Blackjack is one of the few casino games where card counting can actually affect your chances of winning. This strategy, known for its effectiveness and simplicity of use, can help players achieve long-term balanced results.
Card counting
Known scene about card counting from the movie 21 (originally Oko bere) with Kevin Spacey
In the Blackjack game with a single deck, the situation is unusually favorable for the player. Statistically, the casino has almost no advantage in this variant of the game, which means that with a sufficiently correct strategy, the player can achieve balanced results in the long run. This unique feature makes Blackjack the only table game where card counting can be effective. But what exactly does card counting mean? Simply put, it involves keeping track of the running total of certain cards in the deck, which provides the player with information about which cards are likely to appear in the following stages of the game. This knowledge can help players decide on their bets based on the situation, which can increase their chances of success. Having more low-value cards in play can be disadvantageous, while a higher number of high-value cards can provide an advantage to the player. Although card counting only increases the player’s chances by a negligible percentage, in the long run, this seemingly small difference can lead to significant changes in results.
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How does it work in practice?
Another popular and relatively simple card counting system is the strategy called High-Low. This system allows the card counter to keep a simple mental record of three groups of cards. If the counter sees a high card, they subtract one unit from their count. Conversely, for each low card (such as twos to sixes), they add one unit to their count. Medium-value cards, such as sevens, eights, and nines, are simply ignored, which simplifies the process of keeping track of the cards and calculating the count. This system offers a relatively easy and effective way to monitor the ongoing status of the cards and make decisions based on this information about when it is appropriate to bet more or less. For example, if the running count is +3, it indicates that the upcoming cards are likely to be higher, which is a favorable situation for the player, and therefore it is advisable to bet in larger amounts. Conversely, if the running count is -2, it means that lower-value cards are approaching, which gives the dealer an advantage, and the player should bet smaller amounts. When the deck is reshuffled, the count returns to 0, signaling to the player that it is time to start again from the beginning. However, although this straightforward record may come effortlessly with enough time and practice, the key to success is patience and a systematic approach. Card counting is not an immediate shortcut to winning, it requires constant practice and training for the player to maintain the advantage. This means systematically playing in line with the optimal strategy and focusing on tracking the cards that are quickly dealt and turned on the table. In a busy casino environment where players rotate, it is important to maintain focus and constantly monitor the development of the situation at the table.
Catching individuals
Catching individual card counters is crucial for land-based casinos because large bets from these players can mean high losses. To prevent this, casinos invest significant resources in detecting these players. Although none of these methods are 100% effective, a combination of different approaches can lead to quite good results. For example, casino staff may try to distract the player, so the dealer, waitress, or another casino employee starts a friendly conversation with the player, which results in reducing the player’s concentration. Another option is the use of software that can recognize faces entered into a database of unwanted guests, allowing the casino to identify players marked as card counters. Casinos can also often shuffle the cards immediately after a player increases their bets, which prevents players from taking advantage of card counting. Dealers can also be instructed to shuffle the cards more frequently or close bets more quickly to prevent players from taking advantage of favorable situations. Some casinos also set a single possible bet size to force players to stay at low bets even when they have an advantage.
Catching groups
If you and your friends are planning to win big money at a casino, keep in mind that reality is often much more complicated than how it is portrayed in movies. Signaling other players without being caught by security cameras or employees, who are often trained to detect fraud (and some of them are even former professional players), is really very difficult. Casinos also share information about problematic groups of players, so if you frequently appear in casinos in the same group and exclusively engage in Blackjack, you will quickly come under the scrutiny of security personnel. Even if you are doing nothing wrong, you will be considered suspicious and their attention will focus on you.
What if you get caught?
It is essential to realize that card counting in Blackjack is not illegal. However, casinos have the right to refuse service to any individual if they seem suspicious, without giving a reason. If you were caught counting cards, you would likely be escorted away. Depending on the severity of the situation, casinos may ban you from entering the entire complex or even the entire premises. However, before deciding to try this strategy, keep in mind that most casinos have sophisticated facial recognition software. This software can identify individuals even through various disguises, such as sunglasses or hats.
How to avoid getting caught
It is important to realize that even successful card counters occasionally make mistakes that can reveal them. Additionally, it is crucial to consider where you play. If you move between different casinos and tables, you will be less noticeable and harder to track. While playing, do not forget to tip the dealers. If you occasionally leave them a few euros, they will be more willing to overlook your card counting. Likewise, it is good to tip the casino itself, perhaps at roulette or craps. Some players, who start winning, feel invincible, and this can be their downfall. It is always important to leave the table in time and not succumb to your ego. Whether you decide to try this strategy, remember that the key to success is discretion.
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Frequently asked questions
1️⃣ How does card counting work in Blackjack?
Card counting means keeping track of the running total of certain cards in the deck. This information provides players with insight into the likelihood of certain cards appearing in the following stages of the game. This allows players to better decide on their bets and increase their chances of success.2️⃣ How does card counting affect bets?
The running count in card counting helps players decide when to bet more and when to bet less.
3️⃣ How do casinos catch card counters?
Casinos use various methods to detect card counters, including distracting players, using facial recognition software, shuffling cards more frequently, or setting a single possible bet size.
Kristyna Baranova
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