Guru
Card Counting
What card counting is: Card counting tracks the ratio of high cards (10s/Aces) to low cards (2-6) remaining in the shoe. It does not predict exact cards; it shifts probabilities.
Why it matters: More high cards left generally helps the player: more blackjacks, stronger doubles, and more dealer busts in many spots.
Hi-Lo basics: A common beginner system: 2-6 = +1, 7-9 = 0, 10-A = -1. Add these as cards are seen to keep a running count.
Running count vs true count: Running count is raw total. True count adjusts for decks remaining: true count = running count / decks remaining.
Bet sizing concept: Most counters increase bets when true count is positive and reduce bets when neutral/negative. Discipline matters more than aggression.
Playing deviations: Advanced counting uses index plays (strategy deviations) in specific count ranges, not just betting changes.
Table selection: Rules and penetration matter: fewer decks, deeper penetration, S17, and DAS are generally better for counting conditions.
Practical limits: Variance is high. Even with an edge, long losing streaks happen. Strong bankroll management is required.
Casino countermeasures: Casinos may shuffle earlier, use more decks, limit bet spread, or ask players to stop playing blackjack.
What this trainer currently does: This app trains basic strategy decisions and EV feedback. It does not currently display a live count system or index-play trainer.
True Count Examples
| Running Count | Decks Remaining | True Count |
|---|---|---|
| +6 | 3 | +2.0 |
| -4 | 2 | -2.0 |
| +5 | 1.5 | +3.3 |
| +2 | 4 | +0.5 |
Sample Bet Ramp (Illustrative)
| True Count | Bet Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| < 1 | 1u | Minimum bet or table minimum. |
| +1 | 2u | Small increase. |
| +2 | 4u | Moderate increase. |
| +3 | 6u | Stronger advantage zone. |
| >= +4 | 8u to 12u | Top of spread, bankroll dependent. |
Example only, not financial advice. Bet sizing should match bankroll and risk tolerance.
Common Pitfalls
- Not converting running count to true count in multi-deck shoes.
- Overbetting at small edges and underestimating variance.
- Changing bet size too abruptly and attracting heat.
- Using index plays before basic strategy is fully automatic.
- Ignoring table quality (penetration and rules).