How to Use Card Counting in Blackjack
If you look for Blackjack strategies on the Internet, chances are good that you will find several that will recommend card counting. While it may seem daunting, there are methods that can simplify the whole process.
The concept of card counting in blackjack is very simple. As the game progresses and cards are dealt, the number of high (10 and up) and low cards (6 and below) that remain on the deck will not be the same. The more high value cards, the greater the edge for the player, and the more low hands present, the more advantageous for the house.
What the Blackjack card counting strategy does is to help you keep track of these numbers. It has been shown that done correctly, this tactic can give you an edge over 1.5%. The more high cards, the greater the wager you should place, and the reverse should also be applied.
To properly use the Blackjack card counting strategy, you assign a positive integer for the small numbers (i.e. +1), negative (-1) for the high cards and 0 for 7, 8 and 9. As the game begins assign a 0, then depending on the cards dealt, high or low, you add a +1 or a -1.
As the deck goes down, this Blackjack strategy would become clearer as you would get an idea of which type of cards are more likely to be in the deck. If the value is, say -8, then bet big. If the dealer makes her hand anyway, bet even more, because the odds have increased even more in your favor. If there are a lot of small cards, then you can save your bankroll by lowering your bets.
Applying card counting, while not that difficult in itself, does require concentration. Moreover, some casinos tend to frown at this tactic, and in some venues simply unacceptable. It might be easier to try this technique when you play online.
It should also be emphasized that this strategy can be very difficult, if not impossible, when playing against multiple players. Also, you need to take into deck penetration that is allowed for each game before it is reshuffled. Also, some Blackjack tables use several decks, and this can affect your card counting. To make things easier, look for a single deck game.
Card counting, like other Blackjack strategies, is not perfect, but with a little practice you'll be able to grasp the fundamentals, and gain another valuable gaming tactic.