There is one technique which can help you win when you are playing blackjack. That technique is called card counting. You can not successfully count cards until you have learned the basics of playing blackjack. After you understand how to play blackjack, you can learn all about card counting.
Why Card Counting Works
Card counting really only works when you are playing blackjack and it will only work if you are playing a real game; it doesn’t work when you are playing on a computerized slot machine. The theory of card counting is that there are only X amount of cards in a deck, and once you have played a certain number of cards, you will be able to determine the chances of you striking twenty-one when the dealer deals.
Card counting really only works well if you are playing while the remaining cards are mainly tens and aces. If the remaining cards are all smaller cards, the dealer is going to retain the advantage. Knowing which cards are left will help you determine if you should keep your bets minimal or if you should bet the maximum amount you can.
Pick the Right Game
If you are hoping to win at blackjack by counting your cards, you will want to avoid any games where the dealer is playing with several decks of cards that have been put in a shoe. The whole reason that casinos use this multiple deck strategy is to discourage card counting. While it is possible for the average person to count cards when there are only one or two decks involved, it is extremely rare for someone to count cards when there are several decks involved.
How to Card Count
Before you start to play blackjack, you are going to have to come up with a system of giving each number card a point value. Make sure that the system you use is easy for you to memorize. You should also plan on practicing a few times before you actually start playing for real money.
After giving each number card a point value, you need to keep a running tally, in other words, you need to be able to add up the value of all the cards that have been played already. This running tally will help you determine the remaining value of the cards still left in the deck. Knowing the value of the cards left in the deck will help you determine how you should bet.
If you are playing blackjack in a casino, you are going to have to be careful. The pit bosses are always looking for people who are card counting and if they suspect that you are, you will be asked to leave.