understand this method can:
–increase or decrease their bets, depending upon the quantity of aces and cards with the value of ten that are left in the deck
–alter their basic strategy of standing/hitting, depending upon the cards that are known to be left in the deck
Because players can change their bets and their playing strategies based upon the contents of the deck, this means that card counting can be a very valuable approach to Blackjack.
Card Counting Systems
There are three systems of card counting that Blackjack players can learn. None are simple; however, each can be helpful in increasing a player’s odds.
Counting System 1: Track the Tens
This is the least complicated method of card counting. It involves keeping track of every card with a value of ten that comes into play. This includes face cards and tens. A player using this method needs to count tens that come into play in any hand—the player’s hand, the dealer’s hand, and other players’ hands.
A player working with this method will be able to adjust his betting and/or strategy when the dealer is about halfway through the shoe. Regardless of the number of decks being used, if the player is keeping good count, he will know at this point whether the remaining cards waiting to be dealt are rich in tens or low in tens. A deck rich in tens will tell the player to increase his bets, for example, where as one low in tens will tell the player to minimize his bets.
For this strategy to work, players need to know the number of tens in a deck—and how many decks the dealer is using. Every deck of cards has 16 cards with a value of 10. So, the player needs to keep this figure in mind, and then multiply it by the number of decks the dealer is using. Or, the player can memorize this simple chart:
• 1 deck = 16 tens
• 2 decks = 32 tens
• 3 decks = 48 tens
• 4 decks = 64 tens
• 5 decks = 80 tens
• 6 decks = 96 tens
Counting System 2: Track the tens and the low cards
This card counting system is quite a bit more difficult than the first system; however, it is also much more accurate. This means that players who master this system can expect to have an even better increase in their odds.
The way this system works, the player must watch all cards that are dealt to everyone. If an ace or a ten value card is dealt to someone, the player adds a -1 (or subtracts 1) to a running total that he is keeping in his mind. If a card between 2 and 6 (any 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, in other words) is dealt, the player adds a +1 to that same running total. The cards 7, 8, and 9 are not figured in to the total.
The player uses this running total to influence his betting and play strategy. Whenever the running total is a positive number (above zero, that is), the player can assume that the remaining cards to be dealt are rich in ten value cards. At these times, the player increases his bet. If, however, the running total is negative (less than zero) or equal to zero, the player would do the opposite.
Counting System 3: Calculate the ratio of tens to other cards
This system is, by far, the most difficult card counting system to master. But, it is also the most accurate.
It involves the player being able to do math in his head rather quickly. First, the player has to know that the original ratio of a deck of cards is 36 to 16—36 ‘other’ cards to the 16 cards that have a value of ten. Mathematically, this is represented by a fraction, 36/16, which translates to the decimal 2.25. (To get this figure, divide 16 into 36.)
To work this system, the player deducts from each of the numbers—either the 36 or the 16—as the cards are seen. He also refigures the ratio. So, if the player sees 5 ‘other’ cards and 3 ten value cards, the numbers would change to 31 and 13, respectively. The new fraction would be 31/13, and the new decimal would then be 2.38.
Anytime the decimal falls below 2.25, the remainder of the deck is rich in tens. At this point, the player should increase his bets.
Card Counting Rules
There are certain rules players should follow when using the above systems.
When the card count is positive 2 (+2) or more:
• Take insurance when applicable
• Stand when the cards score 12 if the dealer has 2 or 3
• Double down with a ten if the dealer has an ace
• Surrender when the cards score 14 if the dealer has 10 (where allowed)
• Surrender when the cards score 8 if the dealer has 9, 10, or ace (where allowed)
When the card count is negative 2 (-2) or more:
• Hit on 10 if the dealer has 10
• Hit on 9 if the dealer has 2
• Hit on 12 if the dealer has 4
• Hit on 13 if the dealer has 2 or 3
• Hit, rather than doing a split or a double down
Card Counting Considerations
Casinos tend to frown upon card counters—this strategy is not one that dealers will want to see at their tables. So, it is best to be discreet when using this strategy.
Choose a slower dealer so that it is easier to see all of the cards. Also, try to select at seat at the end of the table—either the far left or the far right. If you are seated in the middle, you will have to swing your head back and forth to see everyone’s cards—your card counting is certain to be noticed if you are doing this.
Deck penetration is also a big consideration. Dealers no longer go to the bottom of their decks before reshuffling. Dealers who have early deck penetration—that is, dealers who reshuffle early—cause card counters to lose some of their advantage. So, look for a dealer who goes through at least 65% - 70% of his deck before shuffling.
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