How to count cards in Blackjack

[YoFuggedaboutit]

OK guys, I thought it would be better to start an entirely new topic so as not to hijack the Rain Man thread.  First of all, I want to reiterate that card counting is legal in the United States.  The Supreme Court ruled it legal because it "doesn't alter the nature of the game". 

That said, blackjack is a beatable game.  Basic strategy states that if the dealer shows a strong card (7 or over), you should keep hitting until you reach at least 17.  If the dealer shows a weak card (2-6), you should hit if you have 11 or less and stand if you have 12 or more.  Remember, the dealer has to hit on 16 or under.  You should also consider doubling down if you have 11, and split the hand if you have a pair of aces.

For more advance counting techniques, go by this:

Cards 2-6 are worth +1 point

Cards 7-9 are worth 0 points

Cards 10-A are worth -1 point

A positive count favors the player because there are more face cards in the deck.  Remember again, the dealer has to hit on 16 or below.  You also have to keep track of how many decks into the shoe you have gone.  Most casinos, particularly Vegas and Atlantic City, use six decks.    A high positive count is not as strong when you are one deck into the shoe as it is when you are five decks in.   

[JVides]

                everything you wrote
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That was a display of how everything you wrote went right over my head.  HUH?

[YoFuggedaboutit]

                everything you wrote
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That was a display of how everything you wrote went right over my head.  HUH?

OK, I'll explain it some more for people who don't play blackjack. 

The object of the game is to beat the dealer's hand by getting as close as you can to 21 points without going over.  Numbered cards are worth the number on them.  Face cards are worth 10 points, and aces are either 11 points or 1 point.   You can take as many cards as you choose, but once you're over 21, you lose.

Hit-  You take another card and add that card to the total already in front of you

Stand- Also "Stand Pat", means you'll keep the cards (and point total) you have and not take anymore

Dealer rules-  The dealer must hit when his cards total 16 or below.  The dealer must stand when the cards total 17 or above. 

Double Down- You double your original bet and take only one more card.  Usually used when your total is 11. 

Split-  Doubles your bet and allows you to play two hands at once.  Can only be used when you are dealt two cards of the same kind.

Blackjack-  Being dealt a 21 on your first two cards.  Can only happen with an ace and a 10 or face card.  You win 1 1/2 times your bet.

Insurance- Adviseable to purchase when the dealer is showing an ace.  It will cost you 50% of your bet, but if the dealer gets a blackjack, you "push". 

Push-  When your hand and the dealer's hand are tied, or if the dealer has blackjack and you have purchased insurance.  You then keep the amount you bet. 

Bust-  When you or the dealer go over 21.  Because you as the player are drawing cards first, if you bust, you automatically lose, no matter what the dealer does.   

[Dave Gray]

I am a big fan of blackjack and play it every time I go to the big casinos.  I am familiar with the technique that Tommy mentioned, but in 5 and 6 deck games, a technique that basic is esentially useless...especially, because they only use about 3/4 of the cards before they reshuffle.

Things I know:

Always split As and 8s.
Never take insurance.

I have read books on blackjack strategy and the basic formula is the same.  There is a chart that you should follow.  Much of it is how Tommy described, but there are some additional things, like doubling on 8 if the dealer shows a 6.

How I've especially found help is in money management -- I follow this strategy.  (x is the table minimum)

2x, x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x
Start on the left.  Each time you win, go on to the next.  If you lose, start again from the left.

It seems to work pretty well.

[Dave Gray]

First of all, I want to reiterate that card counting is legal in the United States.

It is legal, but it is against the rules.  Casinos have a right to turn away service to anyone, so if they know you're counting cards, you will be asked to leave.  People get fancy makeup and disguises to go and play.  My Dad got really hot in Reno playing blackjack, and the Casino made him register with them in order to keep playing. 

[YoFuggedaboutit]

It is legal, but it is against the rules.  Casinos have a right to turn away service to anyone, so if they know you're counting cards, you will be asked to leave.  People get fancy makeup and disguises to go and play.  My Dad got really hot in Reno playing blackjack, and the Casino made him register with them in order to keep playing. 

You're right.  They can kick you out, but they can't arrest you or withhold your winnings.  The law is on your side in this case, so if they ask you to leave, just simply leave.  They can try and backroom you, but they cannot force you to go, or have your picture taken.  The casinos nowadays are owned by corporations that are not willing to risk lawsuits that come with treating card counters roughly.  Now back in the 60's and 70's, when the casinos were owned by the Mob, things were different.  I've heard stories of card counters having violent experiences in the back rooms, and card counters disappearing after a long ride into the desert with some guy named Vinny. 

[Pats2006]

I love blackjack thats my game!!

[GUATARICCAN]

Bet two if good, one if bad, yeah.

[JVides]

OK, I'll explain it some more for people who don't play blackjack

Oh, I play, I'd just never heard of this point system.  I play using basic probability (I don't adjust for cards already played).  If I have a 14 going in, for instance, I know there's a 7/13 chance I won't bust if I hit.  So if I have a 14 and the house is showing a 6, I'll stay because my chances of busting are slightly less than 50%, whereas if the dealer has a 16, his chances of busting are 8/13 (62%).  Does that make sense?

[Denver_Bronco]

Counting cards or trying to count cards just complicates the game. Sticking to just a set bet every hand with improve your chances of winning. If you lose say a $50 hand do not be a moron and bet $100 on the next hand. Do not chase your losses.

[Phishfan]

The last time I played blackjack 9I was on a gambling cruise) I only sat in a few hands. If memory serves correctly I never busted and ended out losing on hands where I had 20 & 19. I decided it wasn't my day to play and left the table.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Me and some pals have hit several casinos in Georgia, Mississippi, and Louisiana with that counting method.  What we do is we split up with each one of us playing at a different table and one of us walks around, checking out the action.  The one walking around is the "Gorilla", and the rest who are playing at different tables are "Spotters".  It is the spotter's job to count all the cards being played, then if the count gets pretty high and the dealer is far into the shoe, the spotter signals the gorilla.  The gorilla then comes over, makes a few big bets, and cleans up.