Can You Count Cards In Online Blackjack?

 

Many people ask “Can you count cards in online blackjack?” As a matter of fact, you can. Counting cards is a well-known strategy thanks to it potentially helping players to improve their chances of winnings. Invented by Edward Thorp, the method involves keeping an eye on the cards that have been dealt. The method also involves players understanding which cards remain in the deck. When players have this information to hand, they know how likely they are to be dealt a good card.

Card Counting and Live Dealer Blackjack

Some of the best online blackjack casinos offer players the chance to play live dealer blackjack. This is a very welcome version of a classic game. It involves players being able to interact with a dealer who’s located in a casino or studio. It’s this that helps to make the blackjack-playing experience a lot like blackjack in a real casino. 

It is possible to count cards during a live blackjack game. However, it can be more difficult than some players imagine. This is because live dealer blackjack is often played using multiple decks. Additionally, cards may be reshuffled after every single round. This can make counting cards much harder, especially as there tends to be less than 50% deck penetration. 

There are other techniques that some players use instead of blackjack card counting. Some online casinos are thought to frown upon card counting. However, it’s not always possible to find out which players are counting cards.

How To Count Cards

Before you even sit down and play your first game of blackjack you should know that every card has a value. The value does not relate to the number or letter that is shown on the card, as such. It relates to a different value that’s all part of the card counting process. 

The values of each card are:

  • Cards 2 to 6: 1
  • Cards 7 to 9: 0
  • Cards 10 to Ace: -1

     

When a card is dealt, players can add or subtract 1. Alternatively, they can take no action if relevant. 

  • Keeping a running count

The next step involves keeping a running count. This can be done by adding or subtracting every single card that is seen in a shoe. A card counter will keep a running count for every card that is seen. The more cards that are counted, and the higher the count is, the better advantage that a player has. The lower the count is, particularly if it’s negative, the casino will be at an advantage.

Using multiple decks

Many casinos try to use multiple decks during every game. This is in a bid to affect those who know how to count cards in blackjack with one deck. Most UK online casinos do what they can to ensure that the game goes to the casino’s advantage. 

However, players can make a true count of each deck. Here’s how:

If a running count is 10 and there are 5 decks left, the true count is 2. This is because the true count is the running count divided by the number of remaining decks. In this case, the running count (10) is divided by the number of decks remaining (5). This will give you the true count of 2. 

As we have already seen, the higher the true count the better. 

If a running count is -7 and there are 2 decks left, the true count is -3. In this case, the running count (-7) is divided by the number of decks remaining (2). This will give you the true count of -3. 

When you have this information to hand, you can use it to your advantage. You can do this by making a more informed bet. You can also change your strategy, should you need to. In some cases, using a new strategy can result in you being more likely to win a game of blackjack.

Changing your bets

Bet Builder offerWhen you know the true count of the cards you know when the odds are in your favour. However, if you are unaware as to how you can use this information, there’s no point in counting cards. 

The good news is that all you need to do is to keep increasing your bets when the true count increases.

Beating Online Casinos

When you know how to count cards, it means you’re more likely to win a game of blackjack. However, it does not mean that you will potentially beat the online casinos. Online casinos always have a house edge and will always take a percentage of your winnings. In addition to this, each online casino will have different odds. What this means is that it’s not always likely that you will win a game. However, trying to win a game of blackjack can be a lot of fun. 

Now you know how to count cards in blackjack, you can start to practise your strategy. Bear in mind that it can take time for you to get used to counting cards. Some online casinos give players a limited amount of time to place a bet. Any longer, and you may miss out on the bet. You might even lose your place in the game. This is why it’s worth practising when you’re not playing live casino games.

The legality surrounding counting cards

Are you allowed to count cards in blackjack? Yes and no. We’ve already seen that some online casinos frown upon it. However, if players are clever, they are less likely to be found out. Players are unlikely to be ejected from a casino if they are discovered counting cards, but they may receive a warning. 

If you think it’s worth your while counting cards, it’s worth signing up to an online casino. Just make sure you use any casino bonuses you’re offered. Additionally, you’ll also have to make sure you place each bet quickly. Don’t worry, sooner or later it’s likely that you will become used to counting cards and you may even do so without realising.