Do you want to increase your odds of winning in Blackjack online? Card counting in Blackjack is a crucial concept that is also a hot matter of debate. There are different card counting systems available. And, each has a different level of intricacy and precision. That is why professional card counters must be familiar with most of these methods. So, they use the most effective strategy based on the blackjack version they are playing at trusted online casino Singapore.
Furthermore, the importance of the basic strategy in blackjack cannot be overstated. It can help reduce the house edge by half a percent just by following the basic card counting rules at a table. In addition, card counting systems make blackjack one of the best games on the casino floor.
Remember that the only way to consistently defeat the house is to keep track of the cards that have been taken from the game. The card counting strategy listed below can help you increase your odds against the house.
Key Definitions in Card Counting
Meanwhile, here are some key definitions to help you compare different blackjack card counting systems.
Betting Correlation (BC)
The Betting Correlation (BC) is a mathematical term that describes the relationship between card point values and the effect of eliminating such cards. In other words, BC refers to how well a card counting algorithm anticipates the most profitable betting opportunities.
To win in Blackjack, you want your betting correlation to be as close to 1.00 or 100% as feasible. As you add decks to the shoe, the betting correlation becomes more relevant.
Playing efficiency (PE)
It is a metric that assesses how well a system determines the best betting strategy based on the deck’s composition. The greater the number, the better. This is especially crucial in blackjack games with fewer decks.
Insurance Correlation (IC)
It is a measure of how effective a card counting system is at advising a counter to buy insurance when it is necessary. In insurance correlation, the higher the number, the better. Thus, this is especially true with larger numbers.
List of Different Card Counting Systems
Here’s a rundown of the most common card counting systems. We also included their description of how they function in a real-world casino setting.
Blackjack Card Counting Method #1: Hi-Lo System
Among the different card counting systems, the Hi-Lo system is the most widely used of all. This card counting strategy is based on Edward Thorp’s Ten-Count Approach. Moreover, the Hi-Lo system is ideal for both beginners and advanced players.
Hi-Lo Card Counting Values:
- Low Cards (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) = value of +1
- High Cards (10, Ace, K, Q, J) = value of -1
- In-between cards (7, 8, 9) = zero value
Let’s say you have tracked the 6, 10, King, 2, and Jack. Then, your overall count will be -1. In the Hi-Lo system, the greater the positive number, the more high-value cards are left in the deck.
In this Blackjack card counting strategy, you will first get a running count. Then, by diving this running count number with the number of remaining decks in the shoe, you will get its true count.
Different Card Counting Systems #2: Hi-Opt I
There are two variations of this Highly Optimum or Hi-Opt card counting strategy. These are Hi-Opt I and Hi-Opt II. Both systems use the same principle, although the latter is a more advanced strategy.
Hi-Opt I Card Counting Values
- 3, 4, 5, 6 cards = value +1
- 2, 7, 8, 9, A cards = value 0
- 10, J, Q, K cards = value -1
Card Counting Strategy #3: Hi-Opt II
As mentioned earlier, this card counting strategy is quite advanced. In Hi-Opt II, the real count and running count are sored in the same way. In addition, only skilled card counters utilize this strategy because of its intricacy.
Hi-Opt II Card Counting Values
- 4, 5 cards = value of +2
- 2, 3, 6, 7 cards = value of +1
- 8, 9, A cards = 0 value
- 10, J, Q, K cards = value of -2
Blackjack Counting Strategy #4: Knock Out (K-O) System
The K-O system is probably one of the Blackjack easy card counting strategies that are suitable for newbies. This is an uneven system because once all the cards have been dealt, the total count will not equal zero. However, the Knock Out system is less precise, yet it is simple to learn and apply in a online casino Singapore.
K-O System Card Counting Values
- 10, A, Q, J, K cards= value of -1
- 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 cards = value of +1
- 8, 9 cards = 0 value
Let’s say you keep track of cards 3, 4, Jack, 9, 7, and Queen.
Then, your final count will be +1.
Blackjack Easy Card Counting System #5: Red Seven
Are you a beginner in card counting? If so, then the Red Seven system is suitable for you. Among the different card counting systems, this strategy is based on the high vs. low card idea.
Red Seven Card Counting Values
- High cards = value of -1
- Low cards = value of +1
- 8, 9 cards = value of 0
Furthermore, the Red Seven system is unique because color plays a vital role in the 7’s. This is also the reason why this Blackjack card counting system is named after that.
As a result, if the 7 is red, it has a low value of +1. Whereas, if it is black, it has a neutral value.
For instance, you keep track of cards 3, 4, Jack, 7 Red, 9, 6, and 8. Then, you will get a +4 running count. On the contrary, the count would be +2 if there were still two decks to be dealt. In this case, it will be advantageous for you if the final count is greater.
Intermediate Card Counting Method #6: Omega II
Are you an intermediate card counter? Then, this Blackjack card counting system is suitable for you. In addition, the Omega II is a multi-level system with some cards worth two points and others just one.
Furthermore, this is a balanced card counting method. Because once all of the cards have been dealt and the count has been kept correctly, players can arrive at zero.
Omega II Card Counting Values
- 2, 3, 7 cards = value of +1
- 4, 5, 6 Low cards = value of +2
- 9 card = value -1
- 10, J, Q, K cards = value of -2
- 8 and Ace = 0 value
Let’s have a look at an example. Assume you’ve been keeping track of 2, 6, Queen, 4, and 8 for a while. These will give you a running count of +3. And if the shoe has two decks left, the count will be 1, 5.
Other Card Counting Strategy
- Ace/Five count
- Zen Count
- Halves
- KISS system – KISS II, and KISS III,
- Wong Halves
- Noir Card Counting System
- Silver Fox
- Unbalanced Zen 2 (UBZ 2)
- Illustrious 18
- Revere Point Count (RPC)
- Uston Advanced Point Count
- Canfield Expert System
Different Card Counting Systems FAQs:
What exactly is a card counting strategy, and how does it work?
A card counting system is a strategy that allows blackjack players to count cards. Card counters can achieve a systematic advantage over the casino during a game round.
Is it necessary to have a math or programming degree to use a blackjack card counting system?
No, even with very basic math skills, you can count cards. This is because the majority of the card counting systems on the list are basic and intended for novices.
What is the best place for me to practice card counting?
Card counters may hone their skills by playing free online blackjack games with real decks of cards. At top live casinos in Singapore, you can play Blackjack games for free. You don’t have to wager real money to practice the different card counting systems.
