Card Counting in Blackjack: Myth or Reality?
Everyone knows the rumors. All you have to do is learn to count cards, and then you can take a casino for thousands by playing blackjack. Sadly, this is a myth.
Of course, counting cards is real, but casinos are aware and do as much as they can to prevent individuals from doing so. Even if you do manage to count cards, if you are caught, the consequences are steep. Read on to discover the reality of counting cards in blackjack.
What is Counting Cards in Blackjack?
Card counting is a method of playing blackjack where the player mentally counts the cards on the table, comparing them with a tally in their head to determine whether or not they will have an advantage in a coming round. For example, with single deck blackjack, spotting four two cards will let the counter know that they have a better chance at getting a high card next round.
While card counting isn’t a sure-fire way to ensure you win, it is classified as cheating as it can give you a “leg-up,” so to speak, when it comes to placing bets. Card counting has worked in the past, most notably in the case of the MIT students who were immortalized in the movie 21.
How Does Counting Cards in Blackjack Work?
Counting cards is a statistical analysis of the cards that are available (face up) on the table, mentally calculated based on the number of decks in use.
Generally, those who are attempting to count cards while playing blackjack are searching for the cards worth 10 and above, as these are the cards that make a blackjack more likely. The player will count the number of cards worth 10 or more on the table, and compare that to their mental tally from the previous hand. Rather than track the card values individually, most card counters assign point values to certain cards and keep a running tally in their head. When the number fluctuates a certain direction, the player knows the next hand is in their favor.
This comparison will give them the statistical advantage that the next hand may go in their favor, allowing them to bet more if there is a higher chance they will win, or possibly abstain (or bet low) if there is a chance they will lose.
Card counters also use the practice to make their insurance bets, and splitting bets more profitable.
It’s important to note that card counting, while a reality, is not simple, even with the tally method above. Card counting requires the ability to do mental math and to maintain a straight face while calculating. More on this later.
Can You Count Cards?
We believe the saying “anyone can count cards” is a myth. Mostly because casinos are very aware of card counting and employ several employees in the security department just to watch for signs of card counting. Additionally, casinos are constantly using a shoe to shuffle, and have upped the number of decks in play. Both of these make counting cards nearly impossible, and when you add robust security to this, most individuals attempting to count cards will get caught.
So, while yes, in essence, anyone can keep a mental tally of the cards on a blackjack table, we don’t think everyone will be able to do so without getting caught.
How Do Casinos Catch Card Counters?
As we have mentioned numerous times, casinos are aware of card counters. Not only that, but they have seen it all—card counters using covert assistants, those using their phone to keep tally, and even people who think they are being sneaky are caught.
Here is what casinos watch for to catch card counters:
· Lips moving as an individual looks at cards
· Dramatic bet variation between blackjack rounds
· Playing only a small number of hands during a particular shoe of cards
· Signaling to another individual in the casino (to join a “hot” table)
· Changing tables frequently (table hopping)
· Playing outside of the “norms”
· Individuals just watching play for an extended time, not buying in until later in a shoe
· Tracking certain players via surveillance camera with suspicious tells or behavior over long periods of time
· Checking national databases of banned individuals
It is important to know that any suspicious type of play will be called out to the pit. Pit bosses are often hired for their ability to spot behavior changes that indicate card counting as well as other ingenious types of play.
What Happens if You Are Caught Counting Cards at a Casino?
If you are caught counting cards at a casino, you will likely be banned from that casino permanently. You may additionally be added to a database of suspicious players, preventing you from playing in other casinos in other locations.
That being said, counting cards is not illegal in most countries, and you will not be arrested. If you are planning to count cards (which we do not advise), we do recommend checking into your local laws before heading to the casino to play.
Is Counting Cards Worth it?
In our opinion, counting cards isn’t worth the consequences. Although counting cards was worthwhile in the 1980s and 1990s (and earlier) with all of the modern technology in most casinos, it isn’t a matter of if you will get caught, but when. And, if you are caught, you may lose all of the winnings for that session as well as be banned from that casino chain going forward.
Plus, mathematically, unless you have a team behind you like the MIT math majors, it is unlikely you will see any major winnings, even with good card counting.
We don’t tell you this to scare you, but because it is the truth. So many individuals are banned from casinos around the world just because they are suspected of counting cards. While that might not seem like a big deal, know that these are usually lifetime bans, meaning you can’t even stay in the hotel attached to the casino, or walk through the casino to go to another. And because of the social nature of casinos in the 21st century, we don’t find that worth it at all.
