Blackjack Basic Card Counting, the High Low System
Basic Card Counting
You have to be able to walk before you can run. For the aspiring blackjack card counter, this means starting with the basic systems first before trying the fancier ones. The most of all card counting systems is the Hi Lo System. It is pretty easy to learn yet is nonetheless effective.
Card counting is founded on the fact that some cards in a deck are better for the player while others are better for the dealer or house. When you know what cards are going to be dealt next, you can vary your bets accordingly. If most of the cards left to be dealt are in your favor, you should increase your wagers; the opposite is the case if the cards aren't good for you.
How can we tell whether the next cards will be good for us or not? We count those the previous cards!
The High Low Card Counting System
Now how do you actually count the cards? First, we assign values to the cards using a basic scoring system:
Value -1 = ace, 10, king, queen, jack = total 20 cards Value 0 = 7, 8, 9 = total 12 cards Value +1 = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 = total 20 cards
The first row are our "good" cards. We count them as negative when they are dealt because we do NOT want them dealt… yet.
The second row are neutral cards. Ignore them.
The third row are the "bad" cards. We count them as positive when they are dealt because we DO want them dealt early. That way, ONLY THE "GOOD" CARDS WILL BE LEFT IN THE DECK LATER ON.
When totaled, the cards should add up to 0. This makes the High Low System a "balanced system."
Practice Card Counting System
Take a deck of 52 cards and deal them out one at a time. Start at zero. Add a point value whenever a +1 card is dealt. Subtract a point value each time a -1 card appears. If it is one of the neutral cards, ignore it.
If, by the end of the count, your total is not 0, then you made a mistake counting. Repeat until you can count easily and flawlessly. For a balanced card counting system like this, the end total must always be zero. Do count fast because the dealer will be fast.
Using a Card Counting System in the Casino
Pick a blackjack table where there are few or no other players around. You're still learning to count so you don't want to be distracted.
If you enter the game before a shuffle, keep to a flat bet. After a shuffle, start counting.
When your count is below +1, make flat minimum bets.
When the count is +2 to +3, you can double your bet.
When the count is +4 to +5, you can triple your bet.
And so on. The higher the running count, the more you can wager. There are more good cards in the deck for you so your chances of winning are bigger.
Final Thoughts on Card Counting
Be careful not to make it obvious that you're counting cards. This is why you should look for a quiet table where you don't have to talk to others.
If you practice the High Low system correctly, you will get rid of the house edge and walk away a winner.
After you get used to the balanced High Low or Hi Lo Card Counting System, you can try other more complex systems.