A Simple Way to Gain an Advantage

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Easy
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Counting cards is a relatively simple way to gain an advantage in the game of blackjack. The most common strategy of doing so is known as the High-Lo method. The following instructions are a simplified version of this method and are not a designed to be a Rain Man-esque formula. However, these easy steps will definitely give you the advantage in any blackjack game.

Step 1:

Understand the basic terms. In this method, we will use the following terms:

  • Shoe: The stack of cards that has not yet been dealt.
  • Running Count: Your continuous count of cards.
  • True Count: The estimation that tells you how much to bet.

Don't worry if you are confused now. We just had to get those out of the way.

Step 2:

Learn the point values. In this method, each playing card has a point value:

  • 2 through 6 cards = Plus One (+1)
  • 7 through 9 cards = Zero (0)
  • 10, aces, and face cards = Minus One (-1)
Step 3:

Count the cards. Start the game with a count of zero. As each card is dealt, add or subtract their point value from your total. This will be your running count. Here is an example sequence:

  • 6 card is dealt (Running count of +1)
  • 4 card is dealt (Running count of +2)
  • King is dealt (Running count of +1)
  • 9 card is dealt (Running count of +1)
  • 10 is dealt (Running count of 0)
  • Ace is dealt (Running count of -1)
Step 4:

Figure out the true count. Most games of blackjack are played with multiple decks of cards. So in order to bet accurately, you must figure out the true count. Before each hand has been dealt, simply divide your running count by the number of decks left in the shoe. You'll have to make an estimation as to how many decks are left in the shoe, but in time, you will be able to do this without a problem. An easy method is to see how many decks have already been dealt, which will then tell you how many decks are still in the shoe. Here is a sample scenario for this step:

  • Your running count is +8
  • There are 2 decks left in the shoe
  • Thus, your true count is +4 (8 divided by 2)
Step 5:

Make your bet. Once you have figured out the true count, you are ready to bet. If the true count is +2 or higher, you should bet more money. If the true count is a negative number or zero, you only want to bet the minimum. Don't start off the game by betting a lot of money. Let a few hands go by so that you will have an accurate true count and a better chance of winning some cash. Enjoy!

Remember to play it cool at all times, and to practice a lot before using this method in a real game. Counting cards is not illegal in any way, but many casinos will not be happy if you use this method in a transparent manner. Use discretion and finesse to your advantage.

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