3 Useful Card Counting Techniques and Tips to Stay Undetected

Counting cards in blackjack isn’t against the rules, but it’s a skill that might get you asked to leave a game if noticed. By how to count cards in blackjack, you can get a small advantage, as it helps you recognize moments when the odds are in your favor. While it doesn’t mean you’ll win every time, it can still lower the casino’s edge a bit. 

In this article, I’ll guide you through simple methods of card counting, showing each step to help you improve your game.

Is Card Counting illegal?

Online casinos do not ban card counting and there are no explicit regulations against it. However, they aren’t fond of it, and if they catch you doing it, they might limit your account or even ban you.

While most online casinos don’t have strict rules against card counting, it's not as effective online as it is in traditional casinos. The main reason is that online blackjack uses Random Number Generators (RNGs) (which shuffle the cards after every round) making card counting practically impossible.

In live dealer blackjack, where you can see the cards being dealt via video, card counting might seem doable. However, these games typically use many decks (6 to 8), just like in physical casinos, which limits the success of card counting.

How to reduce the house edge with card counting? Although there’s no specific rule banning card counting, online casinos do keep an eye on player behavior. If they notice anything suspicious, they might issue warnings or restrict accounts. So while it's not officially forbidden, card counting online is tough to pull off and rarely effective.

Blackjack Card Counting Guide: 3 Effective Methods

How hard is it to count cards in blackjack? Let’s find out by exploring three effective methods, starting with the most accessible for beginners: the Hi-Lo system.

Basic Card Counting for Beginners: The Hi-Lo Technique

The Hi-Lo system is a simple card counting technique for beginners that can help you feel more confident at the blackjack table. Instead of getting lost in technical details, this approach lets you keep track of high and low cards so you can make smarter betting decisions.

Here are some easy steps to help you master the Hilo technique:

Step 1: Place a bet of at least 200 units to avoid bankrupting

Before you dive in, it’s essential to make sure you’ve got enough funds to last through the ups and downs of the game. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 200 units - meaning if the minimum bet at the table is $10, aim for a bankroll of $2,000. 

I know it sounds like a lot, but it gives you some breathing room and lowers the risk of burning through your money too quickly. If you can save up a bit more, it will help you stay in the game longer and keep things fun!

• If you start with 400 units, you lower the risk of losing everything to just 20%.
• 1,000 units? Your risk of losing your bankroll drops to a mere 1%.

Step 2: Assign a +1 or -1 value to each card dealt

Here’s where the real fun begins! Once the cards start coming, you’ll need to keep a running count to help you understand what’s left in the deck. 

When the game starts, your count is always zero. As each card is dealt, you’ll either add or subtract 1 depending on its value:

For example:

• Cards 2-6 have a value of +1.
• Cards 7-9 have no value (count as 0)
• Cards worth 10 have a value of -1.
• Aces also have a value of -1.

This simple calculation helps you get a feel for whether there are more high or low cards left in the deck.

Step 3: Calculate the true count by dividing the running count by the number of decks

Casinos use multiple decks to make card counting harder, but players can adjust by converting the running count into a true count. The true count gives a more accurate picture by showing the number of extra high cards relative to the remaining decks.

Card counting isn’t just about knowing the number of high cards left, but also understanding the ratio of high cards to low cards. 

For example, if your running count is +5 but there’s only one deck left, this means there are 5 extra 10s or Aces in the remaining 52 cards, giving the player an advantage! This is why the “True Count” is so important - it gives a clearer picture of the situation by factoring in how many decks are left.

How to Calculate True Count:

Examples:

• Running Count = 10, Decks Remaining = 5 → True Count = 2 (10: 5)
• Running Count = -7, Decks Remaining = 2 → True Count = -3 (-7:2)

To simplify betting based on card counting, a straightforward approach for beginners is to adjust wagers according to the true count. The rule is simple: bet one unit less than the true count. 

For instance, if the "Running Count" is 12 and there are 3 decks remaining, the True Count would be 4 (12/3 = 4). In this case, you should bet with 3 units. So, if each unit is $10, your total bet would be $30 (3 × $10).

Step 4: Adjust Your Bets Based on the True Count

When the true count goes up into positive numbers, specifically +2 or higher, it indicates that a greater number of high-value cards such as 10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces remain in the deck. 

When there are more high cards, your chances of winning increase, so it's smart to raise your bet. Remember not to bet too much if you don’t want the casino to catch on. 

On the other hand, if the running count turns negative, it indicates that more low-value cards are left in the deck, which benefits the dealer. In this situation, it's wise to reduce your bet or refrain from increasing it until the count shifts back in your favor.

Step 5: Change the basics

As the card count rises, players can adjust their strategy from basic blackjack rules. It is important to rely on math-based decisions rather than gut feelings. When the true count reaches +3 or higher, players should consider the following changes:

• Buy insurance on dealer’s Ace.
• Stand with 16 vs dealer’s 10.
• Split tens instead of standing.
• Stand with 13 vs dealer’s 2.
• Stand with 12 vs dealer’s 2 or 3.
• Double Down on 10 vs dealer’s Ace.
• Double Down on 9 vs dealer’s 7.

Pairing cards like this makes counting easier, even when cards are dealt quickly. With practice, counting becomes as automatic as riding a bike, where everything feels smooth and natural.

Advanced Card Counting Techniques: Omega II, Wong Halves, and Victor Advanced Point Count

If you're looking to take your card counting skills to the next level, these advanced techniques might be for you. However, these methods are quite challenging and are generally only suitable for experienced players or experts.

Omega II Technique

The Omega II system is a sophisticated card counting method where each card has a different value instead of just being +1 or -1.

How It Works:

• Cards 2, 3, and 7 are worth +1.
• Cards 4, 5, and 6 carry a value of +2.
• Card 9 is valued at -1, while 10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces are worth -2.

When using the Omega II system, you’ll need to quickly add up different values during the game because of its unique scoring. This means you need to practice regularly to get comfortable with it. Taking time to improve this skill can make a real difference and help you play better at the table. 

If you master the Omega II technique, you could have a nice advantage, but it’s important to be patient and keep practicing until it feels natural.

Wong Halves Technique

The Wong Halves system is a more advanced multi-level card counting technique that uses decimal values to achieve greater accuracy.
How It Works:

• Card 2 is worth +0.5.
• Cards 3, 4, and 6 are valued at +1.
• Card 5 carries a value of +1.5.
• High-value cards (10, J, Q, K, A) are assigned a value of -1.
• Card 9 has a value of -0.5.

When you use decimal values, you'll need to do quick mental math, which means this method can be really accurate. But it can feel tricky for someone just starting out. Don't worry, though - with practice, it gets easier. 

It’s normal to find it a bit challenging at first, but the key is to keep going and not get discouraged. I'll walk you through it step by step, and soon enough, it will start to make more sense.

Victor Advanced Point Count Technique

This technique is one of the most intricate card counting systems, concentrating on evaluating the ratio of high cards to low cards remaining in the deck.
How It Works:

• Cards 2 through 6 are counted as +1.
• Cards 7 and 8 have a value of 0.
• Cards 9, 10, J, Q, K, and A are valued at -1.

The Victor Advanced Point Count method helps you keep track of the cards in the game. It also shows you whether there are more high cards or low cards left in the deck. By knowing this, we can make better decisions when placing our bets.

Group Card Counting: Applicable Only for Land-Based Casino Players

How to count cards in blackjack at a casino can vary, and one special method is group card counting, commonly used in land-based casinos. The key idea is that players work together to keep track of the cards, allowing the team to count multiple decks at once, which would be challenging for just one person.

Here’s a closer look at how it works:

To get started with group card counting, we need to first remember groups of cards. This means we pay attention to the cards that are dealt, especially the high cards like 10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces, and note how many of each are still in the deck.

Once we’ve done that, instead of counting every card one by one, we group them by value. This way, it’s easier to keep track of what's going on in the game and helps us make smarter decisions during play.

When you practice and get comfortable with this, it becomes much easier to understand how to count cards in blackjack. And as you improve, you'll increase your chances of winning.

For example, if you notice there are more high cards still in the deck, this could mean it’s a good time to bet a little more because the chances of getting a winning hand are better. 

03 Important Notes for Online Player When Count Cards in Blackjack

1 - RNG (Random Number Generator) Systems Are Not Suitable for Card Counting

Online casinos use RNG (Random Number Generator), which shuffles the deck after every round. Card counting doesn't work here because there’s no pattern to follow.

You can improve your chances by playing live blackjack, where a real dealer handles the cards, making it easier to watch the game and use card counting strategies.

2 - Online Casinos Can Detect Unusual Behavior

Online casinos have systems to watch for unusual betting patterns. If you change your bets too predictably based on the true count, the casino might notice. This could lead to warnings or even a blocked account.

Tip: To stay unnoticed, try to keep your betting pattern natural and flexible. Avoid making large jumps in your bet size, so your play looks more like regular betting.

3 - Game Speed in Live Blackjack

Live blackjack tables move faster than regular games, requiring players to count quickly and make fast decisions. To keep up, you need sharp reflexes and well-practiced counting skills.

Practice with smaller games to improve speed and accuracy. Also, watch the dealer and track the number of cards dealt to spot potential opportunities.

07 Tips for Practicing Card Counting in Online Games

Learning how to count cards in blackjack online is not a straightforward technique. Modern casinos are highly sophisticated, and inexperienced players can easily be detected if they attempt to use card counting strategies.

Below are some useful tips to help you optimize your learning process and improve your ability to count cards effectively: 

Smart card counting tips for players aiming to win.

1 - Pick Live Blackjack, Not RNG Blackjack

When you play live blackjack, the dealer shuffles after several rounds, which lets the game flow smoothly without too much interruption. This means you can track cards and use counting strategies, like the Hi-Lo system. But in RNG (Random Number Generator) blackjack, the deck reshuffles after every hand, so it’s impossible to count cards. Since the count resets each time, card counting won’t work in RNG games.

2 - Start Small with Low-Stakes Tables

When learning to count cards, starting at low-stakes tables is smart. With a small minimum bet, like $1, you can practice without risking much money. This way, you have space to make mistakes and learn comfortably.

3 - Use Card Counting Practice Software

Using card counting practice software can help you learn safely without losing money. Tools like Blackjack Trainer or Card Counting Trainer let you get comfortable with counting. Practicing for a few weeks builds both skill and confidence, making it easier to apply your skills at a real table.

4 - Maintain Fast and Accurate Counting

Counting cards in live blackjack needs both speed and accuracy. Games move fast, and mistakes can make you miss good chances. Practicing with a timer or quick-dealing cards can help you count accurately and keep up with the game’s pace.

5 - Keep Your Betting Consistent

Online casinos track unusual betting patterns, so keep your bets steady. Large jumps in bet size can raise suspicion, which might lead to tighter monitoring or even account restrictions. A more natural betting style, with small changes up or down, helps avoid detection and still lets you take advantage of good opportunities.

6 - Track the Card Dealing History in Live Blackjack

At many live tables, you can see a history of recent hands, which shows patterns that may help with card counting. If you notice a lot of low cards were recently dealt, there’s a chance higher cards will come up soon. Watching these trends can help you adjust your strategy in the game.

7 - Proper Use of Running Count and True Count

If you rely solely on the running count at multi-deck tables can result in inaccurate outcomes. The running count keeps track of the card values during play, but it’s important to convert it to the true count for better decisions. You can divide the running count by the number of decks left in the shoe.

Example: If your running count is +6 and 3 decks remain, the true count would be 2 (6 ÷ 3). This tells you how favorable the deck is and helps you adjust your bets more effectively.

The Bottom Line

Learning to count cards in blackjack can give you an advantage over the casino, but it’s important to practice carefully and use this skill with caution. Online casinos have tools that can spot unusual behavior, so it helps to keep a steady approach and avoid sudden changes in your bets. With plenty of practice and by using live blackjack games, you can improve your card counting skills while staying discreet.

If you stay consistent and avoid big shifts in your play, you can take advantage of card counting without drawing too much attention.