Counting Cards for Blackjack Online

Can You Card Count Online Blackjack?

Yes, it is technically possible to count cards when playing live dealer blackjack at an online casino. You cannot count cards when playing virtual blackjack – which is powered by random number generators – so you will need to visit the live dealer section if you want to count cards.

However, counting cards in online blackjack is significantly harder than counting cards at a physical casino. Many brick-and-mortar casinos now use continuous shuffling machines to minimize the effectiveness of card counting. Pit bosses and other casino workers are also trained to identify and eject card counters. They look out for players that display unusual betting patterns and act accordingly.

When you play online, it is even easier for the site to monitor your bet sizes. If the software notices that you are engaging in unusual betting patterns – essentially ramping up the size of your bets when you feel the shoe is tilted in your favor – it can alert the staff, and you may find that your account is limited or suspended. Some online casinos also use continuous shuffling machines to deter live dealer blackjack card counting, so it is challenging.

How to Practice Counting Cards in Live Dealer Blackjack

If you would like to practice card counting at an online casino, simply head to the live dealer section and select a blackjack game. We have highlighted the top three blackjack card counting strategies below, so you can choose one and give it a go.

Here are some tips for anyone interested in counting cards at an online casino offering live dealer blackjack games:

• Start Simple: If you’re new to card counting, you might like to start with a simple approach such as the Hi-Lo system. Practice keeping a running count of the cards as they are dealt and adjust your bets accordingly. However, do not engage in especially wild fluctuations, which can cause the online casino to grow suspicious.
• Focus on Accuracy and Speed: Live dealer blackjack can unfold at a reasonably fast pace, so practice maintaining an accurate count while keeping up with the pace of the game.
• Use Card Counting Drills: There are lots of free online resources and apps that offer card counting drills and simulations to help you hone your skills. They can provide feedback on your accuracy and speed, helping you improve over time.
• Stay Disciplined: Successful card counting requires discipline and patience. Stick to your strategy and do not be discouraged by short-term losses or any fluctuations in the count.
• Learn Perfect Blackjack Strategy: Before you begin counting cards, make sure you know how to play blackjack with the optimal strategy. This requires you to know when to hit, stand, double down, split cards, or surrender.

Most Popular Blackjack Card Counting Systems

Card counting is a strategy that requires you to keep track of which cards have already been dealt. The basic idea is to assign a value to each card and then maintain a running tally, which is known as the count.

You can use this information to estimate the proportion of high-value and low-value cards remaining in the deck or the shoe (multiple decks). The goal is to significantly increase your bet size when the shoe tilts in your favor, at which point you will have an edge over the house.

There are a few different systems to consider:

• Hi-Lo System: This is one of the simplest and most widely used card counting strategies. You assign a value of +1 to cards 2-6, 0 to cards 7-9, and -1 to cards 10-Ace. Keep a running count of the cards as they are dealt and adjust your bets based on the count.
• Omega II System: This system is a more advanced card counting strategy than the Hi-Lo System. The Omega II System assigns +1 to cards 3, 4, 5, and 6, +2 to cards 2 and 7, +3 to cards 8, and -2 to cards 9, 10, and Aces.
• KO System: The Knock-Out System simplifies the Hi-Lo system by eliminating the need to convert the running count into a true count. It uses the same card values as the Hi-Lo system, but it does not require you to adjust the count based on the number of decks remaining in the shoe, so it is easier for casual players.

There are plenty of other card counting systems for blackjack, including the Griffin Ultimate. It’s super accurate, but it’s very difficult to keep up with. Most pro card counters can keep up with the calculations for a few hands, but it’s near impossible to use it for a full shoe without help from a computer.

What's the Best Blackjack Card Counting System?

The Hi-Lo system is the most reliable in terms of sustainability. You can keep a running count for a long time, and you can gain between a 0.5% and 1.5% edge over the house.

Resources for Blackjack Card Counting Practice

Card counting takes practice, and it’s a skill you have to constantly refine to make it profitable. Don’t feel bad if your first few attempts at card counting blackjack go poorly because there are plenty of resources out there to help you improve. Here are a few of the best card counting practice resources for blackjack:

Blackjack Card Counting Trainer – Learn to count cards with this easy-to-use app! Step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and real-life scenarios help you understand blackjack card-counting fundamentals.

Running Count Simulator – Counting cards is about quick math, so honing your mental addition skills can help you keep a running count. Use this simulator to practice totaling card values against the clock.

The 21^st Century Card Counter – This book by Colin Jones takes a look at how blackjack has changed in the past 50 years, and gives a solid explanation of card counting for modern gamblers.

Where Can I Play Online Live Dealer Blackjack?

If you are interested in playing online blackjack with a live dealer, here are some reputable sites to consider:

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These sites offer multiple live dealer blackjack games, with broad wagering limits. They are all reliable online casinos that pay out on time.

Responsible Gaming

Success is never guaranteed when you play online blackjack, even if you learn how to count cards and master the optimal strategy. Do not bet with money you cannot afford to lose. Gambling can be addictive, so it is important to play in moderation. If you need support, visit these sites:

• National Council on Problem Gambling
• GamTalk
• Gamblers Anonymous

Online Blackjack Card Counting Summary

Card counting in online blackjack can be an intellectually stimulating and potentially lucrative strategy. Just remember that it does not guarantee success, and bear in mind that online casinos will use countermeasures to prevent players from gaining an edge by counting cards.

If you are interested in card counting, make sure you sign up with a reputable gambling site that offers live dealer play. Master your chosen card counting system, work on your speed and accuracy, and try not to do anything that will arouse the suspicion of the site when you play live dealer blackjack.