Blackjack - Advanced Strategies

Blackjack offers a number of advanced strategies, including those available with progressive blackjack where jackpots are available based on certain card combinations.  For the purpose of this review we will stick with the more traditional method of card counting.

We will add details of other advanced strategies, such as

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Blackjack - Card Counting

Frowned on by Casinos, but not illegal, card counting can be a valuable asset to minimize the house advantage.  Remember the difference in the actual v theoretical odds identified earlier.

The widely used practice of card counting is used to great effect in the game of Blackjack, whether playing with a single or multiple decks of cards.  The objective is to establish whether there are more or less high cards in the deck to determine the odds of the dealer pulling a low or high card.

One of the recognized methods of card counting used is discussed below.  If you are going to count cards, do not make it obvious and be prepared for the Casinos to object or even ask you to leave.  Do NOT assume that because you can count cards you will automatically win - you won't; but you can minimize the house advantage.  Very few people make a successful living by playing blackjack - despite some often documented misconceptions to the contrary.

To count cards you must first understand the basic strategy and be able to play using this without thinking.  Remember the basic strategy always assumes that the dealers hole card is a 10.

Why Count Cards in Blackjack?

The essence of the strategy is to determine how many low cards 2 - 6 remain in the deck or shoe.  The reason for this is that the more low cards remaining the higher the opportunity for the dealer to turn a bad hand into a winner.

By counting cards you can change your betting strategy based on the types of cards remaining in a deck and showing on the table.  Remember 30% of cards in a deck have a face value of 10!

Bet higher when there are fewer low value cards remaining and bet lower when there are more.

How to Count Cards in Blackjack?

Card counting is not easy - especially if you want to concentrate on your game as well studying the cards played by other players.

The math is simple using (+1/-1) logic based on the cards displayed.  It works as follows:-

For every low card (2-6) that has been played count positive (+1).  For every 10 value card displayed count negative (-1). Ignore all the other value cards.

As an example if your hand consists of a 10, 2 & 8 you would count 0.  Why? The 10 has a value of (-1), the 2 a value of (+1) and we ignore the 8. If the dealer is showing a Jack & Queen the count is (-2).  The total for al cards displayed is therefore (-2).

Betting in Blackjack based on the Count

If your count is negative (-n) decrease your bet.  If your count is positive (+n) increase your bet. Do so only after the count reaches + or - 5 less than this shows no real trend.  More than this and adjust your strategy accordingly - to the point where you wait for a new deck or shuffle.

As mentioned above there are no guarantees and it isn't simple, but if you have the basic strategy off pat then card counting may be worth a try.