Do you know how to win in blackjack? Have you heard of hi-lo card counting? It’s just one of the strategies to win at blackjack. There are other strategies and counting methods but the hi-lo counting method is one of the easier ones to learn but it still requires work. In this article, we will discuss what card counting is, what is hi-lo card counting, how to do hi-lo card counting and then there will be some book suggestions if you want to learn more about hi-lo card counting. This guide is as simple as it gets, folks!
What is Card Counting?
You might think card counting is illegal but it’s not. It’s a strategy that black jack players have been using to win at cards. It’s a method of counting which cards have been played to use to their advantage and it assists them in making better bets. The easiest way to count cards is to use the hi-lo card counting that will be discussed. There are other methods to count cards but this one is the best way to start.
What is Hi-Lo Card Counting?
When it comes to hi-lo card counting, there are a few different things that you will have to learn. You will have to learn which are the high cards, low cards, neutral cards and how to do a running count and true count. Once you learn what these different things are, you will have to practice before you can put this into practice at the Casino. Let’s start.
High, Low and Neutral Cards
There are three different “types” of cards when counting. They are high cards, low cards and neutral cards. The high cards are face cards and Ten, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace. When card counting, these high cards are counted as “minus one”. High cards are good for you. The low cards are two, three, four, five, and six. When you count these low cards, they should be counted as “plus one”. Low cards are good for the dealer. Then the rest of the cards; seven, eight, and nine are neutral cards and shouldn’t be counted at all.
Here’s the breakdown:
In order to practice, sit down and flip through the cards and count each one out loud until you can flip through and count each card in less than 25 seconds. For example:
Flipped over a King – say -1
Flipped over a Five – say +1
Flipped over a Seven – say 0
And so on…
“Running Count”
Once you have that under control and can figure out the count in less than 25 seconds, you can move onto figuring out a running count. A running count will add the values of each card throughout the entire decks.
Here’s an example of a hand and how to count it:
A running count is important as it keeps count for the entire deck. Practice counting cards and doing a running count until you can keep count and do it in less than 25 seconds.
True Count
The next step is to keep a true count. A true count will help you when you place your bets and tell you whether you have an advantage. How do you keep a true count? A true count is when you take the running count and divide it by the number of remaining card that need to be dealt. You have to guessimate how many cards have already been used and should have paid attention to how many decks are being used. For example, keeping with the same example as above, there is a running total of +2. There are 6 decks being used, and you notice that 1 deck has already been played. Therefore, all you have to do is take your running total of +2 and divide it by 5, so your total count will be +0.40. Since it is positive number, it means that you do have an advantage but it’s a small advantage.
Placing a Bet
You decide how much you are going to bet based on this true count, the base bet and how many decks are being played. If you’re at a $5 table that means your base bet is $5 and then you will multiply that based on a certain number of units depending on your true count. If your true count is between 0 and +1, then just place the minimum bet of $5 or 1 unit. If it’s +1, then you can bid two units. Two units would be a $10/bet and so on. Here’s a chart to help you understand this concept better:
Practice
As with everything, hi-lo card counting will get easier with more practice. Practice each step and then build them on top of each other. When you are able to be able to count the decks and get the running count and true count in less than 25 seconds, then you can move on by adding distractions to your practice. Distractions such as, loud music, people talking, etc will allow you to pretend you are in a casino setting as there is always something going on. Once you master that technique, carry on a conversation while you are counting cards, so you can see that you can talk and be “normal” while you count and not just sit and stare at the decks counting.
Books to Read on Card Counting
There are a couple of recommended books, if you want to learn more about card counting. Here are ones that you should read:
109 Critical Blackjack Statistics and Strategies by Curt Dillon
The Ultimate Edge by Mark Billings
Beat the Dealer: A Winning Strategy for the Game of Twenty-One by Edward O. Thorp
Professional Blackjack by Stanford Wong
Blackjack Attack: Playing the Pros’ Way by Don Schlesinger
Conclusion
Card counting is a way to win at blackjack. How you win at blackjack and how you count cards is up to you and how much you practice. High cards are good for you and low cards are good for the dealer. So it’s important to keep track of how many high and low cards have been played. This concept is called hi-lo card counting. You keep a running count by counting and adding the high/low number together and then you get a true count by taking that number and dividing it by how many cards are left to be dealt. The true count is then used to place your bet. All of this though, takes time to learn and you have to practice it so you can be consistent and accurate with your counting. It is recommended that you should practice at least 20 hours before using it in a casino.
