COUNTING CARDS

Updated: September 27, 2026

Many blackjack players have a general idea of what counting cards is, but do not understand the actual mechanics of it. Others may think that counting cards is too difficult for them to learn and implement a card counting strategy.

Card-counting is a big deal in popular culture, thanks to dozens of books, magazine articles, and movies about teams of card counters and their exploits. In this article, I will take some of the mystery out of card counting and show you how you can learn this valuable strategy with just a little practice.

Why Counting Cards Works

Each card that is removed from the deck makes it more likely that either the dealer will win or the player will win the next hand. If you find a Blackjack game with rules, you can keep track of the cards that have been played (removed from the deck) and increase your chances if the count favors you. Always remember to manage your bets wisely.

Whenever you come across a Blackjack game with favorable rules, you can count the cards that have been played (removed from the deck) and maximize your bets if the count is in your favor. Sometimes luck plays a significant role in the outcome.

This strategy works in large part because Blackjacks pay more than even money and when the deck is loaded with 10 count cards and faces, you are more likely to hit a Blackjack. Excitement is also part of the game.

Certain big names are NEVER a guarantee, but they are usually a pretty good sign that these sites are doing it right. Always check the credibility of the platform.

Big names are NOT a guarantee, but they are a pretty good indication that these sites are doing it right.

Card Counting Systems

There are dozens of card counting systems available. It is easy to get lost in an almost endless series of questions and calculations trying to determine which is the best. You have to balance the ease of use of each system with the strength of the system.

This chart lists the seven most-popular systems used by card counters:

The numbers with a (+) or (-€“) symbol underneath the card values row indicate what that card does to the count.

For example, in the Hi Lo count, you add 1 for each 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 you see and subtract 1 for each Ace and 10 you see. Another example - the Red7 count is almost the same as the Hi Lo count, except you add 1 for each red 7 you see.

Differences Between Balanced and Unbalanced Systems

The main difference is that a balanced count ends with the same count you started with, and an unbalanced count does not end with the same count you started with.

So by that logic, we can conclude that from the above chart:

If you start with a count of 0 using a Hi Lo count, your count will be 0 when you finish counting a deck, assuming you make no mistakes.

If you start counting at 0 and use the red 7 count, you will end up with a count of +2 after counting a single deck of cards. If you were to count two decks, your count would be +4, and so on.

Another big difference between balanced and unbalanced counting is that you have to do a conversion to get a true count with balanced systems. This means that unbalanced systems are theoretically easier to use.

If you are using a balanced count, you have to divide the count by the remaining decks to get a true count. So if your running count is +8 and there are 4 decks left, your true count would be +2.

Can Anyone Learn How to Count Cards?

The good news is that just about anyone can learn to count cards if they are willing to work at it. Contrary to the common belief that you have to remember every card in the deck, all you have to do is remember a number by adding or subtracting one or two as you see the cards.

For example, if the count is 5 and you see a card that is a +1, you make the count 6. The next card is a -1, so you make the new count 5. See how easy that is? Most systems only use +1 and -1, but there are some that use +2 and -2 or higher. I strongly recommend that you use only +1 and -1 counting while you are learning. Most players never use a higher counting system because they do not need to in order to make money.

There are a few higher count systems that literally squeeze out a few extra tenths of a percent advantage when played 100% perfectly, but the advanced complications of the system often force players to make the occasional mistake that costs more than the small extra edge.

Learn How to Count Cards

Now that you have learned why you should learn how to count cards, here is a step-by-step method to easily learn how to do it yourself.

CONGRATULATIONS! -€“ YOU'VE DONE IT!

Just follow the steps above and practice. You can even practice counting cards while playing for free at an online casino. Just keep in mind that the online casino software actually shuffles the deck after each hand, so you cannot get an edge, but you can still practice your skills.

Why Speed is Important

If you read a lot about card counting online, you will come across post after post about the importance of being a fast card counter.

You should be able to count down a deck of cards in a matter of seconds before you hit the casino - I read this statement over and over again.

The truth is, the only reason it is important to be able to count down a deck as quickly as possible is so that you have the confidence to do it as you learn.

Once you learn how to count and start doing it regularly, you will find that being able to count down a deck in seconds is not important at all. The actual game is not that fast.

Sure, the game can feel like it's going at breakneck speed when you first start counting, but with a little experience it slows down considerably.

So do not panic if you cannot count down a deck as fast as some people claim. Just make sure you get the count right every time and work on improving your speed.

Heat, Cover and Camouflage

Three words you often find when learning about counting cards in blackjack are:

• Heat
• Cover
• Camouflage

Heat is when the casino staff watches you play and tries to determine whether or not you are counting cards. While it is not illegal to count cards in most places, casinos have the right to stop you from playing. So if they find out that you are counting cards, they will most likely ask you to stop playing.

Cover and camouflage are both actions you can take to try to make sure that the casinos do not figure out that you are a card counter.

There are things you can do to disguise your play, both in the way you play your hands and in your actions at or around the table. Casinos know that certain plays are made by card counters in certain situations, so if you make those plays, you may raise suspicion.

Of course, if you are not making the most profitable plays, you are giving up some of the advantage you are working for. You need to learn the plays that do not cost you much in expected return and make them the same way players who do not count cards do.

• One of the biggest ways a card counter can signal to the casino that they are counting is if they never take insurance and when the count is high they start taking it. When the count goes down, they stop taking it. While most dealers and pit personnel cannot count cards, surveillance teams often have a person who can count or have a computer that takes care of it
• Some players act like they have had too much to drink and/or act like they are not paying attention at the table. The less you appear to be counting cards the better
• do not stare at each card as it is dealt and make sure you do not move your lips as you add or subtract from the count;

Books can be written about heat, cover, and camouflage, but the important thing is to know what they are and take action to avoid being thrown out of a profitable game.

What is Back Counting?

Back-counting, also known as wonging (named after author Stanford Wong), is when you stand behind other players, count cards, and only play when the count is in your favor.

While this sounds like a great idea because you are not playing hands where you have no advantage, the casinos are well aware of this tactic and keep a close eye on it. The best way to do this is with two or more players where the person counting back is not actually in the game. The counter signals to a partner and the partner enters the game.