PLease explain cardcounting

[blackjackguy]

Hi --

I've reviewed some card counting articles but don't quite "get" it. Could you please explain it?

I.e., if you are using something like the "Zen" method (at the moment I forget the exact card numbers, so will make something up)...

Say it says 2+1, 3+1, 4+1 and A-2

Does that mean every time I see a 2,3,4 or an ace on the board I "add" to my current count (or 'subtract' in the case of an ace?)

1. And if my 'count' is say about "+5", that means I make a wager increase? And if so, do I then "reset" my count? Or keep it at say "+5"? (Big question #1 - when do I reset my count?)

2. And say my count goes down to "-5" -- does that mean I start making "smaller" bets? (I.e., decrease my wager bet?)

Please explain exactly how it works, or show me somewhere where it does, thanks!

 

[mathman]

Very simply card counting determines the ratio of low cards vs. high cards left to be played. When there are more low cards left to be played the house edge increases. When there are more high cards left to be played the house edge decreases (assuming you are counting).

Depending on the count you are using, 10's and sometimes aces are counted as -1 or -2 etc. because when they end up in the discard rack it is bad for the player and good for the house. Low cards are counted as +1 or +2 etc. because when they end up in the discard rack it helps the player and hurts the house. The house has to hit to 17, the player does not. When there are more smaller cards left to be played, it is more likely the house will make a hand when they are forced to hit to 17. At the same time the player has stood because the dealer has a bust card up. Also it is less likely the player will recieve blackjack and more likely the player will recieve low cards on his double downs or possibly not double down at all.

When there are more high cards left to be played it is more likely the dealer will bust hitting to 17 while the player has stood. Also the player is more likely to get blackjack and receive favorable cards on his double downs during those times. Card counting helps a player to know the condition of the cards left to be played therefore he can raise or lower his bets accordingly...JtMM

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[Canceler]

Does that mean every time I see a 2,3,4 or an ace on the board I "add" to my current count (or 'subtract' in the case of an ace?)

Yes.

1. And if my 'count' is say about "+5", that means I make a wager increase?
2. And say my count goes down to "-5" -- does that mean I start making "smaller" bets? (I.e., decrease my wager bet?)

You have the right general idea about when to raise and lower your bets, although if you’re using a balanced count, you’ll need to know what true count (TC) means.

(Big question #1 - when do I reset my count?)

Card counting gives you an idea of the composition of the cards remaining to be played in the shoe (or deck). (It tells you whether the remaining cards are generally favorable to the player or not.) You reset your count after the current shoe is over.

Please explain exactly how it works, or show me somewhere where it does, thanks!

Go to the card counting forum and read the sticky threads at the top, especially the Frequently Asked Questions.