Introduction: 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.
Step 2: The Count
The count starts at 0.
As each card is dealt, add that card's value to the count.
For example: If an Ace, king, 2, 7,6,4, and 5 are dealt, the count is +2
Ace -1
King -1
2 +1
7 0
6 +1
4 +1
5 +1
Total= +2
The dealer's face-down card is not counted until it is flipped.
Step 3: Keep Counting
Continue the count as the cards are dealt out of the deck, the count does not reset to 0 after each hand.
The plus-minus count is know as a "balanced" system, meaning that a standard 52 card deck will always bear a count of 0 after all 52 cards are dealt.
Step 4: Betting
Betting is a very simple concept with the plus-minus count, the higher the count, the higher you bet.
A good rule of thumb is to increase your bet one increment (by $x constantly) for each count over 0.
A high count means that there are more low cards that have been dealt, increasing the probability of a high card being dealt next. The higher the probability of a high card, the higher the chance of the dealer busting and the player being dealt a favorable hand.
A low count means that there are more high cards that have been dealt, increasing the probability of a low card being dealt next. The higher the probability of a low card, the higher the chance of a dealer getting a favorable hand, and the player receiving a less favorable hand. With a very low count, however the chance of the player to be dealt "five under 21," (which is an automatic win in some casinos) in which the players hand consists of five or more cards, yet they are still not bust.
Step 5: Being Discreet
Casinos don't like card counters. Why should they? Card counters lower the house's odds to make money. If you are ever counting cards in a casino, don't make yourself too noticeable. Don't count out loud, don't look like you're counting, and act natural.
Step 6: Practice!
Card counting will be difficult at first, but will eventually become second nature. The only way to get better is to practice! Practice at home or with friends first, and be prepared for all the distractions of a casino floor.
A good way to practice is to gather a few friends. Have one deal and monitor the count, have one or two play with you, and have one distract you. The distraction could try to talk to you, yell at you, bump into you, offer you a drink, flash lights at you, play loud music, make distracting noises or movements, or just generally be annoying.
Step 7: A Word to the Wise
Be careful! Obvious card counting can lead to your ejection from a casino.
This instructable is for, well, instructional purposes only. I am in no way responsible for anything you do using this information.
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22 Comments
9 years ago
Sorry its not +2
Reply 3 months ago
7 is zero
2-3-4-5-6 +1
7-8-9 0
10-J-Q-K-A -1
Reply 7 years ago
Ace -1
King -1
-1 + -1 = -2
2 +1
-2 + 1 = -1
7 0
-1 + 0= -1
6 +1
-1 + 1= 0
4 +1
0 +1= 1
5 +1
1+1= 2
The answer is indeed +2. It's easy to get confused, so don't feel bad.
9 years ago
The count on the first example is wrong its +3 not +3
Reply 7 years ago
Ace -1
King -1
-1 + -1 = -2
2 +1
-2 + 1 = -1
7 0
-1 + 0= -1
6 +1
-1 + 1= 0
4 +1
0 +1= 1
5 +1
1+1= 2
The answer is indeed +2. It's easy to get confused, so don't feel bad.
10 years ago on Introduction
I don't get it is it higher + or the low- that is better for your winning odds.
13 years ago on Introduction
how do u manage to count cards if u you can't see all the other player's cards?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
In blackjack, everyone's cards but the dealer's are face up. The dealer shows one card.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
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
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Blackjack is traditionally an "against-the-house" game and the only hand that matters besides your own is the dealer's.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Aaah...now I'm definitely on the same page as you. Thanks for that info
14 years ago on Introduction
I would suggest putting a warning. They can beat you to a bloody pulp, in casinos. (Watch 21, or read the book.)
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
but that is a movie, not real life... they still might.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Actually it is real life. It is the true life story about the six M.I.T. Students. :)
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
oh... yeah but like I said, they probably will beat you
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
A warning in the intro, excuse me.
14 years ago on Introduction
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
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
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.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Exactly.
14 years ago on Introduction
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