If you're interested in learning how to count cards to gain a real edge in the game of blackjack, you'll need more than a little information. You will need steadfast determination and patience.
Unfortunately counting cards is not a skill that you can pick up with a secret handshake or a cheat sheet. For both the curious and the determined we have put together this card counting tutorial that will guide you through the required steps. The most important lesson is being patient and practicing until it is no longer just a novel trick but an ingrained instinct. And that takes time.
Luckily unlike other chores and training regimes this one is extremely enjoyable. And once you've done the time you'll be part of an elite group who can thank the steep learning curve from having a larger graduating class of competition.
But how much time? That depends. Some people get into card counting as a hobby and devote a couple of hours per week to it while others obsess for hours each day until they are able to get to the next level, then the next.
To reflect, the average time required for each of these steps is given as a middle of the road approximation as some will require more or less time. If you get distracted by other things it's nice to know that long time card counters claim that once you really master each of the steps it's like riding a bicycle: a little practice and you're back in the saddle.
- The rules. First read up on the rules of blackjack. It's no use being a counting whiz if your basic skills need polishing. Blackjack comes in a rainbow of game variations so make sure you know what you intend to be playing. (Hint: novelty, online and tournament variations are not suited to card counting) Approximate time: a few hours.
- Basic Strategy. Check out our tutorial covering how to learn Basic Strategy for the full run down. Required time for memorization: 20-30 hours. Again, make sure you are studying the correct chart for the type of blackjack you intend to play.
- Playing the game. When you first start it is important to begin to notice common card combinations. You can start racking up this experience in whatever way is easiest and most enjoyable to you whether it is online, in a casino or at home. You should expect to spend another 20 hours making sure you've got enough experience playing with basic strategy successfully. You can always practice playing Blackjack with free online blackjack games.
- Learning the card values of a counting system. First you must decide on what system you want to learn. In general the two systems most often recommended for beginners looking to get serious are the KO (or Knock-Out) count or the Hi-Lo (aka. Plus-Minus and High-Low) count.
The primary difference between these two is that the KO count does not require a conversion to the true count and saves an extra step by sacrificing a little accuracy. We recommend starting off with the High-Lo count as once that is mastered adopting either harder or easier counting systems will be a natural choice based on your experience.
The First Step is memorizing the relative value of each of the cards and learning to count down a deck. Since we have recommended the Hi-Lo count we'll base this example on that system.
2, 3, 4 , 5, 6 |
Count +1 |
7, 8, 9 |
Count 0 |
10, J, Q, K, A |
Count -1 |
In the High-Low count there is only 1 level or value the cards have so that cards are counted as 1, 0 or -1. All 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 cards have a value of 1. 7, 8, and 9 have a value of 0. 10, J, K, Q cards all have a value of -1. Some counters will advise you to learn not to notice that 7, 8, and 9 cards exist at all to minimize the number of things that you must pay attention to.
Try counting down the deck, meaning that you should mentally count all the cards until you have gone through all of them. If you have counted correctly you should wind up with zero, because the HI-LO count is a balanced counting system. Do this until you can quickly and accurately count through the deck to a zero count with no cards remaining.
Then start playing blackjack as you normally would but begin keeping count as the hands are dealt. Because it is quite common to get pairs that cancel each other out there are two schools of thought that such a pair should not be counted (1 + -1 = 0) or that counting all cards as they are dealt is easier than deciding what to count. In the end it is simply a matter of preference.
The time required to nail down basic card counting on a single deck is approximately 30 hours.
- Converting to the true count. Based on the number of decks being used the counter divides the running count by the amount of decks not yet seen. In other words if you have a four deck game with a running count of +6 you have to look at the discards tray to calculate how many decks are remaining. In this case we'll estimate that 3 decks remain so that the true count is then +2.
Soon you will run into the problem of dividing with fractions or numbers with decimals and you will learn to handle these calculations smoothly as you switch between the running and true count.
There is also the tactical question of looking at the discard tray at the wrong time or too intently, which could tip off the dealer that you are counting cards. Now is the time when you have to put everything into practice: the rules, theory, method and computation. This is usually the step that takes the longest to master at a conservative 60 hours.
- Distraction training. Once you are ready to go to the next step take a breath and congratulate yourself. Getting to this point is something that very few ever accomplish. Once you've had your moment to bask in the glory of your achievement it's time to move on.
Probably the most difficult skill in card counting isn't the actual counting involved it's being able to do it while the slots machines freak out, gorgeous waitresses hand you never-ending alcoholic beverages and annoying tourists and players talk too much and too loudly. Since you can't count cards online, the internet isn't going to help you.
Card counters over the years have all come up with ingenious, personalized ways to get around this and one of the most creative and entertaining experts on all things camouflage and counting was the legendary Ken Uston. His Million Dollar Blackjack is a great place to pick up tips and inspiration.
Other players generally recommend starting small and slowly once you are playing at home add some background music. When that fails to throw you off, add something like a loud television and a roommate or spouse. The best practice session would be at a loud party or a rambunctious family reunion. Of course you'll want to make sure that this new skill doesn't prevent you from also enjoying other people and activities going on.
By the time you can play through all this you'll have also discovered that not everyone is as excited about your new talent as you are. Part of making it into the big leagues of card counting is having a unique personality trait: stubbornness. Estimated time for mastery depends on how long you spend with light radio in the background versus counting with bigger distractions, generally around 25 hours.
- Table Manners. Table manners and playing etiquette are important for two primary reasons. The first is that while it is legal to count cards in Las Vegas and other places it is also perfectly legal for any casino at any time and for any reason to request a player to leave or force a suspected counter to even bet. And casinos don't like counters. They bar them from playing or even entering.
To rectify this potentially sticky situation you will want to adopt the most comfortable way of appearing to not be counting at all. Other than being adept at handling distractions so that you don't sit with your face in a scowl sweating as your eyes dart back and forth you can determine what conversation and presentation style is right for you.
Luckily no one likes a big talker at the tables and a friendly greeting with a basic introduction (name and job industry is enough and these don't necessarily need to be factual) is a great way to break the ice and settle in.
The second reason is simple human nature: no one likes a jerk. Since it's in your best interest to be welcome in the casino, the first step is to be respectful to the dealer and waitress, even to other players who make bad decisions, give out (usually) bad advice, spill drinks or otherwise interfere with your game. Remember that all casinos are 18 years old and up. And if another player is decreasing your concentration or enjoyment of the game be a gentleman and quietly move on.
A card counter knows they've "arrived" when they can keep an accurate count of the game while discussing where to get the best calamari in town. Like distraction training this is really a skill defined by a person's natural aptitude or barring that, the amount of energy put into perfecting it. Median time frame is about 5-10 hours.
- Betting strategies. Now that you're taking your playing technique to the next level, how you make your bets needs to make an equal leap in sophistication.
The betting method of choice is the Kelly betting method. It works like this: a player bets a proportion of his or her bankroll equal to the advantage percentage they currently have. Cautious players may choose to hedge their bets by further taking into account possible outcomes not just based on the true count. Is there an ace in the deck ready to come up?
It's a safe way to play but unfortunately casino management is trained in spotting card counters who predictably bet high when the count is positive (even if it is within a well considered range) and low when the count is negative. Eye in the Sky cameras video tape games and casinos will review the cards and betting method used if a player is suspected of card counting, possibly resulting in being blacklisted. In order to play smart the best betting strategy includes a bet spread with defined bet values or "units" in increments between 5 to 8.
Like all important blackjack skills it is essential to practice at tables with low bet minimums to avoid the sharp eyes of pit bosses, the ire of more experienced players and most importantly the risk of ruin.
Players working on understanding bet strategy will also discover that a bankroll must be large enough to handle large fluctuations over the short term. Playing outside of your league or without enough dough is a sure way to lose all your money before being able to make a profit with your new skills. Estimated time to mastery: 20 hours.
- Know the odds. Blackjack is a game won by players obsessed with statistics and gaining incremental leads over the established house advantage. But no matter how dedicated or talented a player is... everyone loses. The real trick is to know your skills, limits and when to walk away.
Bankroll fluctuations are not for the faint of heart but even most dealers will admit that if you are having a real streak of bad cards at a table either seek out a new table or take a break. Whatever you do make sure that you don't turn into a "steamer" - the guy/gal who makes outlandish bets when several bad hands do a number on the old bankroll and anger or panic sets in. If you feel a reaction like that coming on, its best to inquire with the floor manager or pit boss about comps who, based on your losses will probably kick you back a few extras that should put you back into a proper frame of mind.
If you've paid attention to the time estimates for each skill set you are looking at about 165 hours of training. If that sounds like a lot you can compare it to other hobbies like scuba diving or learning a new language that have equal or greater time commitments. This might also be an effective excuse when your spouse complains that you're spending too much time on becoming the next great blackjack champion.
