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How to Count Cards in Blackjack: A Beginner's Guide to the Hi-Lo System

Card counting is a blackjack strategy that allows players to gain a mathematical edge over the casino. While often portrayed as complex or illegal in movies, card counting is actually a legitimate skill that anyone can learn with practice. This comprehensive guide will teach you the most popular and effective card counting system: the Hi-Lo method.

What is Card Counting?

Card counting is a strategy that helps you determine when the deck is favorable to the player versus the dealer. By keeping track of which cards have been dealt, you can estimate the composition of the remaining cards and adjust your bets accordingly.

The basic principle is simple: When the remaining deck is rich in high cards (10s and Aces), the player has an advantage. When it's rich in low cards (2-6), the dealer has an advantage.

Why Does Card Counting Work?

Blackjack is unique among casino games because the odds change as cards are dealt. Here's why high cards favor the player:

• More blackjacks: You're more likely to get a blackjack (which pays 3:2)
• Better double downs: Doubling on 10 or 11 is more profitable
• Dealer busts more: The dealer must hit on 16 or less, making them more likely to bust with high cards
• Insurance becomes profitable: When the deck is rich in 10s, taking insurance can be worthwhile

The Hi-Lo Card Counting System

The Hi-Lo system is the most popular card counting method because it's simple, effective, and proven to work. Here's how it works:

Card Values in the Hi-Lo System

Cards	Count Value	Why
2, 3, 4, 5, 6	+1	Low cards favor the dealer—when they're gone, it's good for you
7, 8, 9	0	Neutral cards—don't significantly affect the count
10, J, Q, K, A	-1	High cards favor the player—when they're gone, it's bad for you

How to Keep the Running Count

The "running count" is your continuous tally of all cards that have been dealt:

1. Start at zero when a new shoe begins
2. Add or subtract based on the card values above
3. Update continuously as each card is revealed
4. Maintain accuracy throughout the entire shoe

Converting to True Count

The "true count" is the running count divided by the number of decks remaining. This gives you a more accurate picture of your advantage:

True Count = Running Count ÷ Decks Remaining

For example:

• Running Count: +6, Decks Remaining: 3 → True Count = +2
• Running Count: +8, Decks Remaining: 2 → True Count = +4
• Running Count: -4, Decks Remaining: 2 → True Count = -2

Estimating decks remaining takes practice. Look at the discard tray and estimate how many decks have been played, then subtract from the total (usually 6 or 8 decks).

How to Use the Count to Your Advantage

Bet Sizing Based on True Count

The primary way to profit from card counting is adjusting your bet size:

• True Count +1 or less: Bet minimum (deck is neutral or favors dealer)
• True Count +2: Increase bet to 2-3 times minimum
• True Count +3: Increase bet to 3-5 times minimum
• True Count +4 or higher: Bet maximum or 5-10 times minimum

Strategy Deviations

Advanced card counters also adjust their playing decisions based on the count:

• Insurance: Take insurance when true count is +3 or higher
• 16 vs dealer 10: Stand when true count is 0 or higher (instead of hitting)
• 15 vs dealer 10: Stand when true count is +4 or higher
• 12 vs dealer 2: Hit when true count is +3 or less

Practice Steps for Beginners

Step 1: Practice with a Single Deck

1. Take a deck of cards and flip through it one card at a time
2. Keep a running count using the Hi-Lo values
3. Your final count should always be zero (the deck is balanced)
4. Time yourself and aim to count through a deck in 30 seconds

Step 2: Count in Pairs

To speed up your counting, learn to count two cards at once. Many combinations cancel out:

• High card + Low card = 0 (they cancel)
• Two high cards = -2
• Two low cards = +2
• Neutral card + anything = same as the other card

Step 3: Practice with Distractions

Count cards while:

• Watching TV or listening to music
• Having a conversation
• Dealing multiple hands at once
• Maintaining "cover" behaviors (appearing casual)

Step 4: Use Our Interactive Game

Our online blackjack card counting trainer displays the running count, true count, and decks remaining in real-time. This is the perfect way to practice before playing in a casino!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Losing the count: If you lose track, wait for a shuffle and start over
• Betting too aggressively: Sudden large bets attract attention
• Forgetting basic strategy: Always use basic strategy as your foundation
• Counting burned cards: Don't include cards shown during the shuffle
• Playing when tired: Mental fatigue leads to counting errors
• Being obvious: Don't move your lips, stare at cards, or appear to be concentrating too hard

Is Card Counting Legal?

Yes, card counting is legal in most jurisdictions. You're simply using your brain to track information that's publicly available. However:

• Casinos have the right to refuse service to anyone
• Suspected counters may be asked to leave or banned
• Using electronic devices to count is illegal
• Team play and signaling can be considered cheating

How Much Edge Can You Gain?

With perfect Hi-Lo counting and proper bet sizing, skilled players can achieve:

• 0.5% to 1.5% advantage over the casino
• This advantage requires perfect execution and favorable rules
• Bankroll requirements are substantial (30-50 times max bet)
• Variance means you'll still have losing sessions

Advanced Techniques

Once you master Hi-Lo, you can explore:

• Wonging (back counting): Counting without playing, then joining at positive counts
• Team play: Working with others to maximize efficiency
• Advanced counting systems: Hi-Opt I/II, Omega II, etc.
• Shuffle tracking: Following groups of cards through the shuffle

Start Practicing Today

The best way to learn card counting is through consistent practice. Our free interactive blackjack game includes built-in card counting features that display the running count, true count, and decks remaining in real-time—helping you develop your skills risk-free.

Ready to become a card counter? Start practicing with our card counting trainer now!

← Start Counting Cards Now