Points to Consider in Blackjack Card Counting

Go through any Blackjack strategy site and card counting will definitely be among the techniques discussed. However, there are several considerations that have to be accounted for before you apply it in the casino.

1. Blackjack card counting systems vary in complexity.

This is very important: the more exact you want your card counting method to be, the more numbers you'll need to keep track of. As a beginner, you'll want to commence with some of the simpler procedures, such as high/low. There are more intricate systems but they can be very complicated, so make your choices carefully.

2. Don't be afraid to switch systems.

What works for one player may not work for another; this doesn't mean that the Blackjack card counting strategy is ineffective, but rather the player is simply not as comfortable with it. Don't be afraid to try different systems. Again, practice this with play money before you move on to the real thing.

3. The more Blackjack decks in play, the harder it is to count.

Your card counting system may work well with a single deck game, but what happens when the casino only offers a six or eight deck version?

If you are going to utilize card counting, select a table that uses six decks at most, because it will get harder and harder to monitor all the numbers. For example, if it is a single deck game (52 cards), the 10 pt cards number 16. But that number goes up to 64 when the deck used is four. With an eight deck set the ten pt cards number 128. And we are just talking about those valued at 10 pts, to say nothing of the others.

Given this fact it should be obvious that an effective Blackjack card counting system must be one that is simple to use, because with more decks, the complexity increases. An intricate system might be more precise, but if you are unable to account for the numbers, or worse make a mistake, you will lose more money.

So the bottom line when it comes to Blackjack card counting is to strike a balance between relying on a simplified, but less precise method vs.those that are more accurate but very complex.

If you are a novice your aim must be to make money first, so try the easier systems. Once you have grown accustomed to counting and your bankroll sufficient, then you can begin to experiment with the other more advanced methods, and improving your skills in the process.