There are various card counting systems in blackjack, such as the Hi-Lo or the KO systems. In this article, we’ll be having a look at the Halves Counting system.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Card counting is not permitted at our casino, and any attempt to engage in such practices may result in a ban or permanent exclusion. We do not encourage or condone card counting in any form. Always play responsibly! |
Dive into this system by learning about the following points:
- What is the Halves System?
- The Halves’ True Count
What is the Halves System?
Among the best card counting systems, the Halves is known to be one of the more complicated systems. This Level 3 balanced card counting system uses fractions in its running count for added accuracy. The values of the cards are listed in the table below:
Card Rank |
Value |
2 |
+0.5 |
3 to 4 |
+1 |
5 |
+1.5 |
6 |
+1 |
7 |
+0.5 |
8 |
0 |
9 |
-0.5 |
10, J, Q, K, Ace |
-1 |
‼️ The house will always have an edge. Players should never try to recover losses by gambling more. The outcome of the games is always entirely based on luck and chance.
The Halves’ True Count
Modern casinos will use multiple decks when dealing in blackjack. Due to this, you will need to transform your running count into a true count. You may do this by dividing your running count by the number of decks remaining in the shoe. The formula for this is below.
True Count = Running Count
Number of Decks Remaining
Halves: Challenges
While the system is interesting, it is quite complicated. Here’s why:
Mental Maths Are Hard
Adding and subtracting half-points quickly and accurately in a fast-paced setting is quite difficult. Unlike whole number systems, the Halves demand more concentration and fast arithmetics.
Steep Learning Curve
System accuracy comes at the cost of complexity. Most players will need months of practice to better have a grasp on the Halves system.
Is the Halves System the One for You?
For beginners, the Halves system may be too much or too advanced.
With determination and practice, the Halves system may add some spice and excitement to your blackjack games. It is important to note, however, that card counting techniques will not guarantee any wins.
‼️ The house will always have an edge. Players should never try to recover losses by gambling more. The outcome of the games is always entirely based on luck and chance.