Card Counting Overview
So you want to play Blackjack and you think card counting is the answer? Well, it is one of the most popular ways to beat the dealer and many people swear by it. Back in the 1950's, the first basic strategy system and simple card counting systems were devised.
The systems didn't get much attention until the 1960's; when a mathematics professor by the name of Dr. Edward Thorp published a book titled 'Beat the Dealer'. His book showed the public that it was possible for a clever player to actually have a greater advantage over the casino at blackjack.
The book included a simple counting system to keep track of the ratio of high to lows cards in a deck. This is now used as the basis for most card counting strategies used in blackjack today. The quick and easy reason why card counting works is this:
Advantage
The player gains an advantage when a deck has a shortage of cards valued 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Disadvantage
When a deck has a shortage of cards valued 9, 10, Ace; the player has a disadvantage.
If you can tell when the deck is rich in 9's, 10's, and Aces you can do one of the following things:
- Bet more money when the deck is favorable to you.
- Alter your strategy play to account for the favorability which will increase the odds of winning a particular hand.
If you would like to take a closer look at the strategy of card counting - click here.