blackjack strategies<\/a> and just as many card counting techniques out there – from extremely simple to mindbogglingly complicated. Of course, some are more effective than others but the main concept is always the same. Here are the most common blackjack card counting systems you could opt for:<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Hi-Lo System<\/h4>\n\n\n\n This strategy requires only memorizing three card values, making it the easiest strategy. It\u2019s simple: for the low cards (2-6) add 1 to the total; for high cards (10s, aces, and face cards) subtract 1; for all other cards – do nothing, they\u2019re worth 0. Use these values to calculate the running count \u2013 and take decisions accordingly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, calculate the true count by dividing the running count by the number of remaining decks. Use the true count to adjust the size of your wager. For a true count of 0, 1, or negative, -place a minimum bet. But for a value of 2 – bet 2x your minimum bet; for a total of 3 – bet 3x your minimum bet, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nRunning Counts Vs. True Counts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n The running count is achieved by counting cards during the game. Further, it is estimated using card values \u2013 positive, neutral, or negative. This way you can predict whether the upcoming card is favorable or not and also determine the true count. By contrast, the true count also gives information about the remaining decks. Here\u2019s how to compute it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nTrue count = running count\/decks yet to be dealt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nProper application of this technique can give players a clear picture of what cards remain in the shoe. Thus, it\u2019s a reliable technique. Besides, it helps you figure out if your position is advantageous or not. So, a true count can increase your winning chances as your decisions will be more informed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Red 7 System<\/h4>\n\n\n\n On one hand, calculating the true count is unnecessary for this system. However, you are going to have to memorize more card values. Here\u2019s how it works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nA, K, Q, J, 10 are valued at -1<\/li>\n\n\n\n Cards from 2 to 6, plus red 7s are worth +1<\/li>\n\n\n\n Black 7s, and 8s and 9s have a value of 0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIn this system, a start card count based on the deck number is used. Multiply the number of decks by two and then negate the number first. This gives you a starting count to build your running count to which you\u2019ll add card values as cards are dealt. There isn’t a formula for calculating your bet size, but bet very little when the count is negative or low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Knockout (KO) System<\/h4>\n\n\n\n This is pretty similar to the Red 7 system as there’s an adjustment of the starting count. But in this case, there\u2019s no dividing of values to get the true count. The main difference, however, relates to 7s as they are worth +1 in the KO system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nFor A, K, Q, J and 10s it\u2019s -1<\/li>\n\n\n\n For 2 – 7 cards: +1<\/li>\n\n\n\n 8s & 9s = 0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe starting count depends on the amount of decks: for 1 deck: 0; for 2 decks: -4; for 6 decks: -20; and for 8 decks: -28. The current running count is the true count in the KO system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nShould You Count Cards?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Counting cards in blackjack has its pros and cons. We’ll let you decide, so here they are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n