21 Card Counting
Card counting in Blackjack is the act of keeping track of the number of each valued card that has been dealt. Card counting assists the player in making more educated decisions on the chances of a certain card being dealt. It takes a lot of skill and a good memory to remember how often each card is dealt, so it is a task that takes practice. Counting cards is a skill that makes the game of Blackjack less of a chance game and gives you a higher percentage of win possibilities.
How to Card Count in 21 Blackjack
At the beginning of a Blackjack game, the count is reset to zero. New decks are used and the shuffle is done to start a new game. Keeping track of each card that is dealt includes the numbers that have been dealt to you as well as other players so it is important to focus and watch carefully. As you card count, you maintain a system of card tracking and you begin to learn probabilities.
Most card counting systems will keep track of smaller cards versus larger cards dealt. The advantage to this system is to help the player decide when to hit without busting. Obviously, if more large cards have been dealt there is a lesser chance of the player busting when choosing to hit. When smaller cards have primarily been dealt, it helps the player decide that the dealer will likely bust so the player can stand more often.
21 Card Counting Methods
This is one of the simple explanations of card counting, but professional 21 Blackjack players have devised several systems to use. Depending on your memory and skill will determine which system works best for you. Practicing is the general rule to learn card counting and to become a master at the game. Two easily learned systems are Hi-Lo and the KO count. These are easiest for beginners to learn and practice until they can graduate to more difficult methods.
Mastering Card Counting
To become a skilled card counter, you need to practice using counting charts. A counting chart helps you visualize the count and helps you master techniques. A counting chart can be pocket sized, or you can create a large learning process within your home. To start card counting, setup a Blackjack game as if you are sitting at a table. After the hands have been dealt, verbally call out the dealer’s card and your own cards. Subsequently, say aloud the step to take whether it is hit or stand or some other play. This will help you learn to quickly remember cards and develop a play routine.
There is debate of whether card counting is legal or not. Card counting is done in your head and no form of cheating is possible. However, card counting will normally get you removed from a casino if they believe you are consistently winning this way. If a casino knows you as a card counter, there is a high chance that they may ask you to leave. Although there is no certain way to prove and file charges on a card counter, a casino is within its rights to ask you to leave the premises.
The MIT Blackjack team used card counting to take millions from vegas. It was depicted in the 21 blackjack movie.