If card counting in blackjack is just keeping track of high cards vs low, does that mean if I could remember all the different cards used (i.e. how many 5s, how many 7s) I would be really good at blackjack?

Question

This would break online casinos because you could easily do that with electronics. Assuming the casino itself is playing fair.

If you could perfectly keep track of how many of which cards are left in the decks, and everytime make the most mathematically sound bet, would the house still have an edge?

(I assume the correct answer will start off saying I don’t understand how card counting works – fair enough, but what about the basic explanation of it did I misinterpret?)

In: Mathematics

Answer 1

Several factors here. But do them all and the player has the edge over the house. I was taught to count cards by my Dad’s old ‘Nam buddies when I was around 9-10 years old and have done it casually in Vegas every time I go, somewhere around 50-60 trips. Nearly always successful.

1. There are tons of card counting methods, but all of them pretty much revolve around keeping track of high/low cards. The more high cards (high count), the more likely the dealer will bust. Main goal, you stay in and the dealer busts.

2. fluctuate your bet. Bet minimum when the count is low (lots of low cards left in the deck), and bet bigger when the count is high (lots of high cards left in the deck). Be careful here and don’t go crazy.. this is how they catch you. It’s not illegal, but they can kick you out and ban you.

3. Play perfect strategy.

Even with all this, more and more casinos are starting to use auto shufflers, basically re-shuffling 8 decks at a time before each hand. You can’t count on these tables.

You mention electronics. I don’t know all the laws, but might be illegal. Also, not only will they ban you but they’ll probably beat the crap out of you on the way to the door for this. I had a gaggle of security guys jerk the guy out of his seat at my table and drag him out by his feet. Scary stuff.

Honestly, as long as you’re not going nuts, fluctuating from $25 bets to $1,000 bets and winning crazy amounts, you’ll be fine. Most dealers and Pit Bosses are super friendly and they know what’s up, even joke around with me about it. I can typically just win enough to pay for the trip, meals, a show here and there… just don’t get greedy and you’ll be fine.

Also, my favorite book if you want to learn more is called Knock-Out Blackjack. Very easy system to learn.