One of the evergreen blackjack casino card games, Blackjack not only features in the catalogue of almost every top-rated casino but continues to be a highly cherished game by both new and seasoned casino players. While the game of 21 is simple, as experts put it, a few Blackjack strategies work like magic offering a plethora of winning opportunities by increasing the odds.
Among the age-old methods of enhancing the odds of the game, the card counting system remains a favourite among several players. The strategy is simple and easy to learn but may take a lot of practice for new gamblers to master.
While there’s been much discussion around the use of Blackjack card counting, some mention that the method is useless at online casinos where cards are dealt from an automated shoe. However, if you plan to advance from a beginner Blackjack player to pro-level, you should acquaint yourself with the card counting strategy and try a hand at this table game on your choicest casino.
Just acquainting yourself with the card counting method is not enough to fetch you rewards at the Blackjack table. You need to use the counting trick appropriately to increase your Blackjack odds, which can come through observation, practice and experience.
The first thing to do is to memorise the assigned card values. Now, high face cards, i.e. 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace, are all valued at -1 each while low cards, i.e. from2 through 6, count as +1. The remaining cards from 7 through 9 counts as 0.
So, if you are preparing yourself to give this trick a shot, there are several free online Blackjack games that you can explore for trial.
Many Blackjack variants can be accessed at casino lobbies. From RNG Blackjack to Live Blackjack, you can check out a score of them awaiting your arrival at top-notch online casinos. Although the features of different Blackjack games may vary slightly, the game’s basic rules remain unchanged.
Card counting refers to the technique in which a player must keep track of the number of high and low cards remaining in the dealer’s deck. With successful counting of cards, you can raise your bet every time you know that the odds are stacked in your favour. Of course, that would increase your winning opportunities, as with this strategy, you get a better idea of what’s in the deck.
Regardless of where you play, one of the most important things to remember while card counting is to keep a tally based on the face value of the revealed cards. Here’s how you can go about it:
– Begin by assigning a value to the cards. So, +1 goes to cards 2-6, cards from 7-9 have zero value, while cards 10 through Ace are assigned a value of -1.
– You can use the above values to keep a running count of each card that the dealer pulls from the deck. If you manage to keep an accurate count of cards that have been dealt, you’ll be able to monitor the running value of the cards remaining in the deck.
The running count is the true count optimized for the number of card decks that remain to be dealt from the shoe. If only one out of 6 deck of cards have been dealt, a high running count will mean little as it only represents a tiny sample of the complete card pool. A good true count needs to be 3 plus or higher before you can deviate from the basic strategy.
If you notice that the count is negative after each round, you can increase your bet size. You can expect more low-value cards left in the deck. However, if your count is positive, lower your bet instead.
Did you know that Blackjack is one of those casino games with the least house edge at 0.5%? So if you can play well while executing the card counting strategy, you are likely to play with an advantage over the casino.
Even if you’ve heard against it, you can count cards successfully even when playing Blackjack at online casinos. Yes, the software triggering automated shuffling of cards every time a new hand is dealt can be tricky, but smart programs can still help you count the cards. Unfortunately, these programs are usually forbidden. Don’t join a real casino Blackjack table to count the cards until you have practised well.
The basic blackjack card counting strategy for beginners is known as the Hi-Lo strategy. When the dealer deals with a card, you note its assigned value in your head. Yes, you need a good memory for this strategy. So, if the card is a 10, you can count it as -1. If the dealer deals with a card, its assigned value is +1, making it a total of 0.
You should continuously repeat the same counting process for every new card dealt without breaking the sum until the deck is reshuffled. The total value is referred to as the running count, and keeping a regular and simple count can show up in your favour.
If you are a beginner, you can start with simple steps.
– Begin by assigning a value to every card
– Track the cards and remember the value
– For the running count, add the values of cards to determine the card values in the deck.
– If the card count is negative, increase your bet, while if it is positive, consider lowering your bet in the next hand.
If you are an advanced player who’s mastered the basic art of card counting, you can progress to slightly complex techniques that offer other options. Most seasoned card counters use strategies such as Omega II, Wong Halves, Group Play and Multiple decks. While the Hi-Lo card counting strategy is the easiest, it allows you to be confident with counting.
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Most casinos don’t welcome the idea of using your head to count cards. However, following the rules and respecting the casino is equally essential when gambling. A few things to remember when playing Blackjack online or at a Las Vegas land casino include:
– Keeping an eye on your bankroll
– Being discreet and not getting caught by pit bosses at the online casino Singapore, although card counting, so to say, isn’t illegal.
Card counting may become challenging due to RNGs that reshuffle cards, randomly changing the card’s position after each turn. Card counting might appear easier at brick-and-mortar casinos, with Blackjack being played with physical card decks, real-life dealers and human shuffling.
Until you get a strategy right, it’s best to play free Blackjack games before giving the real money games a go. Check for casino bonuses, promotions and live casino Blackjack tables to make the most of your game and card counting strategy.
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