Developing Card Counting Abilities in Blackjack
Those new to Blackjack will quickly learn that card counting is one of the techniques that pro players use. But the excitement wears off quickly when they realize how difficult it is. While it's not a walk in the park, there are ways to make the process easier to go through.
1. Know the basic concepts.
Blackjack card counting has many variants, including KO, Hi-Lo, Hi-Opt, etc. But before you can even decide which of these to try out, you must know the underlying principles that govern the system.
Card counting means monitoring all the cards that will be dealt in the game, including those that the dealer gets (and if there are other players in the game, also what they receive). Although there will be subtle differences, the basic idea is to assign values (negative and positive) for the high and low cards.
With more high cards left in the Blackjack deck, you have the advantage as you get bigger cards and the dealer will go over more often, thus you put more chips on the line. The opposite is true when there are low cards left as the edge shifts back to the casino.
2. Practice regularly.
You may read all the Blackjack card counting techniques on the Internet, but unless you actually use it, you will never profit. Some will say that it is impossible to memorize, but that's only because they never take the time to actually practice.
If you work on card counting regularly, you will learn it. You can start with a basic diagram with your card and the dealer's, and say "positive" or "negative"; or you can download a free Blackjack game off the Net, and carry out the procedure there.
3. Make sure the game is suitable for card counting.
There are a lot of Blackjack variants in casinos today, so be sure you pick the right one. Those with fewer decks and players are best, as it makes the process easier.
4. Be patient.
Whatever Blackjack card counting system you use, you will not master it overnight. It will take several weeks, perhaps even longer. Also, while you may be able to count in the comforts of your home, trying it in a noisy casino can be difficult at first, but you must persevere.
The hardships that people face in Blackjack card counting are mostly mental in nature; they think it's difficult and give up quickly. As the saying goes, quitters never win, and winners never quit. Don't quit on card counting, and you'll be a winner.
