Counting cards, how does it work, and is it allowed?
Can you count cards in a casino?
Casino games are generally games of chance. This means that there is a certain probability of winning and losing and that this is beyond your control. However, in some card games, it is possible to influence your chances of winning. In theory, it is sometimes possible to count cards. The player can calculate how many good and bad cards can still fall by keeping track of which cards are already on the table and which are still in the deck.
Counting cards
When counting cards, you calculate the probability of a good or bad card. You bet more or less based on this. If there are many good cards on the table, the probability of a wrong card is higher. It is then intelligent to bet less because you have a greater chance of losing at the next card. Therefore, card counting is a practice that is separate from the card game itself. There are also different ways of counting cards, depending on your skill. You cannot and must not show that you are counting cards.
How does card counting work?
The game where card counting is most common is Blackjack. It is said to be the most effective way to win a game of Blackjack. Often, it’s only after several rounds that you’ll notice the benefits of counting cards. There are different degrees of counting systems. The more complicated the counting system, the higher the chances of success. As Blackjack is the game where card counting is most common, it’s a logical step to use that game as an example. Here is an example of an easy counting system in Blackjack.
Counting cards in Blackjack
When you count cards in Blackjack, you give them a number. Cards 2 through 6 are assigned the number +1 and cards 7 through 9 are assigned a 0. Cards 10 through A are posted as a -1. Blackjack is about getting as close as possible to 21, but no higher, and scoring better than the croupier. If you count cards and have a positive result halfway through the game, then there are still many high cards in the pot. The chances increase with each subsequent card that the croupier will go over 21 and lose – and you win. So if the result is positive, you will bet more, and if the result is negative, you will bet less.
Can I count cards?
Officially, you can count cards in the casino. However, casinos are permitted to take measures against players who count cards. It is not a “fair” way to play. The trick is to count cards inconspicuously. Croupiers are trained to recognize card counters. Many players bet progressively; more and more chips are placed on the table. In Blackjack, if you bet like a woman with mood swings, the croupier will probably be alarmed. Chances are, you will be asked to leave the table or even the casino.
Rules and measures of the casino
Besides training the croupiers and surveillance via the many cameras, casinos also take other measures against card counting. At many online casinos, the cards in the pot are reshuffled after each round so that the player cannot count. For example, more than one deck of cards is used at a brick-and-mortar Casino. This makes card counting virtually impossible. There are too many variables to consider, and counting systems are especially effective with only one deck of cards. In addition, casinos do tests with cards to see if the deck is balanced and does not give more chances to a certain number. They also keep an eye on players with extra success.
How do you recognize a card counter?
A sound card counter is not yet a good player if they have mastered the counting systems. Even if you don’t play poker, you will still need to have a poker face when counting cards. If you alternate between high and low stakes, it will undoubtedly come out that you are counting cards. Also, it’s not intelligent to constantly go home with big winnings in the same casinos. They will look at all the video footage and discover that you are counting cards. Then, of course, you won’t be welcome anymore.