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Topic: Counting cards ? Reducing odds of losing ? Is it real ? (Read 823 times)

hero member
Activity: 770
Merit: 500
I used to get to Vegas once a year back in the late 80's, used to go to Comdex which was a big computer exhibition and was when I first started counting cards at Blackjack.

On a trip playing Basic Strategy and just using the count to vary bets and a few tweeks on when to draw I used to recon on playing for as long as I wanted and would usually make a few hundred Dollars on the trip.


Remember one Day when a friend and I had a break from the Computers and had been playing for a couple of Hours in the old Bourbon Street Hotel. I was counting and my friend was following my lead. We had been loosing and it was getting to time to go back to work. The table had a deal that left it awash with low cards. It was towards the end of the shoe and the count was sky high.

I pushed the remainder of my chips out for the next hand and my friend did the same. Pit Boss came over and pushed the money back saying they did not want our business and we were asked to leave.

So yes it works, more difficult these Days as the conditions since the recession are not as good as they used to be, but with good Basic Strategy and some bet variance according to the count you can get close to even with the house.

Worth remembering that a lot of the online games shuffle between every hand, so no point in counting.

Rich


Wow that pitboss does like such a dick. You just want to win your loses back. Lol I like bow he called it "your business" yea casino owners can't handle when they out smarted but its totally cool if they cheat. Load of crap if you ask me. Sorry that , that had to happen. Not sure why he did that if you were already losing. Greedy huh?
hero member
Activity: 588
Merit: 500
I used to get to Vegas once a year back in the late 80's, used to go to Comdex which was a big computer exhibition and was when I first started counting cards at Blackjack.

On a trip playing Basic Strategy and just using the count to vary bets and a few tweeks on when to draw I used to recon on playing for as long as I wanted and would usually make a few hundred Dollars on the trip.


Remember one Day when a friend and I had a break from the Computers and had been playing for a couple of Hours in the old Bourbon Street Hotel. I was counting and my friend was following my lead. We had been loosing and it was getting to time to go back to work. The table had a deal that left it awash with low cards. It was towards the end of the shoe and the count was sky high.

I pushed the remainder of my chips out for the next hand and my friend did the same. Pit Boss came over and pushed the money back saying they did not want our business and we were asked to leave.

So yes it works, more difficult these Days as the conditions since the recession are not as good as they used to be, but with good Basic Strategy and some bet variance according to the count you can get close to even with the house.

Worth remembering that a lot of the online games shuffle between every hand, so no point in counting.

Rich
sr. member
Activity: 266
Merit: 250
SEIZED by Gunthar
Its very real as everyone else has stated.

and it is surprisingly easy to learn OP.

Learned it during college for craps and giggles.

Doesn't change the games odds persay,

it justs a way of you knowing when the odds are in your favor via the count.


I play BJ at bars btw, never at a casino. I'm sure casino has faster hands than the half tipsy bar tender does.

Just don't get caught, its not fun getting kicked out x)

CHEERS
 
hero member
Activity: 588
Merit: 500
Counting cards in Blackjack as described with the plus Minus strategy is only part of the story and in many respects the easy part of improving your odds.

Even before bothering with card counting you must learn and apply the Basic Strategy of how to play every hand taking account of your cards & the Dealer up card. Now the tricky bit dependant on the "Count" which has to be normalised for how far through the deck(s) the dealer has gone you then modify your bet and also the way the cards are played.

It's also got tougher these days to find a good game with Casinos only paying 6:5 for Blackjack and Hitting a soft 17. So yes it's worth it, but takes a lot of practice and can make you head hurt....  Smiley

Rich
hero member
Activity: 770
Merit: 500
I am also good in counting of cards and couple of my friends are expert in this thing.When at weekend we all are together surely cards in usual things to play for fun.It is art and necessary if you want to be called gambler.Unfortunately you can not apply this thing in online casinos as your have no idea what is happening around you.

Have you ever done it at a casino ? How much did you make if you have ?

It`s not a myth, but its really hard to count cards. Did you ever try simple game with cards. You take all deck and you have just 2 seconds per card, then you try to remember how they are lined? Well try and tell us how much cards did you remember.

And that was easy, you were concentrated on that. But under casino lights, million sounds around, real money in front of you, watchin about who knows how many things.. and in that moment try to count cards. Well its very very hard thing to do. You need to have good memory, and to practice it a lot.


I tried and wow, lol no i can't remember anything xP
x13
sr. member
Activity: 336
Merit: 250
Things are called shit for a reason, dear.
In real casinos it is hard to do, although it is impossible. If you are good at counting cards then you should try online video blackjack. I tried it on Betcoin once and I could not see a way how the casinos could oberve if you are counting cards or not. This could be a good way to make some money, but I did not try it. Just an observation.

counting cards doesn't only reduce the odds of losing , it actually gives the player the edge over the casino
it's hard a lot and casinos these days are more aware of such things , but yeah there are many stories about players who succeeded to beat the casinos in the past
hero member
Activity: 966
Merit: 546
It's simple addition or subtraction. Once the odds go a certain way then you make a bigger bet because you have an increased edge. This betting behavior is what casinos look for when catching card counters. Also, dealers are trained to count cards and recognize card counting themselves, especially for single deck blackjack.
hero member
Activity: 700
Merit: 500
I am also good in counting of cards and couple of my friends are expert in this thing.When at weekend we all are together surely cards in usual things to play for fun.It is art and necessary if you want to be called gambler.Unfortunately you can not apply this thing in online casinos as your have no idea what is happening around you.
hero member
Activity: 770
Merit: 500
It is definitely real thing which works.The main thing is everyone simply can not count cards during tough situation.There are plenty of players who has ability has because of this they make money most of their bets.This is when you are in physical casino but online is really hard to apply this strategy of counting cards.

I wonder how exactly its done. I have heard that people pace their fingers like a spider when they count and must be very fast. I mean the cards go through so fast. I have also heard of dishonest casinoes adding another deck.
hero member
Activity: 728
Merit: 500
It is definitely real thing which works.The main thing is everyone simply can not count cards during tough situation.There are plenty of players who has ability has because of this they make money most of their bets.This is when you are in physical casino but online is really hard to apply this strategy of counting cards.
legendary
Activity: 1717
Merit: 1125

Most people think that counting cards is memorizing the order they are in and exactly what has been played/still need to be played. This is not true. To count cards you need to remember 3 basic rules:

10+: -1
7-9: 0
2-6: +1

That's it. When a deck is shuffled, the count is 0. For every card that is played, add the cards value (-1, 0, +1) to the count. For example if a jack is played, -1 from the count, or if a 2 is played, add 1 to the count. when a decks count is very high, it means there are many more high cards left in the deck which makes it more likely for the house to bust.

So how hard is it to go: 0+1=1
1+1 =2
2+1=3
3+0=3
3+1=4
4-1=3
3-+1=4


Edit: This is applicable to blackjack. I'm not 100% certain how it works for poker, but I'd assume it works something similar.

How does one count cards anyway ? I think it is better with a friend ? Also can the same be applied online ?

The post you quoted explains the basics of counting cards... Having 1 player that count the cards and notifies the other player when the count is high works well.

Also, the post literally just above yours quotes a post that says it cannot be applied online because online games shuffles the deck after every game
legendary
Activity: 1400
Merit: 1001
Counting cards is legit strategy and help you win a bit more. But I never had the patience to learn thid method. And I honestly have no idea if this is applicable in online Black Jack.
I found this tutorial and I go going through it now. It might be helpful for some people: http://www.wikihow.com/Count-Cards
hero member
Activity: 770
Merit: 500
Counting cards. We all have heard about it, most probably we all have seen it on TV. Apparently casino owners don't like it. But exactly how useful is counting cards. I saw it on American dad the other day while watching Netflix and it got me thinking and I become very interested.

Is card counting advantageous ? On paper it certainly sounds very good.

Is it simply a myth ?

If it is real/true how much advantage do you actually get if any at all ?
It's definitely real and casinos don't like it and afaik they can remove + ban you from the casino if they find out.
Have you not heard about the MIT blackjack team? There was a movie about it.

You can find out more on the wiki page:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIT_Blackjack_Team

I know you can be banned haha uptight casino owners, but that's about all i know. Thanks for the link it helps alot and answers many questions. It is so very interesting. I think i will watch that movie too. Thanks again Smiley

interesting method never heard this counting cards but i just watching it the video just now here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHqk-YchWCM
This is only works in blackjack? the normal odds is 2% so if you use counting cards it will drops to 0.5% or little tiny ods..

I'm really bad at blackjack xP

Most people think that counting cards is memorizing the order they are in and exactly what has been played/still need to be played. This is not true. To count cards you need to remember 3 basic rules:

10+: -1
7-9: 0
2-6: +1

That's it. When a deck is shuffled, the count is 0. For every card that is played, add the cards value (-1, 0, +1) to the count. For example if a jack is played, -1 from the count, or if a 2 is played, add 1 to the count. when a decks count is very high, it means there are many more high cards left in the deck which makes it more likely for the house to bust.

So how hard is it to go: 0+1=1
1+1 =2
2+1=3
3+0=3
3+1=4
4-1=3
3-+1=4


Edit: This is applicable to blackjack. I'm not 100% certain how it works for poker, but I'd assume it works something similar.

How does one count cards anyway ? I think it is better with a friend ? Also can the same be applied online ?
legendary
Activity: 1717
Merit: 1125
Most people think that counting cards is memorizing the order they are in and exactly what has been played/still need to be played. This is not true. To count cards you need to remember 3 basic rules:

10+: -1
7-9: 0
2-6: +1

That's it. When a deck is shuffled, the count is 0. For every card that is played, add the cards value (-1, 0, +1) to the count. For example if a jack is played, -1 from the count, or if a 2 is played, add 1 to the count. when a decks count is very high, it means there are many more high cards left in the deck which makes it more likely for the house to bust.

So how hard is it to go: 0+1=1
1+1 =2
2+1=3
3+0=3
3+1=4
4-1=3
3-+1=4


Edit: This is applicable to blackjack. I'm not 100% certain how it works for poker, but I'd assume it works something similar.

nice explanation mate simpler than youtube tutorials lol its applicable to online bitcoin casinos too right ? I know about it irl it works

Most people think that counting cards is memorizing the order they are in and exactly what has been played/still need to be played. This is not true. To count cards you need to remember 3 basic rules:

10+: -1
7-9: 0
2-6: +1

That's it. When a deck is shuffled, the count is 0. For every card that is played, add the cards value (-1, 0, +1) to the count. For example if a jack is played, -1 from the count, or if a 2 is played, add 1 to the count. when a decks count is very high, it means there are many more high cards left in the deck which makes it more likely for the house to bust.

So how hard is it to go: 0+1=1
1+1 =2
2+1=3
3+0=3
3+1=4
4-1=3
3-+1=4


Edit: This is applicable to blackjack. I'm not 100% certain how it works for poker, but I'd assume it works something similar.

nice explanation mate simpler than youtube tutorials lol its applicable to online bitcoin casinos too right ? I know about it irl it works

That is a great explanation for real world casinos but is not applicable to a majority of web games. Online casinos work with random number generators and the house edge is hard coded into the game at some stage - long term you will lose, short term you might gain.

Most people think that counting cards is memorizing the order they are in and exactly what has been played/still need to be played. This is not true. To count cards you need to remember 3 basic rules:

10+: -1
7-9: 0
2-6: +1

That's it. When a deck is shuffled, the count is 0. For every card that is played, add the cards value (-1, 0, +1) to the count. For example if a jack is played, -1 from the count, or if a 2 is played, add 1 to the count. when a decks count is very high, it means there are many more high cards left in the deck which makes it more likely for the house to bust.

So how hard is it to go: 0+1=1
1+1 =2
2+1=3
3+0=3
3+1=4
4-1=3
3-+1=4


Edit: This is applicable to blackjack. I'm not 100% certain how it works for poker, but I'd assume it works something similar.
So this method is just not in poker and it can also use in poker games? if thats the case its hard to apply this method in poker.
Maybe there is other explanation methods if it will apply it in poker..
This methods is interesting and i already try it in poker. looks like i can master this method and make a profit.. just now i experience of making a profit in poker..  i will wait for other explanation for poker i will try it too..


See my first post in this thread:
Card counting is very real and can be very advantageous for the gambler and is relatively easy if you practice it a bit. Doing it discreetly and not getting caught might need some acting skills though.

Something to note though: Card counting requires multiple decks shuffled together and consecutive games being played from the same deck until it runs out. This means it can only work at a physical casino using real cards. Digital poker and blackjack shuffle a new deck /sets of decks for every game
member
Activity: 77
Merit: 10
It's real if the deck is not shuffled after every hand. Then you can count card with simple algo:
Low cards: 2-6 are counted as +1
Medimu cards: 7,8,9 are counted as 0
High cards: Ace, 10, K J, Q are counted as -1

So you count all cards on table, every hand, and then when the counting is high, you raise your bet amount.
But it's worthless at online casinos, because all shuffle deck every time.
legendary
Activity: 3374
Merit: 3095
Playbet.io - Crypto Casino and Sportsbook
Most people think that counting cards is memorizing the order they are in and exactly what has been played/still need to be played. This is not true. To count cards you need to remember 3 basic rules:

10+: -1
7-9: 0
2-6: +1

That's it. When a deck is shuffled, the count is 0. For every card that is played, add the cards value (-1, 0, +1) to the count. For example if a jack is played, -1 from the count, or if a 2 is played, add 1 to the count. when a decks count is very high, it means there are many more high cards left in the deck which makes it more likely for the house to bust.

So how hard is it to go: 0+1=1
1+1 =2
2+1=3
3+0=3
3+1=4
4-1=3
3-+1=4


Edit: This is applicable to blackjack. I'm not 100% certain how it works for poker, but I'd assume it works something similar.
So this method is just not in poker and it can also use in poker games? if thats the case its hard to apply this method in poker.
Maybe there is other explanation methods if it will apply it in poker..
This methods is interesting and i already try it in poker. looks like i can master this method and make a profit.. just now i experience of making a profit in poker..  i will wait for other explanation for poker i will try it too..
legendary
Activity: 2688
Merit: 1192
Most people think that counting cards is memorizing the order they are in and exactly what has been played/still need to be played. This is not true. To count cards you need to remember 3 basic rules:

10+: -1
7-9: 0
2-6: +1

That's it. When a deck is shuffled, the count is 0. For every card that is played, add the cards value (-1, 0, +1) to the count. For example if a jack is played, -1 from the count, or if a 2 is played, add 1 to the count. when a decks count is very high, it means there are many more high cards left in the deck which makes it more likely for the house to bust.

So how hard is it to go: 0+1=1
1+1 =2
2+1=3
3+0=3
3+1=4
4-1=3
3-+1=4


Edit: This is applicable to blackjack. I'm not 100% certain how it works for poker, but I'd assume it works something similar.

nice explanation mate simpler than youtube tutorials lol its applicable to online bitcoin casinos too right ? I know about it irl it works

That is a great explanation for real world casinos but is not applicable to a majority of web games. Online casinos work with random number generators and the house edge is hard coded into the game at some stage - long term you will lose, short term you might gain.
legendary
Activity: 1218
Merit: 1000
Most people think that counting cards is memorizing the order they are in and exactly what has been played/still need to be played. This is not true. To count cards you need to remember 3 basic rules:

10+: -1
7-9: 0
2-6: +1

That's it. When a deck is shuffled, the count is 0. For every card that is played, add the cards value (-1, 0, +1) to the count. For example if a jack is played, -1 from the count, or if a 2 is played, add 1 to the count. when a decks count is very high, it means there are many more high cards left in the deck which makes it more likely for the house to bust.

So how hard is it to go: 0+1=1
1+1 =2
2+1=3
3+0=3
3+1=4
4-1=3
3-+1=4


Edit: This is applicable to blackjack. I'm not 100% certain how it works for poker, but I'd assume it works something similar.

nice explanation mate simpler than youtube tutorials lol its applicable to online bitcoin casinos too right ? I know about it irl it works
legendary
Activity: 1717
Merit: 1125
Most people think that counting cards is memorizing the order they are in and exactly what has been played/still need to be played. This is not true. To count cards you need to remember 3 basic rules:

10+: -1
7-9: 0
2-6: +1

That's it. When a deck is shuffled, the count is 0. For every card that is played, add the cards value (-1, 0, +1) to the count. For example if a jack is played, -1 from the count, or if a 2 is played, add 1 to the count. when a decks count is very high, it means there are many more high cards left in the deck which makes it more likely for the house to bust.

So how hard is it to go: 0+1=1
1+1 =2
2+1=3
3+0=3
3+1=4
4-1=3
3-+1=4


Edit: This is applicable to blackjack. I'm not 100% certain how it works for poker, but I'd assume it works something similar.
legendary
Activity: 1218
Merit: 1000
its a real technique but it only gives you a slight edge normally house edge is around 2 but counting cards lets you get a 0.5 or something edge still up to chance tho
legendary
Activity: 3374
Merit: 3095
Playbet.io - Crypto Casino and Sportsbook
interesting method never heard this counting cards but i just watching it the video just now here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHqk-YchWCM
This is only works in blackjack? the normal odds is 2% so if you use counting cards it will drops to 0.5% or little tiny ods..
hero member
Activity: 1040
Merit: 538
Defend Bitcoin and its PoW: bitcoincleanup.com
It is a real method on trying to 'cheat' the game and win money. Altough you see it is possible on films and TV, it's not flawless. It is impossible to count all cards and winning all rounds, no one has ever done that.

But, you can count it to decrease loss chances and it improves your game by 50%- 80% depending on the method you use.

I myself use 2 card counting methods and they aren't always flawless as you think, but it does improve your game and you can actually earn some money out of it.
But be careful if you use it. It is legal because you aren'r really cheating, but the casino manager can kick you out for life.

Also, you have easy methods which improve your game by a little, and you have harder which give you a bigger chance.
legendary
Activity: 1792
Merit: 1283
It`s not a myth, but its really hard to count cards. Did you ever try simple game with cards. You take all deck and you have just 2 seconds per card, then you try to remember how they are lined? Well try and tell us how much cards did you remember.

And that was easy, you were concentrated on that. But under casino lights, million sounds around, real money in front of you, watchin about who knows how many things.. and in that moment try to count cards. Well its very very hard thing to do. You need to have good memory, and to practice it a lot.

Card counting is very real and can be very advantageous for the gambler and is relatively easy if you practice it a bit. Doing it discreetly and not getting caught might need some acting skills though.

Something to note though: Card counting requires multiple decks shuffled together and consecutive games being played from the same deck until it runs out. This means it can only work at a physical casino using real cards. Digital poker and blackjack shuffle a new deck /sets of decks for every game
So what is it? One person says it's relativily easy and one says it's hard..
I've heard there are some tricks that make it indeed pretty easy to learn.
legendary
Activity: 3332
Merit: 1191
It`s not a myth, but its really hard to count cards. Did you ever try simple game with cards. You take all deck and you have just 2 seconds per card, then you try to remember how they are lined? Well try and tell us how much cards did you remember.

And that was easy, you were concentrated on that. But under casino lights, million sounds around, real money in front of you, watchin about who knows how many things.. and in that moment try to count cards. Well its very very hard thing to do. You need to have good memory, and to practice it a lot.
legendary
Activity: 1666
Merit: 1001
Its  real and its very advantageous technique that even casino need to banned the person from get inside of the casino, but its very difficult and complicated technique to master, but if you succeed you can become millionaire just in 1 night
legendary
Activity: 2436
Merit: 1804
guess who's back
counting cards doesn't only reduce the odds of losing , it actually gives the player the edge over the casino
it's hard a lot and casinos these days are more aware of such things , but yeah there are many stories about players who succeeded to beat the casinos in the past
legendary
Activity: 1717
Merit: 1125
Card counting is very real and can be very advantageous for the gambler and is relatively easy if you practice it a bit. Doing it discreetly and not getting caught might need some acting skills though.

Something to note though: Card counting requires multiple decks shuffled together and consecutive games being played from the same deck until it runs out. This means it can only work at a physical casino using real cards. Digital poker and blackjack shuffle a new deck /sets of decks for every game
legendary
Activity: 1442
Merit: 1000
Counting cards. We all have heard about it, most probably we all have seen it on TV. Apparently casino owners don't like it. But exactly how useful is counting cards. I saw it on American dad the other day while watching Netflix and it got me thinking and I become very interested.

Is card counting advantageous ? On paper it certainly sounds very good.

Is it simply a myth ?

If it is real/true how much advantage do you actually get if any at all ?
It's definitely real and casinos don't like it and afaik they can remove + ban you from the casino if they find out.
Have you not heard about the MIT blackjack team? There was a movie about it.

You can find out more on the wiki page:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIT_Blackjack_Team

the movie about it is called 21

its a great movie I loved it (kevin spacey) is in it. Its based on that Mit true
story
legendary
Activity: 1792
Merit: 1283
Counting cards. We all have heard about it, most probably we all have seen it on TV. Apparently casino owners don't like it. But exactly how useful is counting cards. I saw it on American dad the other day while watching Netflix and it got me thinking and I become very interested.

Is card counting advantageous ? On paper it certainly sounds very good.

Is it simply a myth ?

If it is real/true how much advantage do you actually get if any at all ?
It's definitely real and casinos don't like it and afaik they can remove + ban you from the casino if they find out.
Have you not heard about the MIT blackjack team? There was a movie about it.

You can find out more on the wiki page:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIT_Blackjack_Team
hero member
Activity: 770
Merit: 500
Counting cards. We all have heard about it, most probably we all have seen it on TV. Apparently casino owners don't like it. But exactly how useful is counting cards. I saw it on American dad the other day while watching Netflix and it got me thinking and I become very interested.

Is card counting advantageous ? On paper it certainly sounds very good.

Is it simply a myth ?

If it is real/true how much advantage do you actually get if any at all ?
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