Blackjack is one of the most popular and exciting casino games, where the player tries to beat the dealer by getting a hand closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. Blackjack is also a game of skill, where the player can use various strategies to improve their chances of winning. One of the most effective and controversial strategies is card counting, which is a method of tracking the ratio of high and low cards in a deck of cards to gain an advantage over the casino.

What is card counting?

Card counting is a technique that involves keeping track of the cards that have been dealt and the cards that remain in the deck, to estimate the probability of getting favorable cards in the next hands. Card counting is based on the principle that high cards, such as tens and aces, are more beneficial for the player, while low cards, such as twos and sixes, are more beneficial for the dealer. This is because high cards increase the chances of getting a blackjack, which pays 3 to 2, or a high total that can beat the dealer’s hand. Low cards, on the other hand, increase the chances of the dealer making a pat hand, or a hand that does not require any more cards, such as 17 to 21. Low cards also decrease the chances of the dealer busting, or going over 21, which is an automatic win for the player.

How does card counting work?

Card counting works by assigning a point value to each card, depending on its rank. For example, in the most common card counting system, the Hi-Lo system, the cards 2 to 6 are assigned a value of +1, the cards 7 to 9 are assigned a value of 0, and the cards 10 to ace are assigned a value of -1. The card counter then keeps a running count of the cards that have been dealt, by adding or subtracting the point values of the cards. For example, if the first four cards dealt are 2, 10, 6, and ace, the running count is +1 + (-1) + 1 + (-1) = 0. The running count indicates the ratio of high cards to low cards in the remaining deck. A positive running count means that there are more high cards than low cards left, which is favorable for the player. A negative running count means that there are more low cards than high cards left, which is favorable for the dealer. A zero running count means that the ratio is balanced, and neither the player nor the dealer has an edge.

The card counter then uses the running count to adjust their betting and playing decisions. The card counter bets more when the running count is positive, and less when the running count is negative. The card counter also changes their basic strategy, which is the optimal way to play each hand, based on the running count. For example, the card counter may stand on 16 against a dealer’s 10 when the running count is high, instead of hitting, as the basic strategy suggests. This is because the card counter expects a high card to come out, which would make the dealer more likely to bust, or the player more likely to bust if they hit. The card counter may also split, double down, or take insurance more often when the running count is high, as these are more profitable options when the deck is rich in high cards.

What are the variations of card counting?

There are many variations of card counting, which differ in the point values assigned to the cards, the complexity of the system, and the accuracy of the system. Some of the most popular card counting systems are:

• Hi-Lo: This is the simplest and most widely used card counting system, as described above. It has a betting correlation of 0.97, which means that it predicts the optimal betting situations very well. It has a playing efficiency of 0.51, which means that it predicts the optimal playing decisions moderately well. 
  
• Hi-Opt I: This is a more advanced card counting system, which assigns a value of 0 to the aces, instead of -1. This makes the system more accurate for playing decisions, but less accurate for betting decisions, as the aces are the most valuable cards for the player. The card counter has to keep a separate count of the aces, called the ace-reckoned count, to adjust the betting accordingly. The Hi-Opt I system has a betting correlation of 0.85 and a playing efficiency of 0.61. 
  
• Hi-Opt II: This is a more complex card counting system, which assigns different point values to different cards, as follows: 2, 3, 6, and 7 are worth +1; 4 and 5 are worth +2; 8 and 9 are worth 0; 10 is worth -2; and ace is worth 0. This makes the system more accurate for both betting and playing decisions, but also more difficult to use. The card counter has to keep an ace-reckoned count as well. The Hi-Opt II system has a betting correlation of 0.91 and a playing efficiency of 0.67.
  
• KO: This is an unbalanced card counting system, which assigns the same point values as the Hi-Lo system, except that the 7 is worth +1 instead of 0. This makes the system easier to use, as the card counter does not have to convert the running count to the true count, which is the running count divided by the number of decks left in the shoe. The true count is more accurate than the running count, as it takes into account the penetration, or the percentage of cards that have been dealt.
  
• Omega II: This is another complex card counting system, which assigns different point values to different cards, as follows: 2, 3, and 7 are worth +1; 4, 5, and 6 are worth +2; 8 and ace are worth 0; 9 is worth -1; and 10 is worth -2. This makes the system very accurate for both betting and playing decisions, but also very difficult to use. The card counter has to convert the running count to the true count as well. The Omega II system has a betting correlation of 0.90 and a playing efficiency of 0.69.

What are the pros and cons of card counting?

Pros:

• Card counting can give the player an edge over the casino, which can range from 0.5% to 1.5%, depending on the system, the rules, the penetration, and the bet spread. This means that the player can expect to win more money than they lose in the long run, if they play correctly and consistently.
  
• Card counting can make the game of blackjack more fun and challenging, as the player has to use their skills, memory, and concentration to keep track of the cards and make the best decisions. Card counting can also add an element of excitement and thrill, as the player has to avoid detection and suspicion from the casino staff and other players.
  
• Card counting can be a source of income or entertainment for some players, who can use their winnings to supplement their income or to enjoy their hobbies. Card counting can also be a way of expressing one’s intelligence, creativity, and passion for the game.

Cons:

• Card counting is hard and requires a lot of practice, patience, and discipline. The player has to learn the basic strategy, the card counting system, the betting and playing deviations, and the bankroll management. The player also has to be able to count the cards fast and accurately, while dealing with distractions, stress, and fatigue. The player also has to be able to cope with the swings of variance, which can cause losing streaks and emotional turmoil.
  
• Card counting is risky and can result in losses, bans, or legal troubles. The player has to risk their own money to play, and they can lose it all if they make mistakes, encounter unfavorable conditions, or face cheating or collusion. The player also has to face the hostility and scrutiny of the casino staff, who can use various countermeasures to prevent or detect card counting, such as shuffling more often, cutting off more cards, changing the rules, using technology, or banning the player. The player also has to abide by the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction they are playing in, which can vary from place to place and can change over time.
  
• Card counting is not for everyone and can have negative impacts on one’s life. The player has to dedicate a lot of time and energy to card counting, which can affect their personal and professional relationships, their health and well-being, and their other interests and goals. The player also has to deal with the ethical and moral issues of card counting, which can cause guilt, shame, or stigma. The player also has to face the social and psychological challenges of card counting, which can cause isolation, paranoia, or addiction.

What is the legality of card counting?

Card counting is not illegal under the federal, state, or local laws of the United States, as it is considered a skill rather than a crime. However, card counting is frowned upon by the casino industry, as it gives the player an unfair advantage over the house. Therefore, casinos have the right to refuse service to anyone they suspect of card counting, or to take other measures to discourage or prevent card counting, such as shuffling more often, cutting off more cards, changing the rules, using technology, or banning the player. Casinos can also share information and blacklist card counters from other casinos. However, casinos cannot use physical force or confiscate the winnings of card counters, as that would be illegal.

Card counting is also legal in most other countries, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, where gambling laws are similar to those in the United States. However, card counting is illegal in some countries, such as France, China, and Singapore, where gambling laws are more strict and harsh. In these countries, card counters can face fines, imprisonment, or deportation, depending on the severity of the offense. Therefore, card counters should always check the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction they are playing in, and be aware of the risks and consequences of their actions.

How to apply card counting in real games?

Card counting can be a very effective and rewarding strategy, but it can also be very challenging and risky. Therefore, card counters should always be prepared and careful when they apply card counting in real games. Here are some practical tips on how to do that:

• Practice and master card counting before you play for real money. You should practice card counting at home, using a deck of cards, a computer program, or a mobile app. You should practice until you can count the cards fast and accurately, without making any mistakes or losing your concentration. You should also practice converting the running count to the true count, and adjusting your betting and playing decisions accordingly. You should also practice different card counting systems, and find the one that suits you best.
  
• Choose the right online casino or land-based casino to play at. You should choose an online casino or a land-based casino that offers favorable rules and conditions for card counting, such as a low number of decks, a high penetration, a low house edge, a high table limit, and a generous bonus. You should also choose a casino that has a good reputation, a valid license, and a fair and secure gaming environment. You should avoid casinos that have a bad reputation, a dubious license, or a rigged or unsafe gaming environment.
  
• Be discreet and avoid detection. You should try to blend in with the other players and the casino staff, and avoid drawing attention to yourself. You should not act suspiciously, such as counting the cards out loud, moving your lips, or using your fingers. You should not bet too much or too little, or change your bet size too drastically. You should not play for too long or too often, or at the same casino or table. You should not talk about card counting or brag about your winnings. You should also be polite and friendly, and tip the dealer and the waitress occasionally.
  
• Be flexible and adaptable. You should be ready to change your card counting strategy, your betting and playing decisions, or your casino or table, depending on the situation. You should also be ready to deal with the countermeasures that the casino may use, such as shuffling more often, cutting off more cards, changing the rules, using technology, or banning you. You should also be ready to deal with the variance that card counting may cause, such as losing streaks or winning streaks, and manage your bankroll and your emotions accordingly.
  
• Have fun and enjoy the game. You should remember that card counting is a form of entertainment, not a way of making money or a way of life. You should not take card counting too seriously, or let it affect your personal or professional life. You should also not forget the ethical and moral aspects of card counting, and respect the casino and the other players. You should also gamble responsibly, and know when to stop and quit.

In summary, card counting is a technique that can give you an edge over the casino in the game of blackjack, by tracking the ratio of high cards to low cards in the deck. Card counting can be very effective and rewarding, but it can also be very hard and risky. Therefore, you need to learn the basics, the variations, the pros and cons, and the legality of card counting, as well as some practical tips on how to apply it in real games. Remember, card counting is a skill, not a crime, but it is also not for everyone. Card counting is a game, not a way of life. Card count wisely, and have fun!