Can card counting guarantee that I will win in blackjack?

Card counting cannot guarantee a win in blackjack, as the game still involves an element of chance. However, by employing card counting strategies, a player can increase their chances of winning and potentially gain an edge over the casino in the long run.

How do casinos detect and prevent card counting in blackjack?

Casinos employ various techniques to detect and prevent card counting, including, monitoring player behaviour and betting patterns for signs of card counting, using multiple decks to make counting more challenging, shuffling the deck frequently to disrupt the count, and implementing rules that discourage card counting, such as limiting bet spreads.

Are there any legal or ethical concerns when it comes to card counting in blackjack?

From a legal perspective, card counting is generally permissible. Ethically, opinions may vary. Some argue that card counting is a legitimate strategy, while others view it as an unfair advantage over the casino. Ultimately, players must decide for themselves whether they’re comfortable employing card counting techniques.

Is card counting considered cheating in casinos?

Card counting is not considered cheating, as it doesn’t involve manipulating the game or using external tools. It relies on a player’s mental skills and knowledge of the game. However, casinos may still view it unfavourably and take action against suspected card counters.

Is card counting legal in casinos?

Yes, card counting is legal in most jurisdictions, as it’s a strategy based on a player’s mental abilities and knowledge of the game. However, casinos may reserve the right to ask players to leave or ban them if they’re suspected of card counting, as it gives the player an advantage over the house.

How to win at online Blackjack?

The best way to win at online Blackjack is to practice and develop a strategy. Knowing the basic rules of the game, understanding the odds, and making smart decisions can give you an edge over the house. Additionally, it’s important to find a reliable online casino with a good reputation and competitive payouts.

Hi-lo Blackjack Strategy

Jamie Bungaree | Reviewed by: Gail Banavage | December 19, 2017 | Updated on: June 19th, 2024

The Hi-Lo Blackjack strategy is one of the most effective and simple card counting methods in blackjack. It’s widely popular among online casino players in Australia and recommended by CasinoAus for beginners and intermediate players.

What Is Hi-lo In Blackjack?

The Hi-Lo strategy, a card counting method in Blackjack, was created by engineer and mathematician Harvey Dubner. The main aim of this game is to assign values to cards and to keep a running count to determine whether the remaining deck is favourable to the player or the dealer.

The Hi-Lo Blackjack Strategy

The Hi-lo Blackjack Strategy In Three Steps

If you have not quite understood how this Blackjack variant works, here is a breakdown.

Assign value to cards

In Hi-Lo also known by others as HiLo or High-Low, a player assigns a certain value to each card they have open in their hand using this rating:

Ace, Ten, and face cards = -1
Seven, Eight, and Nine = 0
Deuce, Three, Four, Five, and Six = 1

Running Count

The player needs to start and keep a “running count” of zero at the start of the shoe or deck. As the dealer reveals your cards, you must constantly add or subtract from the “running count”, according to the rating we’ve provided on the first step.

E.g. If the cards dealt out are 10, J, 3, 5, Q then your math would be as follows: -1 – 1 + 1 + 1 – 1 which equals a value of -1.

Divide the “running count”

To get the “true count” in the Hi-Lo strategy, divide the running count by the number of decks left in the game. For example, if your running count is +7 and there are 4 decks remaining, you calculate the true count like this:

Divide 7 by 4, which equals 1.75.
Round 1.75 up to 2.

So, the true count is 2. If the true count is positive, our experts suggest you should increase your bet.

Remember, you don’t need to start over with your count after each hand because the used cards aren’t shuffled back into the deck until the end of the game.

Hi-lo Blackjack Tips For Aussies

The Hi-Lo Blackjack strategy is popular and effective, but it has some downsides:

Requires Full Attention: You must stay very focused. Even a brief distraction can ruin your count.
Not Allowed in Physical Casinos: Card counting is banned in most land-based casinos. If caught, you could be asked to leave.
Ineffective for Online Casinos: Many online casinos reshuffle the deck of online blackjack after every hand, making card counting useless.

The Hi-Lo strategy is most effective in environments where card counting is permitted. In those cases, it’s a winning strategy!

How to Perfect Your Hi-lo Blackjack Strategy

The Hi-Lo strategy is one of the most popular card-counting methods in Blackjack due to its simplicity and effectiveness. Here are some types and tricks to help you master the Hi-Lo system and boost your success at the Blackjack table:

Before diving into card counting, make sure you are comfortable with the basic Blackjack strategy, which tells you the optimal way to play each hand.

Start Slow: Begin by practising counting a single deck at home, slowly turning over cards and updating your running count.
Speed Up Gradually: Increase your speed as you get more comfortable. You should be able to count a deck in under 30 seconds.
Practice in Realistic Settings: Simulate casino conditions by practising with distractions, such as background noise or conversation.

Learn to quickly estimate how many decks are left in the shoe, which is crucial for calculating the true count. Learn to divide accurately as well. Divide your running count by the number of remaining decks to get the true count. For example, if the running count is 8 and there are 2 decks left, the true count is +4.

Increase your bets on positive counts. This means that you must bet more when the true count is positive, as there are more high-value cards left.

On the other hand, lower your bets on negative counters. Reduce your bets or play the minimum when the true count is negative. It would indicate that more low-value cards are left, which favour the deal.

Use the true count to adjust your playing strategy. For example, when the count is high, you might stand on lower totals or split pairs more aggressively. Know when to deviate. Sometimes, deviating from the basic strategy on the true count can give you an edge, such as hitting on a soft 18 against a strong dealer card when the count is low.

Decide on your betting limits and stick to them. Never bet more than you are comfortable losing. Develop a betting spread (the range between your minimum and maximum bets) that matches the true count but remains subtle.

Play at tables with rules that favour the player, such as fewer decks, dealer stands on soft 17 and doubling down allowed after splits.

Keep practising your counting skills regularly to maintain speed and accuracy. Card-counting is a long-term strategy. Don’t expect immediate results.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this journey through the intriguing world of Hi-Lo Blackjack, we hope you now have a robust understanding of its unique features and strategies. Mastering the game not only requires a good grip on the rules but also an appreciation of its nuances, like the Hi-Lo card counting system.

Remember, card counting isn’t about knowing what card comes next, but about understanding the probabilities and using them to make informed decisions. Even though it’s a skill that requires practice and patience, it can significantly improve your game over time. Keep these insights in mind, and may your next blackjack adventure be filled with excitement, and hopefully, a few winning hands!

Hi-Lo Blackjack FAQs

Card counting in online blackjack is often less effective, as most online games use random number generators to shuffle the virtual deck after each hand. This makes it nearly impossible to gain an advantage through card counting. However, some live dealer blackjack games might offer opportunities for card counting, though it’s still challenging due to frequent shuffles and multiple decks in use.

Not at any of the online casinos listed on this page. Online blackjack games use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure games are fair and cards dealt are completely random. Blackjack (as with all casino games) has a mathematical percentage that favors the house, although the payout percentage varies by the skill level of the blackjack participant.