Our Basic Card Counting Tips in Blackjack
The general belief about card counting is that it relies heavily on memorisation. Interestingly, this is not the case. Counting cards in Blackjack actually means tracking the ratio of high to low cards that have already been played, using any system that fits you best.
Many successful blackjack players admit to having average memories. The key to success is assigning values to each card in play. The advantage for the player increases as more face cards—such as Jacks, Queens, Kings and Aces—remain in the deck still to be dealt.
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Simple Steps for Card Counting
In basic card counting, each card receives either a zero, negative, or positive value. Every time a card is dealt, the count changes accordingly depending on the card’s assigned value. When low cards are played, it increases the proportion of high cards left in the deck. Oppositely, when high cards are removed, low cards make up more of what remains in play.
In the High-Low system, any card with a value of ten (10, Jack, Queen, King) results in subtracting one from your count. If a card between two and six is played, one is added. Cards seven through nine are neutral and do not impact your running count.
Introduction to High Low Systems
The purpose of the High-Low system is to simplify the calculation of the player’s advantage by reflecting the potential effect of removing specific cards. As a level one counting method, the High-Low system never shifts the count by more than one point in either direction. This creates a straightforward approach which is suitable for new and experienced players alike.
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Understanding Side Count Strategies
Advanced players sometimes maintain an additional count, known as a side count, along with their main running count. Using a side count can help you track key cards like aces, which influences betting and game strategy accuracy.
However, tracking extra information often requires more mental effort and may reduce your ability to play quickly and effectively. For most players, sticking to a single count offers a better balance of simplicity and reward, especially when aiming for consistent performance over multiple games.
Master the Fundamentals
It is important to become familiar with core terms if you are planning to try a blackjack card counting strategy.
No strategy is flawless. The best system for you is the one that feels comfortable, is easy to use, and maximises potential returns on your bets. Always keep effectiveness and practicality in mind when choosing your approach. Player efficiency should be prioritised in all circumstances.
Player efficiency (PE) measures how well the information you gather during card counting helps you adjust your play style. Good systems work for both single and double deck games and guide you when to vary your strategy based on unplayed cards.
Insurance correlation (IC) describes how much of your expected profit during card counting comes from insurance bets, which are especially lucrative at high counts. With a higher insurance correlation, certain systems yield extra value. The ace remains a crucial card; tracking it closely can make a significant difference to your profits.
Betting correlation (BC) is another important measure for determining the usefulness of a system’s information for making your betting decisions. An efficient system includes betting correlation as a central component.
Most experts recommend keeping a side count of aces—counting those played and those that remain. However, try not to overcomplicate things by tracking extra elements that might become overwhelming. Simpler methods usually lead to better focus and fewer mistakes during gameplay.
You can play live blackjack at online casino rooms like Leo Vegas, Mr Green, and Comeon, all offering real dealers and tables around the clock.
Any card counting system demands mental discipline. Select a method that makes sense to you and that you can use with confidence. Remember that some systems focus on efficiency, while others prioritise accuracy. Avoid methods that are too advanced or unbalanced, as they rarely provide practical advantages in regular play.
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- The MIT blackjack team
- Blackjack dictionary
Last updated in 2025
Emily Thornton boasts a degree in Digital Media from the University of Bristol, accompanied by an obsession for the online casino world. Over the past six years, she's combined her tech-savvy skills with a flair for writing, producing in-depth reviews and slots analyses for various casino platforms. A frequent contributor to free-spins.org, Emily's articles are grounded in research, ensuring readers gain trusted insights into the dynamic world of online gaming.