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Blackjack How to Count Cards

The game has attracted millions of players into its tables and has also made some experts develop special techniques that maximize a positive outcome when hitting the lucky 21. Historically, card counting can be traced back to the late 50’s with a how to win at blackjack strategy developed by the famous Four Horsemen counting card quartet that used a simple method that relied on old adding machines that created a pattern. This was perfected in “Beat the Dealer”, a book published in 1962 by American Mathematician, Edward Thorpe. He explained the technique using a 10-count system that quickly became a favorite among casino enthusiasts and boosted the collective interest in Blackjack.

Hi Lo System

One of the most famous systems in card counting is Hi Lo. Here cards are assigned specific numeric values that in the end create a count that players must update constantly as each card is dealt on the table; for cards 2 to 6; value is +1, 7 to 9 is neutral (0) and from 10 to an Ace the count is -1. What is the objective? Very easy, when the general count is +2 or higher it means that the odds are more favorable to the player as there are more high cards on the deck remaining. High Cards create better card combinations that reach the desired blackjack more easily.

For players at brick and mortar casinos in the past, this represented an epic task that required concentration and lots of practice due to the many distracting factors. Before players try out this method they need to fully understand the basics of blackjack strategy to ensure a deep knowledge of the game’s dynamics and when to bet for maximum returns.

Variations on Card Counting

Blackjack features several methods using specific value on cards such as KO Count which the +1 value holds cards 2 to 7 instead of regular 2 to 6. 8 and 9 are Neutral. The remaining ones 10s to Aces are -1 on the KO or Knock-Out Count board.  For the Hi Opt 1 Card system, things are changed a bit using 7, 8, 9, Ace and 2 equaling zero, meaning Neutral; 3 to 6 are +1 and 10 to King are -1. Aces are not tracked in the count with Hi Opt 1, so players have used their feet to track every time it shows up on the deck to know exactly how many Aces have been displayed already.

In online blackjack the scenario is quite different. Players can certainly use the counting card methods but must remember that many of these game theories rely on regular decks being played until the last card is dealt. At online gaming destinations, decks are reset automatically, which makes it more difficult to follow a pattern but still, this is a great exercise to mastering the feel of blackjack and knowing when to bet. Counting cards boost the energy featured at blackjack, a casino classic that keeps on winning popularity progressively.

Many famous blackjack teams back in the 60’s and 70’s used the Big Player concept in which one person would play a table for a specific amount of time in which cards where counted to reach a desired 2+ counting value, then this person would make a sign to a small player sat at a nearby table to come and make his bet. This resulted in table winnings that grew by the hour and card counting making history.