Blackjack is best for people who love taking risks and challenges. Although players know casinos have statistical advantages in almost every game, they still participate in the hope of winning the jackpot prize. Most of them believe that the right strategy will save them from deep debts and bankruptcy.
Card counting is one of the skills to learn before playing blackjack. It is a strategy where players need to keep a tally of certain cards to win the game. While this is becoming more popular in the gambling industry, many players are still uncertain whether they will use this technique when playing in the best online casino Singapore.
The Theory of Card Counting in Blackjack
Casino players learn the art of card counting to decrease the house edge. By monitoring the cards, you can guess which cards will likely appear in the next hand. You will also understand the right time to bet, big or small.
In 1950, Dr. Edward Thorp introduced the idea of card counting in blackjack. He is one of the greatest minds in understanding the mathematics of gambling games and developing practical systems to increase winning chances.
The card counting theory is based on statistical evidence where high cards benefit the player, such as Aces, 10s, and 9s. Conversely, low cards like 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, and 7s give a high advantage to the dealer. A high number of low cards increases the chances of getting a blackjack.
Furthermore, Dr. Thorp discovered that when a player removed certain cards from the deck, it altered the house’s advantage. For example, removing all the 5s from a deck will put the odds in your favour. And when you know you have the edge, it is the right time to bet big.
Popular Card Counting Systems
When choosing the right card counting system, it is essential to consider your blackjack skills and experiences. There are simple counting systems that are suitable for novices and complex ones for expert players. Here are some of them:
Thorp’s Ten-Count System
Dr. Edward Thorp, a mathematics professor from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, created Thorp’s Ten-Count System. Thorp systematised this system in his “Beat the Dealer” book.
When using this approach, you must consider the following card values:
Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are counted as +4
10, Jack, King, and Queen are counted as -9
As the count goes positive, the higher bets you need to place. On the other hand, when the count starts to return to zero or negative, you must lower your wages and return to a minimum.
Let’s say you have monitored the cards with a sequence of 5, 2, Ace, Queen, 3, 4, 8, 9, 7, King. It means that the cards should be counted as +4, +4, +4, -9, +4, +4, +4, +4, +4, -9, respectively.
Then, you must do the computation where +4 multiplied by 8 equals 32, and -9 plus -9 equals -18. Thus, 32 minus 18 equals +14.
+14 is considered relatively high, meaning you can place bigger bets as your winning chances are significant.
The Ace/Five Account
If you are new to counting cards, the Ace or Five account suits you. It helps neutralise the advantage of the casino over the players.
At the first deck, starting from 0, you need to plus 1 for each 5-value card you notice. You should also subtract 1 from the sum when you see an Ace.
If the final result is more than 2, you can double your bets and earn a significant prize. However, place a lower bet if the result is one or lower. This system is more effective for dealers who frequently shuffle their cards.
The Hi-Lo System
The Hi-Lo card counting system was introduced by Harvey Dubner and developed by Julian Braun. This system is somehow similar to the Thorps’ Ten-Count system, as every card has an assigned value. Among all the counting systems, Hi-Lo is the most popular one.
In this system, you should remember the following information:
Cards of 2 to 6 are counted as +1 and considered low cards
Cards of 10, Ace, Jack, Queen, and King, are counted as -1 and considered high cards
In-between cards, such as 7,8 and 9, are marked as 0
For instance, you have tracked the cards of King, 6, 10, 2, and Jack, marking them as -1, +1, -1, +1, -1. The total of these is – 1.
In the example above, you have a running count of -1, which you must divide by the number of decks to determine your true count. Let’s say you’re running count is -1, and you have 3 decks. As you divide -1 by 3, your true count is -0.33.
Here is how you interpret the true count results:
If your true count is negative, 0, or 1, place a minimum bet
If your true count is +2, double the bet
If your true count is +3, triple the bet
If your true count is +4, quadruple the bet
Is Card Counting Illegal?
One common misconception about card counting is that it is illegal. However, professional blackjack players debunk this myth. In fact, many card counters are being featured in different TV shows because of their vast winnings.
While some people consider card counting as cheating, it is not. Card counters use their mathematical skills to win the game without changing anything. As such, many casinos request to stop using this strategy and allow other players to win.
How Can You Safely Count Your Card?
Card counting can beat the casino, especially if you know how to count your cards safely. Here are some ways to count cards without getting caught by the dealer:
Make a Little Mistake
Card counting helps you ensure that you play correctly in the game. However, casino dealers can easily notice those players making continuous, perfect plays. When they do, they might suspect you are cheating or doing illegal activities.
Playing like a rookie and making little mistakes are advisable to avoid suspicions. You can also learn blackjack deviations, especially when playing in online casinos.
Create quick decisions
Good players who are hesitant with their bets are often suspected as card counters. Thus, if you plan to use card counting, execute it without delay. You should be confident with your decisions and ensure you apply the right card counting system in the game.
Have a Break
You need to take a break if you notice you are winning consecutively because of counting cards. It would help if you tried walking away occasionally, especially when your count is high.
Casinos might think you are counting cards if you continuously win for a long period. A break can give the impression that you are just getting lucky and need to maintain your energy.
Conclusion
Card counting requires time and effort to master. It is a risky strategy yet a rewarding one. Many believe this technique is only for geniuses as it requires mathematical skills. However, with continuous practice and learning, you can master this skill and apply it to your next blackjack game.
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