How to Count Cards, A Basic Introduction to Help Your Odds

You've heard the term "counting cards" before, and here you will learn a very simple, basic card counting method called the "plus-minus count." This technique can help to tip the scales in your favor and beat the casino.

Step 1: Card Values

When using the "plus-minus count," each card has a value. Cards 2 through 6 have a +1 count. Cards 7 through 9 have a 0, or neutral count. Cards 10 through ace have a -1 count.

Comments

[randofo]

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[15zfetten]

I don't get it is it higher + or the low- that is better for your winning odds.

[mg0930mg]

I would suggest putting a warning. They can beat you to a bloody pulp, in casinos. (Watch 21, or read the book.)

[jakee117]

but that is a movie, not real life... they still might.

[mg0930mg]

Actually it is real life. It is the true life story about the six M.I.T. Students. :)

[M4industries]

The count goes back to zero when the deck is shuffled. Just to let you know.

[M4industries]

I actually know one of the students on the team. He lives here in Jacksonville, FL.

[jakee117]

oh... yeah but like I said, they probably will beat you

[mg0930mg]

A warning in the intro, excuse me.

[M4industries]

 Ever seen 21? 

Ben Campbell got BEAT DOWN.

[PyroMonger]

how do u manage to count cards if u you can't see all the other player's cards?

[thatkidwithayoyo]

In blackjack, everyone's cards but the dealer's are face up. The dealer shows one card.

[PyroMonger]

ive never played blackjack like that...i always hide my cards....it would be stupid to play while everyone can see your cards...then you cant bluff...it seems silly to me but it's not the first time i've been playing a game wrong and didn't know

[thatkidwithayoyo]

Blackjack is traditionally an "against-the-house" game and the only hand that matters besides your own is the dealer's.

[PyroMonger]

Aaah...now I'm definitely on the same page as you. Thanks for that info

[Nova_Logic]

(removed by author or community request)

[Nova_Logic]

sooo how do you know if if your odds at winning are good? the higher the + count the better? it seems the closest i get to 0 the closer i am to winning or by a larger margin that i do win. and the more +'s i have the more i lose same with -'s

[scienceguy]

If you are playing with one deck, then that is the case. But most casinos use 5 or 6 decks. That is why it works. If you count through the entire deck, you will end up at zero. THat is why it works.

[thatkidwithayoyo]

Exactly.

[yallrfags]

thank you soooo much i and im sure many others really appreciate this my whole life ive been told that im amazing at math and blah blah blah and i can figure out all the %of each card when playing hold'em and all kinds of stuff and finally i can kick some people's butts at blackjack now too... a while back i figured out the basic concept of the dealer bust and everything but this really helps i have no clue where i was going with this whole comment but i guess im really excited about this

[Alexizupinhea]

Thanx SOO much!!!!! I'm only 15 but hopefully blackjack will still be around when I grow up... and by then I'll be a PRO!

[loganbell]

GREAT! thanks for the instructable, a tip: when betting in a casino and you think you are being watched, make a bad play or something, but don't make eye contact and then get up and leave as you my seem suspicious, don't always win, counting isn't illegal, but ...