Did you know that learning how to count cards in blackjack can give you an edge when playing the game? This may seem like a challenging and tedious process, but experienced players use this strategy. It’s even highlighted in a popular Hollywood movie called ‘21’ that starred Kevin Spacey. So what exactly is card counting and should you follow the lead of many successful players? Read on and discover how card counting in blackjack works!

Best Casinos to Play Blackjack Online for 2024

#CasinoRatingBonusBonus Code
1 Read Review First Deposit Bonus Up to ₱7000 + 120 Free Spins Claim Bonus
2 Read Review 100% BONUS UP TO 18,000 PHP Claim Bonus
3 Read Review Up to $20,000 Sign Up Reward Claim Bonus
4 Read Review Welcome Package up to $500 or 5 BTC + 180 Free Spins Claim Bonus
5 Read Review 150% Welcome Bonus Package up to ₱15,000 Claim Bonus
6 Read Review Welcome Package up to €1500 + 150 FS Claim Bonus
7 Read Review Welcome Package up to $1500 + 150 free Spins Claim Bonus
8 Read Review Welcome Pack Up to €2500 + 250 Free Spins Claim Bonus
9 Read Review Up to 100$ on your first deposit. Registration required. Claim Bonus
10 Read Review Welcome Bonus up to €1750 and 290 Free Spins Claim Bonus

What does counting cards mean?

When it comes to online gambling, we all want to get ahead and beat the house. So how do we cut back the house edge? In blackjack online, a popular strategy is to count cards. It’s a technique in online blackjack where you check if the cards dealt are to your advantage or not. If the advantage shifts in your favor, you increase your bet. However, when the advantage points to the dealer, you make small bets or don’t play at all.

Card Counting Systems You Can Use

In this online blackjack strategy, your primary objective is to watch out for high-value cards as these benefit the player. To do this, you need to learn how to count cards in blackjack. Although the idea of counting is simplistic, there are different ways on how to do it. For this reason, you need to check out the different card counting systems. Here’s a look at the different systems you can try.

Hi-Lo

This is the most popular system to use if you want to learn to count cards. Cards are assigned values, with two to six getting +1, the eight and nine, 0, and other cards, -1. you need to assign values as cards are dealt on the table. The game is in your favor when the current count is positive.

Thorp’s Ten-Count System

This is another popular system to use when you want to track the cards on the table. Cards from two to nines including As getting +4 and the 10s, Js, Qs, and Ks get a -9 value. If the running count is getting higher, you can increase your bets in blackjack online.

List of online casino in the philippines
#CasinoRatingBonusBonus Code
1 Read Review Welcome Pack up to ₱50,000 +150 FREE SPINS Claim Bonus

Ace/Five Count

Before you start, you need to decide first on your betting limit. At the beginning of the shoe, play the minimum bet with a count of zero. For every five dealt, add one. And for every Ace, subtract one. If your running count is at least two, you can double your wager. If less than this number, just play the minimum bet.

Knock Out Count System

In this card counting system, the starting count depends on the number of decks used. If there’s one deck, you start with 0. If there are two or six decks in place, you start with -4 and -20 respectively. And when there are eight decks in place, you begin with -28. Under this system, you subtract 1 if you notice the Royals, As, and 10s. Add one when you see 2 through 7 and for 8s and 9s, do nothing. Here, you can increase your bet if your count is high.

Red Seven Count

If you’re learning how to count cards in blackjack, you’ll also encounter the Red Seven system. Again, you will assign points for different types of cards. The 2s to 7 reds are assigned +1. The 10s, Aces, and Royals get -1. or 8s, nine, and the blackjack, you assign nothing. If you reach a positive count you can increase your wager on the blackjack table.

how to count cards in blackjack

Omega II System

So how do you count cards in blackjack using the Omega II System? In this balanced card counting system introduced by Bryce Carlson, cards assume specific values. Here, 4 to 6 gets a value of +2, and 2, 3, and 7 get a +1. You add -2 if you get 10s and Royals, and -1 for 9. And if you notice 8s and Aces, you do nothing. Again, you should increase your bets as the count goes higher.

Wong Halves System

Another blackjack card counting practice is the Wong Halves which often works for experienced blackjack online players. Instead of full numbers, you will use fractions which complicate the process. For example, you add +1.5 for 5s, + for 3, 4, and 6, and +0.5 for 2s and 7s. The 10s, Aces, and Royals receive -1, and 9s get-0.5

Conclusion - When Can You Count Cards in Blackjack?

We all want to get ahead in online blackjack, and this is the primary reason why we explore certain strategies and use bonuses to our advantage. Aside from a blackjack bonus, there’s another strategy worth checking out by the player: learning how to count cards in blackjack.

Theoretically, adopting a blackjack card counting strategy works since you can track the cards’ values as they present themselves on the table. However, using this strategy in blackjack online is easier said than done. Casino operators understand this popular strategy and in response, they now use sophisticated software that shuffles the cards every time a new card is dealt. This makes card counting challenging for beginners and casual online blackjack players.

FAQ

Can I count cards in online blackjack?

Yes, it is possible to count cards in a blackjack game. And you can find several systems that you can use in learning how to count cards in blackjack.

Is card counting illegal?

Card counting is a popular strategy employed by many experienced players and you can use this when playing in a casino. However, casino operators are now improving their systems to at least minimize or discourage the use of card counting techniques.

Online Casino Real Money Philippines
#CasinoRatingBonusBonus Code
1 Read Review Welcome Bonus Up to €200 + 200 Free Spins Claim Bonus

Is it difficult to learn how to count cards in blackjack?

Learning how to count cards in blackjack is difficult for first-time players. But with constant practice and by using the simplest systems, you can easily master the strategy and start playing like a pro.