|
Card counting technique
The card counting technique allows
players to take note of the changing probabilities of
different cards coming up and by altering playing and
betting strategies accordingly, they can gain a
statistical advantage over the casino.
To learn the skill of card counting is
relatively simple. Card players do not need to have a
photographic memory or a wild mathematical ability.
The card counting system described below
is designed only as a rough guide to give you an idea of
how the card counting technique is done. This is
intended only to give a feel for how card counting is
done, and is not recommended for actual practice.
For single deck games:
-
Start the count at 4 when the deck is
shuffled.
-
Count a 2 for
 ,
 ,
and/or
 .
-
Count a +1 for everything else
(including
 ).
-
Bet low when the count is negative,
high when the count is positive (actually,
simulations show that you can bet high for a count
of -2 or above).
-
Take insurance when the count is
positive.
-
Play basic strategy at all times.
A note about card counting
The principle behind card counting is
that a deck of cards that is rich in tens and Aces is
favorable to the player, on the other hand a deck rich
in small cards is favorable to the dealer. A deck rich
in tens and Aces, is likely to cause the dealer to bust
more often.
To gauge the richness of the deck in high
cards or lack of them, the player needs to keep track of
the cards that are already played and assign a point
value to each card. The calculation is quite complex,
but basically the card counter will give a plus point
each time the deck of cards becomes more favorable and a
minus point each time it becomes less favorable.
Basically, the high cards have a -1 point and the low
cards a +1 point and the in between 0 point.
The counter then counts by adding and
subtracting points according to the cards played and
keeps a running total of the count called 'running
count'. Then he also needs to divide the running count
by the proportion of the size of the deck of cards left
to get the 'true count'. Now he knows the relative
richness of high cards in the remaining deck.
A positive count is good and a high
positive count is best and the card counter will assess
his hand, the dealer's up card, weigh up his options and
intensify his betting accordingly.
To be a
successful card counter you need to have a powerful
memory and fast reaction while collecting information as
you keep on playing. And if everything works well, you
will be looking at a slow and tedious 1% profit, on the
average. Only if you will bet on large sums of money,
will this card counting system be worth your time. If
that happens, most likely you will be noticed by the pit
boss and counter measures might be taken by the casino.
Card counting is not easy, the casinos hate it, and only
professional players wagering large sums of money might
find it rewarding.
.
The
Online Casinos USA Team.
<<Back to
casino tips |
