How to Count Cards in Blackjack?

1. Hi-Lo System

The easiest and most popular blackjack card counting method is the Hi-Lo System. Each card is assigned a number, and you add or subtract from the “count” based on the cards in each hand. You start at zero and do the following for each card:

• • 2-6 = +1 to the count
  • 7-9 = +0 to the count
  • 10-A = -1 from the count

You divide the running count by the number of decks in the shoe to find the “true” count. For example, if your count is ten and there are four decks in play, the true count is 2.5 (10/4=2.5).

When the true count is high, you have a better chance of getting blackjack or hitting a good card is high, so should increase your stake amount.

By taking advantage of high counts, you minimize the house edge and improve your chance of making a profit.

2. Zen Count

A more advanced variation of the Hi-Lo method is Zen Count. By changing the values of specific numbers, you are able to get a count that more accurately reflects how advantageous the shoe is.

The numbers used in Zen Count are:

• • 2, 3, or 7 = +1 to the count
  • 4-6 = +2 to the count
  • 8 or 9 = +0 to the count
  • Aces = -1 from the count
  • 10s and face cards = -2 from the count

As with the Hi-Lo system, you divide your running count by the number of decks to find the true count. When the true count is high, you should increase your stakes.

3. Wong Halves

Another advanced strategy for counting cards is the Wong Halves system. While it is effective, it is also a challenging system to learn.

For Wong Halves, you will use the following count numbers:

• • 2 or 7 = +0.5 to the count
  • 3, 4, or 6 = +1.0 to the count
  • 5 = +1.5 to the count
  • 8 = +0 to the count
  • 9 = -0.5 from the count
  • 10-A = -1.0 from the count

To simplify this strategy, you can double the point values to eliminate the decimal.

4. Hi-Opt II

If you are playing single-deck blackjack, consider the Hi-Opt II system. It was designed for single-deck games and uses the following count numbers:

• • 2, 3, 6, or 7 = +1 to the count
  • 4 or 5 = +2 to the count
  • 8, 9, or Ace = +0 to the count
  • 10s or face cars = -2 from the count

Tip 1: Practice Card Counting

Regardless of the system you pick, you will need blackjack card counting practice. You can practice on your own as long as you have a deck of cards. Many top casino sites offer free blackjack, too, that you can use to rehearse your counting strategy.

Tip 2: Use Basic Blackjack Strategy

Another tip for using a 21 card counting strategy is to employ basic blackjack strategy. For counting or any advantage play technique to work, you must do everything you can to lower the house edge. This includes using basic strategy to play every hand you are dealt in 21.

Tip 3: Start With Low Stakes

A final tip for learning how to count card in 21 is to start with low stakes. This will minimize your losses if you make any mistakes when you start trying to count at real-money tables.

Also, you need to be able to afford to increase your stakes when the time comes. Betting the table minimum will keep your losses low while you wait for the right time to raise your stakes. Also, it will make it easier to increase your stakes when the count is advantageous.