How To Count Cards

Card counting is a common strategy used to play and win at blackjack. If you have wanted to learn how to count cards, but have been worried it is too hard, then read on. You are about to learn simple steps to counting cards that will get you started. If you want additional information there are plenty of great resources all over the internet that teach the various methods of card counting. This should be enough, though, to get you started in card counting.

The high-low system is one of the most common methods of counting cards. It is also one of the easiest systems to understand. Before you start to learn how to count cards, you need to understand that card counting is not really about counting the actually number of cards, but rather figuring the ratio of high to low cards that remain in the deck. It may seem confusing, but just follow along and you should start to understand.

Assigning Values

In the high-low system you will assign point values to each card. Low cards include 2,3,4,5 and 6. These cards get a value of plus one. High cards are the 10,jack,queen,king and ace. These cards get a value of minus one. Neutral cards are the 7,8 and 9. They get no value assigned to them.

To begin with learning to count cards you should practice memorizing the values of each card. Go through a deck over and over reciting the card values until you are sure you have them memorized.

Keep the Running Count

Once you are feeling that you have the card values memorized you can start working with keeping a running count. This is more practice to get you ready for the actual game.

To keep a running count you start with a value of 0. As you flip over cards from your deck you will add or subtract the values. For example, if you have a king, queen, 2 and 8 you would end up with a count of minus 1.

Keeping the running count will likely take much more practice that just memorizing the values. It is essential, though, that you get keeping the running count down perfectly. You should keep practicing until it becomes like second nature and you don't hesitate anymore in figuring the count.

True Count

Once you are ready to play an actual game and count the cards during the game you will go from a running count to the true count. To do this you keep the running count and divide it by the number of cards remaining in the deck. The true count will tell you what to bet.

If the true count is positive then bet more. If it is negative then don't bet as much. This allows you to play smart and only bet when you have a good chance of winning. In the end you will likely win more than you lose. Card counting can be a great way to start improving your odds at the blackjack table and help you start to make more when you play.