There are no short cuts to card counting. This doesn't mean that card
counting is only for a few brainy players. Anyone with some patience and a basic
sense of logic can learn the basic systems of card counting and get better
results in Blackjack by it. The first thing is to learn the basic system that
lies as the foundation for all card counting systems. Once you've got this down
you're ready to look at more specific systems and decide which one will fit your
style the best.
The High Low Count
You're dreaming about being a card counter dressed in a wig and sunglasses
not to be detected at the door of your favorite Las Vegas casino. You could very
well reach this goal but the first thing you need to do is to learn the very
basic card counting system called the High Low count. This system assigns -1 to
the face cards and Ace, 0 to 7, 8, 9 and 1 to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Together it adds up
to zero and once you've learned to make this count speedily you can try it out
by a table. Remember to only use it if you come in at the time the deck is
shuffled.
True Count
When you are in a Blackjack game with many card decks you need to take this
into your count in order to make it a true count. If you use a basic high low
system for card counting you do this by dividing your current count by the decks
you haven't yet seen. In this scenario it is quite obvious that you have to be
fast with your counting. Time yourself as you count through a deck at practice
and try to keep it to half a minute.
Balanced or Un-balanced System
The high low system is a balanced system since all of the cards add up to
zero. When the cards add up to a positive value this is called an un-balanced
system. The un-balanced system is to recommend for games with up to two decks
but beginners should look for a balanced system. The balanced system is usually
more accurate and it is easier to pick up and remember.
Pick the Right Level
When you see that a card counting strategy come with a number, usually
between 1 and 6, you know what the level of the system is. Card counting
strategies that work the best range from level 2 to 6 and these are the most
complicated to master. Starting with a level 1 is sufficient for most players
that want to use card counting for real.
Where to Find a System
It isn't hard to find a basic card counting system for free online and most
should understand how to work out the balanced high low count. By making a quick
search online you'll have many options for what card counting system to learn
and it is advisable to see what kind of support that comes with it before you
decide to go with one. It might even be worth it to pay for the information in a
book or software to make sure that you get the explanations needed as you
advance with your card counting.
