Written by: Kim Birch | The review was last updated: 03 July 2024 | Fact-check by: Jasmin Williams
Ever dreamed of being that clever uni student who cracked the casino code and raked in the cash? Well, if you're keen to learn how to potentially boost your blackjack game, you've come to the right place.
Here's the thing: there's actually a way to gain a slight advantage over the casino in blackjack. It's called card counting. Now, don't worry - you don't need to be a maths whiz to pull this off. While it's not a guaranteed win, mastering this technique can definitely improve your game and help your bankroll last longer. Curious? Let's dive in and see how it's done.
Blackjack's been around for yonks, keeping punters entertained worldwide. It's got a bit of a cult following, and you've probably spotted it in heaps of films. It's a favourite among high-rollers, and it's popped up in movies like Ocean's Eleven, Rainman, and 21.
No doubt blackjack's popular, but like any casino game, it comes with risks. You never know what cards you'll get or what the other players are holding. But there's a way to tilt the odds in your favour if you've got a head for numbers.
To improve your chances at the blackjack table, you'll want to get clued up on patterns and rules. This'll give you an edge over the competition. Keep reading and we'll show you how to crunch the numbers and become a blackjack whiz.
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Card counting gadgets at the casino? Yeah, nah mate.
There aren't many casino games where you can legally get an edge over the house. Blackjack is one of the few exceptions.
While it's impossible to predict exactly which card will be drawn next, mastering card counting can give you a fair idea of what's likely to come up. With this knowledge, you can adjust your strategy accordingly, significantly boosting your chances of winning.
In Blackjack, cards are dealt from the shoe, and there's only a finite number available. You're aware of which cards have already been played. For instance, if you've seen the King of Hearts drawn, you know it won't appear again until a new shoe is used.
By keeping track of the cards in this way, you can employ various strategies to predict the outcome of upcoming hands.
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Before diving into card counting, it's crucial to clear up some common misconceptions. Here are a few myths about card counting in blackjack that need busting:
This is rubbish. While it's a bit trickier with more decks, it's still doable. The real headache for card counters is those continuous shuffling machines some casinos use.
Not true at all. If you can keep a number in your head and do basic addition and subtraction, you're sorted. It's not about being a human calculator - it's about practice. Learning systems like Omega II can boost your skills and potential winnings.
Nope, it's not illegal. You won't end up in the slammer for counting cards in your head. But using gadgets or apps to count? That's a no-go and could land you in hot water.
While card counting can give you an edge in blackjack, it's not a guarantee you'll clean up. It just tilts the odds a bit more in your favour.
With online casinos booming these days, it's worth noting you can use card counting in digital games too. Just remember to play responsibly, mates.
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Master card counting in online blackjack to boost your winning odds
In blackjack, you're dealing with a set number of cards, whether it's one deck or several. Card counting is all about keeping tabs on which cards have been played and which are still in the deck. You do this by mentally tracking the cards as they're dealt. This gives you an idea of what cards might come up next and how the dealer might play. By getting your head around this system, you can start to figure out which cards are good for you and which aren't.
To make it easier, think of it like this: high cards (aces and face cards) are good, while low cards (number cards) are not so great. This good/bad approach is the cornerstone of card counting in blackjack.
Card counting is all about probability. There are two key things to remember:
Basically, high cards are gold in blackjack. They make it easier to get close to 21. When there are more high cards than low cards left, we say the shoe is 'running hot'. That's when you want to up your bets. If there are more low cards left, we call it 'running cold'. In this case, the dealer is likely to have a rubbish hand, so you might want to bet less.
This is how you keep track of the cards that have been dealt. It's the same method the pros use, and with a bit of practice, it's not as tricky as you might think.
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The Hi-Lo card counting system, a popular technique among blackjack punters, was introduced by Harvey Dubner in 1963. This straightforward method uses simple addition to predict whether the next card will be high or low. It's essentially a mathematical approach that analyses the cards played to estimate what's left in the deck.
In the Hi-Lo system, each card is assigned one of three point values: -1, 0, or 1. It's pretty simple - you just need to group the cards like this:
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The key to card counting is keeping track of the cards as they're dealt. The Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 all have a count of -1 (minus one).
Ace-tracking pros like the MIT crew count high and low cards at the tables
These cards carry a negative sign primarily because they're common on the table. This means fewer of them remain in the deck, which isn't great for you as a player.
Cards with a "ZERO" count: 7, 8, and 9
Kiwi card sharks: How neutral cards played a role in MIT's Blackjack strategy
When these neutral cards show up, just keep your count steady - no need to adjust it.
Cards that bump the count up by 1: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Mastering the Hi-Lo count system in Kiwi blackjack games
These cards have a positive count because spotting heaps of them on the table means there are fewer left in the deck, which is mint for you as a player. So, as the dealer flips the hands, you'll be keeping track of the card values you've seen, using the method we just talked about.
Sounds easy as, right? It is, and that's because the Hi-Lo system of card counting is dead simple, thanks to it being based purely on probability. But there are still a couple of tricky bits to watch out for:
When you're playing with other punters, things get a bit more complicated. You've got to do some quick maths in your head, adding and subtracting numbers on the fly. So while the Hi-Lo system is straightforward, it does need some basic number skills, a decent memory, and the ability to keep your cool under pressure. If you can manage that, you're sorted.
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To get your head around card counting, check out these examples.
During a game, cards are dealt quickly, and you'll need to add up their assigned values on the fly. Here's an example hand:
Here's another scenario from a blackjack game. Imagine the current count is 0, and a punter at your table goes bust with these cards:
A true blackjack hand showing card counting. Gamble wisely.
Let's say the dealer reveals the next player's cards:
Counting cards with Hi-Lo. Suspected counters may get the boot.
With the current tally at +1, we'll keep going. We'll subtract 1 for the Ace, add one for the 3, and another 1 for the five, bringing the new count to +2. As we've said before, you need to be quick when counting cards - the dealer won't leave them on the table for long. You might miss a few cards when you're starting out, but you'll improve with practice. You can even practise at home with a standard deck of cards.
Here's a handy tip for card counting: it's easier to cancel out positive cards with negative ones, rather than counting each card individually. So, when you see an Ace, a 3, and a 5, you can quickly think that the Ace cancels out the 3, leaving just the 5. This means the tally for this group is +1. With this simple trick, you've eliminated two-thirds of the cards and only need to consider one.
The key to this system is straightforward: count the cards and bet more when the count is very positive, less when it's negative. You'll want to increase your bets when the count hits +3 or +4. But remember, the ideal betting strategy also depends on how many decks are left in the shoe and how many cards remain. If the shoe is still full, your count isn't as crucial because it can change quickly. But if there aren't many cards left, you can rely on your count more. A good rule of thumb is to divide your total count by the number of decks remaining - this gives you a more realistic value to work with.
Mastering the count: Essential skills for blackjack success in NZ
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To be a top-notch card counter in blackjack, you've got to nail the basic strategy first. Knowing when to hit, stand, split, or double down is crucial. Without that foundation, even the best counting skills won't save your bankroll.
If you're not great at memorising, don't stress. There are some handy rules of thumb to get you started. Always split aces and 8s, and assume the dealer's hole card is a 10. Using strategy charts will definitely stretch your dollars further at the tables, but it's not enough to beat the house edge on its own. That's where card counting comes in.
Can you make a few bucks? Sure, card counting gives you a slight edge. But you'll need to play by the book and have a hefty bankroll to see real results. Keep in mind, casinos are always trying to make counting trickier - they'll reshuffle more often or use more decks.
Team card counting is the latest trick up players' sleeves, made famous by those clever uni students from MIT. It's a bit of a game-changer, especially when playing multiple tables. Team members use subtle signals to let each other know when the count's hot or not. When it's good, they swoop in with big bets.
The beauty of this setup is it's not obvious at first glance. The counters aren't making massive wagers themselves. We've just scratched the surface here, but if you're keen to dive deeper into blackjack strategies, check out our other articles on BETO.com.
You can also find online blackjack games at plenty of quality online casinos. It's a great way to hone your skills and become a real blackjack whiz.
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Common Questions About Card Counting in Live Blackjack
With enough practice and skill, card counting can give you an edge in blackjack. It's not a guaranteed win, but it can tilt the odds in your favour at the casino.
Card counting isn't against the law in New Zealand or most other countries, as long as you're not using any fancy gadgets to help. It's all about using your noggin to keep track of the cards at the blackjack table.
Nah, card counting in blackjack isn't all that tricky. With a bit of practice, you can pick it up pretty quickly. It's not rocket science, just takes a bit of focus and dedication.
It's worth noting that card counting isn't against the law in New Zealand. If you're spotted doing it at a casino, you won't be in any legal trouble. That said, casinos might not be too keen on it, so keep that in mind when you're at the tables.
Keen to up your card counting game? Like any skill, it's all about putting in the mahi. Keep at it, and before you know it, you'll be a dab hand at counting cards. Just remember to keep it on the level when you're at the casino!
Working out the true count is straightforward - just divide the running count by how many decks are left. In a typical 6-deck game, each point in the true count gives you about a 0.5% advantage over the casino. It's not massive, but for savvy punters, it can make a difference.
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