How to count blackjack cards is one of the important techniques that anyone who loves this game needs to master. This is not only a way to help you calculate the total points in your hand, but also a strategy to predict and control the situation of the game, increasing your chances of winning. With this article, 365JL will guide you from basic to advanced, helping you master the skill of counting cards in blackjack.
Understanding the value of cards in blackjack
Numbered cards from 2 to 10
In the game of blackjack, cards from 2 to 10 have a value corresponding to the number of points on the card. This means that a 2 card will count for 2 points, a 10 card will count for 10 points. These cards play an important role in determining the total points in your hand, because they are often stable and easy-to-predict cards.
Face Cards J, Q, K
The face cards, including J, Q, and K, are all worth 10 points. This makes them important cards in calculating the total score. When holding many face cards in hand, players will easily reach close to 21 points, an ideal goal in blackjack.
Ace (A)
The Ace is a special card because it can be counted as 1 point or 11 points, depending on the player’s strategy and the current total in hand. For example, if you have an Ace and a 9, the total score can be 20 (11 + 9). However, if you have another card and the total score exceeds 21, the Ace will automatically convert to 1 point to avoid being counted as a loser.
How to count blackjack cards
Hi-Lo Counting System – How to count blackjack cards
The Hi-Lo Counting System is a popular and easy-to-understand card counting method. In this system, cards are assigned specific values so that players can keep track of their “running count”. Cards 2 through 6 are assigned a value of +1, cards 7 through 9 are assigned a value of 0, and cards 10 through Ace are assigned a value of -1. As the cards are dealt, you add or subtract the corresponding values to calculate the running count.
For example, if the cards that have been dealt are 5, 10, 3, you would calculate the running count as +1 (5) -1 (10) +1 (3) = +1. When the running count is positive, this indicates that many small cards have been dealt, and the chance of drawing a big card is higher.
Assigning Values to Cards
Assigning values to cards is a way to keep track of the cards that have been dealt. This helps players determine their advantage in the game. When the running count is positive, you can expect to draw big cards. On the contrary, if the running count is negative, many big cards have been dealt, and the chance of drawing a small card is higher.
Calculating the running count – How to count blackjack cards
After each round of dealing, you need to update the running count. This is an important process that requires concentration and good memory skills. This not only helps you maintain your advantage but also adjusts your strategy to suit the game’s developments.
Notes when applying card counting techniques
Focus and practice regularly
Card counting techniques are not something you can master immediately. It requires constant practice to remember the values of the cards and calculate quickly while playing. You can practice by using a single deck of cards and counting the running count after each round of dealing.
Understand the rules and regulations of the casino
Some casinos may prohibit or restrict the application of card counting techniques. Therefore, carefully study the rules and regulations of each place before applying this tactic to avoid unnecessary trouble.
