Card Counting Strategy in Blackjack

Card Counting Strategy in Blackjack: the Hi-Low method

The Hi-Low method, also popularly called “balanced” or high-low stakes, is a basic strategy that consists of assigning a value to each card that comes out. The method was developed in 1963 by Harvey Dubner and has become, over the years, one of the most widely used by blackjack novices and experts alike.

One of the reasons for its success is undoubtedly its simplicity. This counting system is based on adding, subtracting or adding neutral values.

Sounds complicated? Don’t worry, it is easier than it sounds. Cards from 2 to 6 add up to 1 (+1), cards from 7 to 9 will be the neutral values (0), and cards from 10 to A subtract 1 (-1). What you are trying to achieve with this method is to have an approximation of whether the remaining cards in the following hands are positive or negative (low or high). The fewer cards the dealer has, the more accurate your predictions will be. If you add up all the values in the deck, the result should be 0.

The KO/(Knockout) Method for Card Counting in Blackjack

The KO (Knockout) method was developed by Olaf Vancura and Ken Fuchs. Let’s see some practical tips to help you understand it, since it is not as complicated as it may seem at first glance. Like the Hi-Low method, KO consists of assigning a value to each card. However, in the KO method, other groups of cards are taken as reference.

This system features 20 positive cards (+1), 20 negative cards (-1), and 12 neutral cards (0). Bear in mind that blackjack is generally played with 7 decks. It should also be noted that in the KO the 7 card is no longer worth zero (0) but adds 1 (+1), thus losing its neutrality.

Some players find that although this method is less accurate than the Hi-Low, it is also easier to learn. Therefore, some prefer to start with the KO to gain experience and only move to the Hi-Low when they have a bit of experience. However, both methods are very effective.

The Uston SS Method

The next method that is worth attention is the Uston SS method. This method is one of the most complicated, perhaps because it was created by Ken Uston, one of the greatest experts in card counting in blackjack.

The letters SS in the name stand for “stronger and simpler”. To use this method, you will need to have practiced the above strategies a lot, or have an extraordinary memory. This system consists of a 7-level scoring table of addition and subtraction.

The lowest values 2, 4, and 6 add 2 (+2), 5 add 3 (+3), 7 add 1 (+1) and 8 is neutral since it is worth 0. The other cards are the 9 that subtracts 1 (-1) and the cards from 10 to A that subtract 2 (-2). This counting system alerts the player when the hand is “hot”, that is when positive values come out.

It also alerts the player to keep their bets to a minimum when the hand is not so favorable.

Finally, the Red Method 7

The Red 7 (red 7) card counting method is one of the simplest methods you’ll find at higher levels. Although some players describe it as “simple”, it really is not so simple. In fact, only players with a lot of experience and knowledge of blackjack can master this strategy.

The values used are only three, although things get complicated because 7 is distributed in red and black. We will explain it to you in detail below. The 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 (R) are positive (+1). From 10 to A are negative (-1). The 8, 9, and 7 (N) are neutral (0).

To check that you have done the sum correctly, you have to get a running count +2 by the end of a single full deck of cards. Although it is simple to look at, do not be fooled. The complication of this system comes with practice and not with an explanation. Try it with a deck of cards in your house and you will see what we are talking about.

Where to Apply the Acquired Knowledge?

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, applying these techniques in real casinos is very complicated, although, obviously, that would improve your gaming experience, help you know the decks, and increase your chances of winning.

The best place to put your knowledge into practice is in live dealer blackjack casinos because it will allow you to see the dealer and the deck live, in real time. You will have the disadvantage that you must be very discreet and, obviously, you will not be able to write down the cards that come out.

Although counting cards is not a scam, it is a practice that casinos do not like and you may be asked to leave the premises. Live games from online casinos could also be a good alternative. The problem is that in online casinos the deck is often mixed after each hand and this action causes the count to be lost.

Obviously, you will need a lot of speed to be able to count cards. Therefore, it is best to start with a free blackjack game or a blackjack simulator, both of which can be found after a little search on the Internet.

Am I Cheating if I Count Cards?

Counting cards in blackjack is accepted. However, it is advisable to be careful when making these counts in land-based casinos. It is well known that casinos do not see counting cards favorably. The explanation is simple, a player who counts cards correctly will have the ability to considerably reduce the advantage of the casino.

In most cases, casinos may ask you to leave the establishment as they reserve the right of admission. The key is to achieve enough experience in card counting that no one, not the dealer or the rest of the players, will notice.

You should also know that each country has its own rules, even sometimes within the same country, municipality or city. Thus, some regions may prohibit card counting, while others support it. This makes the legal framework unclear in some cases. In short, to count cards you must take into account a series of factors.