Card counting is a technique used by blackjack players to gain an advantage over the casino. By keeping track of the cards that have been dealt, players can determine when the remaining cards are favorable for them and adjust their bets accordingly. However, casinos have implemented various measures to prevent card counting, including using multiple decks, shuffling more frequently, and monitoring player behavior.
Challenges faced by card counters
Casinos share information about advantage players, which includes their pictures, known associates, and aliases. They also use facial recognition software and car tag readers to track the movements of players. Once a card counter is identified, they are likely to be escorted out of the casino.
Card counting is a mathematical game, and the math that gives counters an edge is also used to catch them. The trick is to bet more when the remaining cards are in your favor and bet less or not at all when they are not. The casino also knows when the remaining cards are in your favor, and one of the biggest tells is the insurance/16 against a 10 rule.
Card counters must take insurance with a 12 and skip even money when they have a blackjack. They must also stand on 16 against a 10 when the deck is even slightly positive in 10 cards. These are must-make bets for a counter to be successful long term, but they also make them noticeable to anyone trained to look.
Other tells that give a card counter away
Some other signs that can give away a card counter include reducing your bet to your minimum bet size after the shuffle, pulling back all of a blackjack payoff or a tie bet, never tipping, leaving the table to take a phone call or use the bathroom when the count goes very negative, watching the cards too closely, not drinking, not conversing with dealers or guests, nervous or furtive behavior, and being very precise with chips and/or cards.
To be truly effective, a card counter will need to bet somewhere between 12x to 16x their lowest wager when the count goes higher in a shoe game. This means a player who starts off betting $100 a hand must sometimes be able to get a $1,000 or even $1,500 bet out on the layout. Players have come up with many methods to disguise this bet spread, but it will still draw attention.
Strategies used by card counters
One popular card counting strategy is the “big player” attack, where skilled counters watch games and call in big players to bet large amounts when the count is high. This makes it harder for casinos to detect the real counters, as they remain camouflaged on their games. Casinos have countered this by limiting new players’ bets until the new shoe.
Another effective strategy is working in teams, where players take turns keeping the count while the others engage in conversation. They signal the count using chip stacks and disguise their play by placing smaller bets on larger counts. However, casinos can uncover relationships between seemingly unrelated players through databases.
For those still intent on card counting, they need to manage their expectations as big bets now mean filling out paperwork and identification verification. Asymmetrical team play can be effective, where individual bets may not match the count, but the overall money at risk and play does. Counters should also pay attention to other advantage plays, such as excess free play and badly designed promotions.
Remaining cautious and aware
Players must be cautious and aware of their surroundings, watching pit personnel and paying attention to furtive glances or whispered conversations. One mistake can be disastrous with the speed of information and depth of data available now. While card counting for fun and profit is still possible, it’s not as simple and fun as it used to be, and technology will likely bring about its demise in the next five or 10 years.
Reasons to avoid card counting
There are several reasons why you should never count cards. Firstly, it is illegal. Casinos have the right to refuse service to anyone they suspect of counting cards, and if caught, you could be banned from the casino or even face legal consequences.
Secondly, it is not as easy as it seems. Counting cards requires a lot of concentration and practice. Even the most experienced card counters can make mistakes, leading to significant losses.
Thirdly, it can be expensive. If you are caught counting cards, you will likely lose any money you have won and potentially face legal fees.
Fourthly, it can ruin the fun of gambling. Instead of enjoying the game, you will be focused on counting cards, which can take away from the excitement and thrill of gambling.
Fifthly, it can lead to addiction. The rush of winning can be addictive, and card counting can amplify this feeling, leading to compulsive gambling behavior.
Lastly, it is not a guaranteed winning strategy. While card counting can improve your odds, it is not a foolproof method. The house always has an edge, and even the most successful card counters will eventually lose.
In conclusion, while card counting may seem like an attractive strategy, it is not worth the risk. It is illegal, difficult, expensive, takes away from the fun of gambling, can lead to addiction, and is not a guaranteed winning strategy. It is better to enjoy the game and take your chances without relying on card counting.
