Learn to Count Cards in Blackjack in Fifteen Minutes

 Learn to Count Blackjack Cards in 15 Minutes

Professional gamblers are able to count cards in Blackjack, which is one of few ways they can gain an edge over the house when it comes to casino gaming. It is often believed that counting cards requires math proficiency. But, it's not true. Although we may not be able to gain an advantage over the casino, non-professionals such as you and I can make our money last a lot longer.

Myths of card counting

First, let me dispel some common misconceptions concerning counting cards in Blackjack.

Counting cards is a crime and can land you in prison

Nope. This is the most common myth and it's not true. I actually got my first book about Blackjack from a Las Vegas casino giftshop. It included an explanation on card counting. The casino can ban you from your establishment if you are suspected of counting cards. You can also be banned from the casino if you count cards with a counting device.

It's really difficult to count cards

Wrong! It is wrong! It is possible to count cards if your memory can hold a single number, often less than 10, and you can quickly add and subtract one from that number. It takes some practice to get proficient.

It is impossible for you to count cards in a multideck shoe.

Nein. This myth is also perpetuated in TV and movies. It's not harder to count cards with a six-deck shoe as opposed to a one-decker shoe. It's just not as effective.

Also, I want to stress that even when you do it perfectly, card counting only gives you a tiny advantage over your house. To make any profits, an expert would have to go through many hands. I see card counting more of a way that makes my money go further, to prolong my playing time, than it is a way to earn money.

Card Counting: Why it Works

Let me tell you the basics of card counting. It is based on the principle that a deck with more tens, face and aces will be more beneficial for the player, than the dealer. While I won't be going into the details, you can do your own research. Take my word for it.

This knowledge will allow you to gain insight into future hands and how to place bets by looking at cards that have been dealt from the deck (or shoes). You can see that if you see a lot "good" cards in the deck (tens and face cards and aces), the deck's remaining cards will contain fewer of these cards. The advantage is with the dealer. In this situation, you might bet less, or simply make the minimum bet. On the other hand, if you have played a lot "bad" card, then the deck contains a lot many beneficial cards. How to Learn How to Count Cards