Blackjack card counting - here is how it works

(Credit: Rich Anderson) 

While at a blackjack table, card counting is the only strategy you can use to get a statistical, long-term advantage over the house. If you're wondering what card counting is, then here's how the concept works – there are some cards that are high-value and are good for the player, while there are other cards that are low-value cards and aren't good for the player. However, low-value cards are generally good for the dealer, as the dealer is supposed to follow a strict set of rules when it comes to hitting.

By learning card counting, you will be able to play with the odds in your favor for a longer time and you can also triple your long-term profits. Yes, card counting in blackjack can be quick and easy to learn and will definitely make winning the game a lot more possible.

Here is how card counting in blackjack works:

• Card counting mainly works because blackjack players tend to use certain strategies with the appropriate card counting systems that are capable of beating the casinos odds. In blackjack, the low cards will always favor the dealer and the higher cards will always favor the player.
• As a blackjack player, you will be able to stand on your stiffs if required, but the dealer wont be able to. The dealer is supposed to follow a strict set of rules and cannot make any choices. So, this ability of yours to choose over the dealers inability to do so actually gives you the odds advantage against the house.
• High cards always favor the players because this is what busts the dealer when he comes down with his stiffs. It's the tens and aces that create the blackjacks. The odds of hitting a blackjack are more or less equal for the dealer and the player, but the player will always get paid more if he hits a blackjack.
• When card counting in blackjack, you are not required to count every card value in order to know that you have an edge over the casino. All you need to know is whether or not the deck is rich in high cards or not.
• Effective blackjack card counting will let you know when you have an advantage. If you are at an advantage, you obviously must have bet higher and if you aren't then you probably bet at minimum.
• Some blackjack card counter systems are easier to learn and can be as effective as the more complicated systems. Try your hand at all the systems to see which one suits you the best. The one that comes to you naturally is generally the best system.
• Once you get the hang of card counting, you'll see how your blackjack game changes immediately. What's more, card counting will make it easier for you to win more at blackjack.

Source: http://learntoplaypoker.wordpress.com

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