How to count cards?

Blackjack is one of the few games where card counting can be done in an entirely rational. Indeed, since its inception, players of all kinds have developed computational systems taking into account the different probabilities of obtaining a winning hand.

In general, it was necessary to estimate the content of the hoof in high cards (the logs). The more high cards remaining to be drawn, the player has more chances to win: we say that the shoe is hot. But most of these systems proved too complicated to implement so they do not spread.

It was not until the year 1963 to see a reliable, easily applicable and would be easily adopted by all players. Indeed, this is when Edward O.

Thorp, a big fan of blackjack and mathematical genius, makes the counting system Hi-Low. Each card was assigned a specific value: the ace and the logs had to -1, the cards accounted for 7.8 to 9 0 and 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 to 1.

It was enough to add the card values from throughout the game to determine the appropriate time to build: a high total score means that the shoe is hot while a total well below zero benefit the bank. A total of about zero left the playing field.

Counting cards is legal?

The legality of card counting in blackjack is frequently raised in the world of casino games. But we must recognize that the current legislation there are no restrictions between the moment the player is limited to mental arithmetic.

Indeed, if the player counts the cards without any assistance, it is perfectly within the law. If instead, it uses a method using any technology outside of its own intellectual abilities, he was on a card counting illegal and risk severe penalties if it is caught. Also, card counting team is also forbidden.

In blackjack, using up to 8 decks of cards - one deck to the dealer and each of the 7-players. The dealer mixes card deck and puts up his shirt. Before any cards are dealt, each player makes a bet, which is usually limited to the minimum and maximum rate within this table.