Blackjack, or any other kind of casino games for that matter, can seem a bit confusing when you’re first starting out on your gambling-as-a-hobby journey. There is certain terminology you might need to look into before you get your head around it - like blackjack strategy of card counting for example.
But, blackjack terminology need not be a mystery. And, even better, if there’s one casino game out there where the odds are forever in the player’s favour it’s blackjack. All it takes is learning one simple thing - card counting. This casino game is one of the most popular in the world for good reason. Other games you can play and win online, include these new online slots.
Why Players do Card Counting in Blackjack
Blackjack is also known as twenty-one, and the way the game works is with the player attempting to beat the dealer by getting points. A player needs to get close to 21 points worth of cards to beat the dealer. Blackjack dealers have to follow a standard set of betting rules, whereas the player doesn’t.
Blackjack strategy is available for players to freely practice while they gamble, so players can pursue the strategy they believe to be best whilst enjoying the game. Card counting can be learned by anyone who has enough practice - no genius required. While it’s called counting cards, you don’t actually memorise anythin
Card counting in blackjack goes something like this. In a regular session of the game played with one deck of cards, the house edge is basically at a nil. This is important, as the house edge is the likelihood that the casino is going to win. This means, by playing with the best strategy you can, you’re more likely to break even in the long run.
Blackjack is the only table game in the casino which can claim to give players such an advantage. It’s these very odds which make this game ripe for card counting. While there’s nothing to memorise here, it is worth memorising one or two strategies that you can then put into practice.
What does Card Counting Mean?
Card counting just means keeping a tally of particular cards when the dealer goes through the deck. By keeping a tally, while you’re still playing with the same blackjack strategy you always were, you’ll know an approximate outcome of which cards are likely to come up next. It doesn’t sound like much - but there’s more.
Card counting seems like a little bite size detail of information doesn’t it? But, that bit of info packs a real punch, as it can tell you when to bet big or bet smaller. First off, some bad news - having more low-numbered cards left over in the deck during blackjack is bad.
If this happens, it means the player isn’t as likely to get a blackjack - that is, 21 points on your first two cards for the bonus. And, the dealer isn’t as likely to “bust.” That is, get more than 21 points worth of cards - because of the rigid blackjack rules he or she must adhere to. In contrast, the more high-numbered cards are good for other reasons.
Blackjack can be played correctly though, as can card counting, and when it’s done right it can improve the odds of winning by about one per cent. While this might not sound like much to anyone, over many hours and more hands, you can count on getting a win, which says a lot. Too confusing? Check our slot games uk instead!
Card Counting in Practice
Card counting has many different strategies for players to choose from, and of course some are more effective than others. Indeed, the easiest and best card counting strategy appears to be one that’s known as high-low. It involves only one simple thing for the player to remember which is part of what makes it the easier choice.
Card counting with the high-low strategy is easy as the player only needs to keep a basic mental tally of three groups of cards. Then, when you’re enjoying their blackjack game, for every time a high number card appears on the table - 10s and face cards - the counter then subtracts one from the tally.
Blackjack strategy in this way then means that for each low numbered card, so from twos to the sixes, the counter then adds one to the tally. For the middle cards, sevens, eights, nines, they’re just ignored. So you see, this really is one of the best and easiest ways when it comes to card counting.
Card counting like this explained even further though, would mean if, for example, the tally is currently at +3, the upcoming cards are more likely to be high. So, the player wield know that now is an advantageous time to bet bigger on their game of blackjack. If however, the tally is at -2, the odds go to the dealer so it’s time to bet small.
Card Counting in Blackjack Pros and Cons
Card counting using the high low method is pretty straightforward isn’t it? It’s one of the best ways to decide on your bets when you’re playing blackjack, that’s for sure. One thing we didn’t mention is that the count goes back to nil when the deck is being shuffled. Other than that, you’re good to go and put it into practice now.
Blackjack strategy like this come with a lot of pros and few if any cons. With enough practice, this high-low one becomes nothing more than a simple tally, effortlessly performed. However, remember the key to success with anything, and this includes blackjack, is practice. And counting cards is included.
Card counting is a strategy for the more long term blackjack players out there. And, keeping your edge at one per cent means playing by the rules with every game. All whilst keeping count of the cards which are dealt onto the table - so a con would be that you need to be focussed throughout. Sometimes, in a busy setting. So there you have it, easy, simple and effective. Why not practice counting cards today?