There are a variety of different systems that are used to count cards, but below is the most common method.
All cards in the deck are assigned a value as follows:
2 thru 6 = +1
7-9 = 0
10-Ace = -1
When the desk is shuffled, the count is reset to 0. This is where you start counting.
For each card 2 thru 6 that comes up, you add one to the count. For each 10-Ace, you subtract one. 7 thru 9 don't really matter, so learn to ignore them.
Here's a sample hand:
Dealer: 5,6,K (+1, +1, -1)
Player: 9, 3, 6 (0, +1, +1)
So you add all +1s and -1s up (remember...you have to do this quickly), and you end up with a +3 count. When the next hand is dealt, you start adding/subtracting from the +3.
But what does this +3 mean? Well...the +3 is the RUNNING Count. It means that if the rest of the deck(s) are shown, there are going to be 3 more high cards than there are low cards.
But wait...there's more. Most casino's play with between 4 and 8 decks, so you have to divide the number of decks remaining in the shue to find the TRUE Count.
Think you're done now? Nope. You also should be keeping track of the number of Aces remaining in the deck. There are a number of foot positions that can help you with this, but that's a little tough for me to demonstrate, so that's up to you. :-)
So how does this help me decide when to play, you ask?
Simple!
If the count gets high or low enough, you have a pretty good idea of the cards that are remaining, so you can bet accordingly.
Typically a RUNNING Count from -7 thru +7 is a neutral shue, so keep your bets low. Anything -8 and lower...means there are lots of low cards in the deck, which can help you decide if you want to hit on the Hard 16. Anything +8 or higher, and the deck is high-crad rich, meaning alot more chances of 20s off the deal.
Well...that's about the basics, but here's a little warning to you...
Casino's don't like to lose money. There are cameras everywhere, and some casino have software that will analyze your betting parterns in real time. Waitress will constantly be asking if you want drinks, people will see you're on a winning streak and ask you for advice, all kinds of fun things that can throw off your count...so make sure you're good at it before you head to the casino.
If your bets are always low after the shuffle...say $5...and then they all of a sudden jump to $50 when the count goes up, it's a dead giveaway to the dealer, pit-boss, cameras, whoever, that you're counting. Youre best bet...WATCH a table before you actually sit down. Wait til the count gets good, and THEN sit down. Stay until the cards are re-shuffled or until the count goes bad, then get up and walk away and find another table.
Of course...this works better with 1 person to scout tables and 1 person to play...but that's asking alot, right?
So there you go....you now know the basics of counting cards.
But you wanted a good way to LEARN to count cards...so here's the easiest way. Buy a deck of cards, or 2, or 3, whatever.
Hold them as if you're going to deal, and flip them over 1 by 1 into a single pile until you're finished. If everything goes properly, you'll start with a count of 0 and end with a count of 0. As time goes by, you'll get faster and make less mistakes. You can count out loud at first to make things easier...whatever helps.
Next step...try it in a game with friends. Don't tell them you're counting or they'll all want to learn and they'll keep yelling out numbers to throw you off and all kinds of exciting stuff. Then you'll start to see how hard it really is to keep count. You think that's tough...wait til you hit the casino. Those dealers are quick!
Remember - Practice makes perfect!
Hope this helps. I know it was kind of long winded so here's the basic rundown...
2-6 = +1
7-9 = 0
10-A = -1
Total +/- = RUNNING COUNT
Running Count +8 or greater = HIGH CARD RICH (lots of 10s - bet high)
Running Count -8 or lower = LOW CARD RICH (good for hitting on 15s/16s)
Running Count -7 thru =7 = NEUTRAL (bet low)
Enjoy!
Comments
wow ... pretty indepth ... thanks for taking the time!
by shello on November 20th, 2004
Very interesting, thanks!
by Relsqui on January 28th, 2005
Thanks mate, I shall have fun with this and swear at you from the casino, lol
by Boris Bagarngarn on May 5th, 2005
Wow! Excellent answer! If I'm counting in my head the cards that are plainly visible for all to see, I don't see how that could be considered cheating, so a casino would have no grounds for throwing me out just for winning. Right? So thanks for the lesson!
by HungryGuy on February 6th, 2009