Blackjack card counting – how does it work?

Now there are many gambling card games, but not all of them are very popular. Blackjack stands out against their background. It is dynamic and quite simple rules that can be remembered in a few minutes. In this case, even here you can use different strategies. Various methods allow you to increase the advantage of players over the casino. And one of them is card counting. However, it is important to know how it works.

Kinds of Card Counting Methods

Initially, you need to carefully study all the features of the game of blackjack. It is important to keep track of everything that happens on the table. And if there are several distributions in a row from one deck, then the player has a certain advantage. The fact is that he will be able to roughly calculate which cards remained in the deck. And the more “tens” there are, the higher the chances of success. And, conversely, if only small cards remain, then it is better not to raise cards so as not to lose.

At the moment, there are two options for effectively counting cards in a deck:

1. Plus or minus.
2. Halves.

It is rather difficult to say which one is better. All players have their own priorities in choosing the method of counting.

Plus or minus

The player needs to keep track of all open cards and assign a certain value to each of them. Everything is done according to the following method:

1. Cards from 2 to 6 – plus one.
2. From 7 to 9 – zero.
3. From 10 to Ace – minus one.

All this adds up and gets a certain value. The higher it is, the more chances to win. This is important to remember, as in such a situation, you can take more active actions behind different boxes.

A standard deck of 52 cards, according to the above scheme, adds up to zero. Therefore, plus or minus is a balanced method and allows you to understand what the player should expect from the current draw.

Halves

This system has been described in sufficient detail by some blackjack experts. This method is more complex, as it involves working with real numbers, and not with halves.

All cards are assigned certain values:

1. 2 – +0.5.
2. 3 and 4 – +1.
3. 5 – +1.5.
4. 6 – +1.
5. 7 – +0.5.
6. 8 – 0.
7. 9 – -0.5.
8. All other cards – -1.

Some players try to make the system simpler and multiply all values by two. The probability of winning is calculated in the same way as in the plus or minus method. However, “halves” are a more efficient way precisely due to their accuracy.

How do casinos treat card counting?

In most casinos, card counters are treated the same as cheaters. After all, such visitors are trying to make the game more profitable for themselves, which the clubs do not want to allow. Therefore, the following methods are used to deal with counting players:

1. Using multiple decks. It is more difficult for players to count cards, so the casino gets an advantage.
2. Restriction of access. The casino simply monitors which of the players wins too often. For such visitors, security restricts access to the casino or a specific gaming table. No explanation will be given, however.
3. Use of shuffle machines. These devices periodically shuffle the cards, so nothing can be calculated.

What advantage does the player get when counting cards?

The debate over whether or not counting is an advantage never dies down. Some argue that using this method simply allows you to smooth out the minus a little. If you believe real professionals, then there can be no talk of any advantage over the casino. Yes, sometimes it gets a small plus, but even then there is a risk of getting banned and no longer getting into the gaming establishment.

That is why it is better to consider the option of playing in an online casino. Here you can use any strategy and not worry that the management of the establishment will restrict access to your entertainment.