Blackjack Card Counting
Blackjack Card Counting can be an extremely effective way to increase your odds of winning at Blackjack. The simple fact is, the house always has an advantage in all casino games. However, by implementing a perfect Blackjack Card Counting technique, it is not only possible to deplete the house edge, but to turn the tables into the player's favor.Blackjack Card Counting comes in many forms - from simplistic methods to advanced multi-count techniques. For those who are new to the idea of Blackjack Card Counting, a more simplistic method is encouraged. Once the player has this technique down to a science, only then should more difficult Blackjack Card Counting techniques be used.
A good way to test your skills is by playing Blackjack online. You are not timed, you are not under the scrutiny of casino security, watching your every move and hesitation from a little booth with a hundred monitors. For starters, you may even try writing down the results on paper as you play Blackjack online, just for the purpose of educating yourself. This obviously would not fly in a brick and mortar casino.
Basic Hi-Lo Card Counting System
Just because this technique is defined as basic doesn't mean it is not effective. A player can still gain a significant advantage by using this strategy. The Betting Correlation (effectiveness of betting on a Hi-Lo count) is 97%.
The idea behind the Hi-Lo Card Counting System is to give each card a value in groups of 3's.
2 - 6 = +1
7 - 9 = 0
10 - A = -1
If you add up an entire deck of cards in this manner, the final value becomes 0. This Blackjack Card Counting method tells the player what cards are predominantly remaining in the deck, High cards or Low cards. When halfway through a deck, if your value is high, there are more 10's, face card and aces remaining than low cards. This presents an advantage to the player. If the value is low, there are more low cards remaining, generally giving the advantage to the dealer.
When 10-Ace remain predominant in the deck, the player has a better chance of getting Blackjack. By knowing this, he is able to double up bets at the right moment. It also means the dealer is more likely to bust a stiff hand.
Uston SS Card Counting System
The Uston SS Blackjack Card Counting System is more advanced, but more accurate with a Betting Correlation of 99%. The idea is the same as in the Hi-Lo Card Counting System, but involves 6 values, rather than 3.
2, 4, 6 = 2
5 = 3
7 = 1
8 = 0
9 = -1
10 - A = -2
The difficulty of this strategy lies in memorizing each cards value. The math itself is simple - the worst problem that will arise is X+3. If you can count to 21, you can do the math.
Other Card Counting Strategies
There are plenty of other card counting strategies out there, but none offer a higher Betting Correlation than the Uston SS system, which is also much easier to implement than other high-yield strategies. The only effective technique we have not yet discussed can be easily added to the Blackjack card counting system of your choice - Side Counts.
Side Counts
The purpose of a Side Counting system is to tell the player EXACTLY what remains in the deck in regards to optimum cards. Many players will only keep a count of Aces, while others count 10's (including Face Cards) as well. Novice Blackjack card counters should start with a Hi-Lo Card Counting System, then when ready, add in the Ace Side Count. Once it becomes second nature, either advance to the Uston SS card counting system, or begin counting 10's. Eventually you should be able to implement the Uston SS system with Side Counts of Aces and 10's.
Insurance Bets
Implementing a good Blackjack card counting strategy will give the advantage in Insurance bets. Knowing how many high cards remain, especially a side count of Aces, will tell the player exactly how to handle an Insurance situation.