Intro
The goal of this web site is to share the knowledge and experience I have gained from researching blackjack card counting and from the time I have spent in Oklahoma Indian casinos playing blackjack. I want to help teach all of the secrets and nuances of being a successful card counter, so if you have any questions or are looking for some additional information that you cant find anywhere else please feel free to ask through the Contact page or send us a tweet at twitter.com/blackjackgeeks. All of the research findings on this site are based off of the Hi-Lo counting system, because one of the first things I discovered is that using a more complicated system does not produce noticeable results. Currently, this site is a work in progress and will be updated twice a week. Also, this web site assumes you know the general rules of how to play blackjack.
Steps to becoming a card counter
1. Memorize the Basic Strategy
It is very important to memorize the basic strategy first to the point where your response becomes instinctual. It makes it much more difficult to keep track of the count if you are having to waste brain power trying remember what to do with a pair of 9's against a 7. The table below applies for the following rules: 3 or more decks, dealer stands on soft 17 (Ace, 6), double any two cards, double after split allowed, dealer checks for blackjack before any hands are played, and blackjack pays 3:2. Most Las Vegas strip casinos hit on soft 17. This rule change requires a slightly modified basic strategy table: double on 11 vs A, double on A/7 vs 2, and double on A/8 vs 6.
Even though the basic strategy chart provides the optimum play for every situation, the casino still has an advantage of about .36%. So, for every 100 dollars bet you will lose 36 cents.
2. Learn how to count cards
Just like you need to be able to recall how to play every situation instinctually, you need to be able to count cards like it is second nature. You need to be able carry on conversations and handle any distractions that are thrown at you without losing the count.
How To Count Cards
3. Learn how to bet based on the count
Once you have learned to count cards you can start putting that skill to use by deciding how much to bet based on the count. This is where 90% of your edge will come from.
How to Bet
4. Memorize how to play based on the count
While it is not nearly as important as betting accurately, there are still some small improvements that can be made by changing your playing decisions based on what the true count is.
Adjusted Numbers Chart
5. Know your expected results and risks
It is very important that you understand you chances of going bankrupt, otherwise if things start going bad you will start blaming yourself or your teammates for making playing mistakes even though you might be playing flawlessly. It is also important to know your expected profits for a certain system so that you can properly decide if it is actually worth the time and stress.
Expected Results and Risks
