By Lua Mawate.

The world of casinos is light and glitzy and this, in combination with the thrill of winning, has a big allure for the millions of gamblers online. Now that it’s also an option online, the allure is even fiercer. And while all players have different preferences in terms of what they prefer to play, blackjack remains one of the top choices for years now. At its heart lies a strange concept: card counting.

Card counting is a popular strategy that’s said to maximize the winning potential. Even so, it’s used in a hushed tone and comes with endless misconceptions, making it seem like a myth. In this article, we’ll dive deep into card counting, debunk some of those myths and tell you the facts about card counting.

The Concept of Card Counting

Card counting is a methodical strategy where the player keeps track of the ratio of cards left in the deck during a game of blackjack. The player tracks the ratio of high to low cards to predict what will come next – and what won’t.

As a fan of blackjack, getting familiar with strategies like this can give you a serious advantage over other players¹⁾EDITOR NOTE: Well, just remember, the object of the game is to beat the dealer…. not other players. :-). First and foremost, you should make sure to choose a trusted casino where you can practice your new techniques whenever you have the time for it. Online gambling gives you instant access when you wish, and Casushi is one of the top choices today as reviewed by the Wageringadvisors.co.uk. Once you have picked the site where you can play blackjack and enjoy a huge bonus as a welcome, you can dabble into the concept of card counting.

In blackjack, low cards from 2 to 6 are more advantageous to the dealer. As a player, you are aiming for high cards like 10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces. As you see a shift in card ratio, you can adjust your bets to gain a competitive edge – that’s how card counting works.

Card Counting Myths

To better understand what card counting means – and what it doesn’t, we’d like to debunk some of the common myths among players.

Myth No. 1: Instant Wealth

When you read about card counting or watch movies with blackjack experts who are masterful at the technique, it’s easy to start thinking of it as a magic spell for instant wealth.

However, things are not as straightforward – or simple.

Card counting is, above all else, a statistical strategy. It can be used to improve your odds over time. You can use it through consistent play to get small gains and potentially, higher success over time. It’s not a way to get an instant jackpot or become a millionaire overnight.

Myth No. 2: Illegal Activity

Card counting is not an illegal activity. It’s a mental skill, something that casinos can’t prove or ban. However, since casinos have the right to refuse service to players they want to chase away, they can show you the door if they sense that you are using this strategy.

So, card counting isn’t unlawful, but if it’s noticeable, it can get you outside the casino.

Myth No. 3: Eidetic Memory Required

No, you don’t need an eidetic memory to count cards when gambling. This is achieved through practice and requires good math skills. You don’t become great at card counting as soon as you sit on the blackjack table. You need some guidance, a lot of practice, and some good math skills. Still, you needn’t have the highest IQ in the room to play this way!

The Strengths and Pitfalls of Card Counting

Card counting might not offer a guarantee of victory or fast winnings. However, it has proven itself to be a great strategy to tilt the odds in the player’s favor. It’s like an investment but in your skills.

There are pitfalls of card counting that you should be aware of, too:

• High risk and variance. Card counting is not a guarantee for a steady profit. You can experience short-term losses and, if you have streaks of bad luck in the game, you can lose a significant portion even if you are great at counting cards.
• Surveillance technology. To prevent players from gaining said advantage, casinos invest heavily in surveillance technology. This is more difficult for them with online gamblers, but they can still identify patterns in behavior and betting. This can lead to an instant ban from the casino.
• Shuffling machines. Some casinos take an extra step and use automatic shufflers that ruin your chance to count the cards.

Conclusion

Card counting was shrouded in mystery in the past, and reserved to selected few who knew how this technique worked. Today, with the array of information thanks to the Internet, everyone can test their luck and practice this technique. Card counting is not magic that will help you win every time, but it can slightly tip the scales in your favor. It’s a blend of psychology and mathematics that makes blackjack even more entertaining.

PHOTO CREDIT: Flickr.com

BLOG MENU