Card Counting
Learn to track the deck and gain an edge over the house
What is Card Counting?
Card counting is a strategy that allows players to determine when the remaining cards favor them over the dealer. When the deck is “rich” in high cards (10s and Aces), players have an advantage because:
- 1.Blackjacks pay 3:2, and you're more likely to get them
- 2.The dealer must hit on low hands and is more likely to bust
- 3.Doubling down on 10 or 11 becomes more profitable
By keeping track of the ratio of high to low cards, counters know when to bet more (high count) and when to bet less (low count).
The Hi-Lo System
Hi-Lo is the most popular counting system. It's simple, powerful, and the foundation for most card counting. Here's how it works:
Why does it work?
When low cards are dealt, they leave the deck rich in high cards (good for you). When high cards are dealt, they leave the deck poor (bad for you). The running count tracks this balance.
Running Count vs True Count
Running Count (RC)
The raw sum of all card values you've seen. Simply add or subtract as each card is revealed.
RC = +1, +1, 0, -1, +1, +1, -1 = +2
True Count (TC)
The running count adjusted for remaining decks. This gives you the per-deck advantage.
Example: RC +6 with 2 decks left = TC +3
Pro Tip: The true count is what really matters for betting. A +6 running count with 6 decks left is neutral (TC +1), but a +6 with 2 decks left is very favorable (TC +3).
Bet Sizing by True Count
The key to profitable counting is varying your bet based on your advantage. Here's a standard 1-8 bet spread:
| True Count | Player Edge | Bet Units | Example ($25 unit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 0 | -0.5% or worse | 1 unit | $25 |
| +1 | ~0% | 2 units | $50 |
| +2 | +0.5% | 4 units | $100 |
| +3 | +1.0% | 6 units | $150 |
| ≥ +4 | +1.5%+ | 8 units | $200 |
Each +1 true count adds approximately 0.5% to your edge. House edge is ~0.5%, so you break even at TC +1 and have an advantage at TC +2 or higher.
Counting Systems Comparison
Hi-Lo
Level 1BalancedThe most popular and widely taught system. Great balance of simplicity and power. Used by most professional counters.
All Systems at a Glance
| System | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10/J/Q/K | A | Level | Balanced |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi-Lo | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | -1 | 1 | Yes |
| KO | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | -1 | -1 | 1 | No |
| Omega II | +1 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +2 | +1 | 0 | -1 | -2 | 0 | 2 | Yes |
| Hi-Opt I | 0 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 0 | 1 | Yes |
| Hi-Opt II | +1 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | -2 | 0 | 2 | Yes |
| Zen | +1 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +2 | +1 | 0 | 0 | -2 | -1 | 2 | Yes |
Practice Tips
Getting Started
- 1. Start with Hi-Lo - it's the gold standard
- 2. Practice counting a single deck in under 30 seconds
- 3. Count cards in pairs to speed up your count
- 4. Practice while watching TV or in noisy environments
Common Mistakes
- - Don't mouth the count or move your lips
- - Don't stare at the discard tray
- - Don't make sudden large bet jumps
- - Don't forget to maintain the “act”