Blackjack: Counting Cards Basics

We all know that there are several card counting techniques associated with the game of Blackjack. The most popular one would have to be the Hi Lo system, also known as the balanced system. Although this particular card counting technique can be quite hard to master, the system can help you be that much more profitable at Blackjack tables.

The system is generally used to determine the ratio of high cards to low cards remaining in the deck. By knowing the right ratio, you can easily make your decisions properly. Combine the Hi Lo system with basic Blackjack matrix, and you have one solid formula in winning Blackjack games.

Low cards — two, three, four, five and six — are assigned a value of plus one. You need to keep in mind that low cards are considered beneficial to the dealer, since they have to hit whenever their hand is under 17. High cards — ten, Jack, Queen, King and Ace — are assigned value of minus one. They are less beneficial to the dealer, yet can be quite helping for you. For any card in between — seven, eight and nine or known as the neutral cards — no points are assigned.

These are the basics of Hi Lo system. As the game progresses, you can easily determine the ratio of high cards to low cards based on your counts and place your bets accordingly. It would be best to practice the count as much as possible before using it, since this technique is quite hard to master.