How Card Counting in Blackjack Works – How-to-Guide and Counting Trainer

The first thing to do is to remember the values assigned to all of the cards.

→ High card values (10, J, Q, K, A) each count as -1
→ Low card values (2 up to 6) each count as +1
→ The other card values (7 up to 9) each count as 0

Upon pressing play, the cards will be dealt.

Now, do a calculation of all cards on the table. Remember that there's a time limit that runs up to 40 seconds. Add and subtract the value of the cards to get a final value.

Next, simply input your answer into the box. You can also use the arrows to choose the correct answer.

If your answer is correct, the game will continue. Remember to keep adding or subtracting from your previous total.

While leveling up, keep track of your total count. As an example, Round 2’s answer will be the total value of the first and the second rounds.

The game progresses as you continue to play. In other words, Round 3 will be the total sum of all the previous rounds, plus the current round.

The Omega 2 Method

This complex card counting system was popularized by Bryce Carlson back in 1992 in his book, Blackjack for Blood. The Omega 2 intermediate card counting system goes beyond the classic +1, 0 and -1 values.

+1 is assigned to card number 2, card 3 and card 7 (any suit)
+2 is assigned to card number 4, card 5 and card 6 (any suit)
-1 is assigned to card number 9 only (any suit)
-2 is assigned to card number 10 and the royal cards (any suit)
0 is assigned to card number 8 and the Ace card (any suit)

Expect to find more lower numbered cards remaining in the active deck when your count is positive. A count running into negatives reflects a large amount of high numbered cards remaining in the active deck.

The Wong Halves Method

Wong Halves is derived from the name of the system inventor, Stanford Wong. Considered to be an advanced card counting method with regards to it's assigned card values, of which several are fractional.

+1 is assigned to card number 3, card 4 and card 6 (any suit)
+0.5 is assigned to card number 2, and card 7 (any suit)
+1.5 is assigned to card number 5 only (any suit)
-0.5 is assigned to card number 9 only (any suit)
0 is assigned to card number 8 only (any suit)
-1 is assigned to card number 10, royal cards and the Ace card (any suit)

Though it may seem daunting at first, you can simplify the strategy by doubling up the assigned values and avoid calculating fractions altogether. The Wong Halves method is considered to be a well rounded system, which means that your final count will be at 0 when the active deck has been dealt completely.

Counting in a Group

The aggregate of having an advantage over the casino significantly increases when card counters play within a group. The advantage being that multiple card decks played on multiple blackjack tables can be simultaneously counted. The team communicates via signaling each other while also trying to avoid detection. This way they are able to let team members know when to opt into a hand, and when they should raise the stakes.

Multiple Decks – Counting Technique

The game rules of blackjack may vary and depending on the casino where some could use anywhere from 1 to 8 decks of cards. Professional card counters are well aware of this as well as being clued up on the rules set out for the specific game at play. The fact that the cards are not reshuffled when each round is over opens up the window of opportunity to make use of various play mechanics, which includes card counting.

As long as the running count keeps running positive, the advantage will be gained on the player's side. When multiple decks are in use, any card counting system applied could be used efficiently. Here, what is known as the true count, becomes vital to the success of the game. The true count can be effectively reached by dividing the current running count by the remainder of the inactive card decks in the game.

Monitor your current bankroll

Even though it may be important to keep a running count of the cards in play, monitoring your available funds is just as important. You wouldn't want to be too spontaneous and suddenly run out of available funds.

Discretion is pinnacle

Even if card counting does not land you in jail, it is a practice that is not welcomed at any casino. Try perfecting the technique of card counting in a noisy environment first before playing at a casino. By trying to emulate the experience of playing in a live casino environment, you will overcome any distractions you might face there.

Card count at a land-based venue

Even with all the necessary monitoring, land-based casino card counting is still a better option compared to doing it online. Online casinos make use of RNG (random number generated) systems used on all digital casino games with automatically reshuffling ability already present into the game. You will have more success playing in front of a live dealer playing with real cards.

Use a counting method that works best for you

There's a myriad of card counting strategies you could try, such as the ones you can find here. Try practicing a strategy that you are good at. Once you feel confident enough, only then should you engage your new found skill-set in a live land-based casino environment.

Ken Uston (Born 1935)

Ken Uston was credited with popularizing the team play mechanic in blackjack, which he wrote about in his book called “The Big Player Team” in 1970. He has been banned from casinos so often that he has needed to adopt the donning of disguises just to gain entry. There is no total of his earnings recorded, but it is said to be well within the millions as he would bet as much as $12, 000 in a single hand.

Peter Griffin (Born 1937)

Peter Griffin who has no relation to the protagonist of a popular TV sitcom, is one of the original members honored in the blackjack hall of fame and author of the book, “The Theory of Blackjack: The Complete Card Counter's Guide to the Casino Game of 21”. Griffin, who studied at Portland State University where he received his master's degree, was one of the first to calculate the percentage disadvantage of an average blackjack player, which is around 2%, as well as the average gains by hand.

Stanford Wong (Born 1943)

John Ferguson, known by his pen name, Stanford Wong was a professional gambler and author of the book , “Professional Blackjack” which was published in 1975. Creator of the Wong Halves method and also the first commercially released blackjack odds computer program called the “Blackjack Analyzer”. Wong, who studied at Stanford University in California, popularized a term called “Wonging” which involves card counting outside of the game and stepping in and wagering when the conditions are favorable.