Can You Make Real Money in Blackjack Card Counting?

Card counting is probably the most well-known blackjack strategy in the world. It was first brought to public attention in a book written by a mathematician called Beat The Dealer. It gained further attention through portrayals in films like Rain Man and 21. These depictions often highlight the main characters securing big wins when using the technique. However, the question is, can card counting in blackjack win you money? Join Genting Casino as we explore this in more detail

How Does Card Counting in Blackjack Work?

Card counting involves tracking the presence of low and high cards in a deck and changing stakes based on the count. It involves assigning numerical values to cards and keeping a running total based on the cards dealt. The goal is to identify when the deck is rich in high cards that benefit the player or low cards that favour the dealer. Players try to bet more when there are more high cards and stake less when it appears there are more low cards.

The Challenges of Blackjack Card Counting

Depending on the length of time you play, you will undoubtedly win some hands of blackjack while card counting, but there are challenges associated with the technique.

It is a strategy that can be hard to learn. Some people are more suited to the fast mental arithmetic required to add and subtract as the cards are dealt, especially if multiple people are at the table. You must also have a good short-term memory because you need to keep a running total and ensure it is accurate.

Even if you do effectively learn to use the technique, it can be hard to employ in the high-pressure environment of a casino, especially when you consider that there could be more than just yourself playing at one table.

You must also consider the possible ramifications of being caught card counting. While it is not illegal, it is frowned upon by casinos. Therefore, if you are caught, you could find yourself in hot water with the establishment. 

How Much Does Card Counting Increase Your Chances?

Card counting is not a surefire method that ensures you win every hand of blackjack. It is merely a technique to combat the natural house edge. You are still relying on the luck of the draw, and you may experience losing streaks. The house edge of blackjack isn’t exact because it can change depending on the number of decks used, the number of cards left, and the cards that currently face up.

Playing blackjack in a casino, regardless of any betting techniques or card counting you employ, must follow a basic blackjack strategy. The house edge over players using basic blackjack strategy in a game that pays three to two is around 1%, if the game pays six to five, the house edge is about 1.4%. It is one of the lowest house edges in casino games.

For two reasons, it is hard to quantify how much card counting can reduce the house edge. The house edge constantly fluctuates, and card counting isn’t an exact science. A house edge of 1% means that casinos profit from £1 for every £100 you spend. If card counting benefits the player, then it must affect the house edge by at least 1.1%.

You must also consider that casinos will take measures to counteract card counters. Casinos may ask dealers to shuffle the deck regularly, use multiple decks in one shoe, and use devices such as continuous shuffling machines.

Conclusion

In short, of course, it is possible to win money when you are card counting and playing blackjack at top UK casino sites, but it is also possible to win money just from players conventionally. However, there is absolutely no way of guaranteeing you will ever win money from playing blackjack or any other game, regardless of what tactics you are using. As such, we would like to remind all of our readers to gamble responsibly and ensure they are never relying on gambling, in any form, for profitable gain. You should also always play at safe blackjack sites in the UK and at reputable physical casinos. 

FAQs

Can I learn card counting? 

Yes. Anyone can learn card counting, but you should remember that it is an extremely difficult tactic to master and will take a long time to learn. 

Is card counting illegal? 

No. It is not illegal to card count. However, casinos will frown upon it, and players can be ejected if they are caught. 

Where can I learn to card count?

There are multiple resources available online where players can learn how to card count.