Blackjack Tips – How To Count Cards for Beginners
Counting cards is one of the most misunderstood concepts in blackjack. It’s not illegal, not magic, and not as complicated as movies make it look. It’s simply a way to keep track of high cards (10s and Aces) versus low cards (2–6) so you can make smarter betting and playing decisions.
This beginner-friendly guide explains exactly how card counting works, what it can and cannot do, and how to practice safely without getting overwhelmed.
What Is Card Counting? (Simple Explanation)
Card counting is a system that helps you estimate the ratio of high cards to low cards left in the shoe.
Why it matters:
- More 10s and Aces = better for the player
- More low cards = better for the dealer
When the deck is rich in high cards, players:
- Get more blackjacks
- Win more doubles
- Win more splits
- Dealer busts more often
Counting cards just tells you when the deck is in your favor.
Is Card Counting Illegal?
No.
Card counting is 100% legal as long as:
- You use your brain
- You do not use devices
- You do not use a card-counting app in the casino
- You do not cheat or manipulate cards
Casinos can ask you to stop playing if they think you’re too skilled, but you are doing nothing illegal by counting mentally.
The Easiest Counting System for Beginners: Hi-Lo Counting
Hi-Lo is the most common—and simplest—counting system.
It assigns a value to each card:
Low Cards (2–6) → +1
Neutral Cards (7–9) → 0
High Cards (10–A) → –1
As cards are dealt, you keep a mental running count.
That’s it.
Step-by-Step: How to Count Cards
1. Start the Running Count at 0
When the shoe is fresh, you begin at zero.
2. Add or Subtract Based on Each Card
Examples:
- Dealer shows a 5 → +1
- Player has K, 7 → –1 + 0
- Other player receives 2, 3 → +1 +1
- Dealer gets a 10 → –1
You add these in real time.
3. The Higher the Count, the Better for the Player
A high positive count means lots of low cards have been dealt, leaving a shoe rich in 10s and Aces.
A negative count means high cards have already been used up — bad for the player.
4. Convert to the “True Count” (Only for Multiple Decks)
If you’re playing a 6-deck or 8-deck shoe (most casinos), divide your running count by the number of decks remaining.
Example:
- Running count = +12
- Decks left = 4
- True Count = +3
This tells you the real advantage.
5. Adjust Bets Based on the True Count
This is where the edge comes from.
General rule:
- True Count 0 or lower: Bet minimum
- True Count +1: Slightly increase
- True Count +2: Raise bet
- True Count +3+: You have the advantage — press your bets
Do not go crazy. Good counters stay subtle.
Using the Count to Adjust Strategy
Card counting also changes how you play certain hands.
Examples:
- At high counts, you stand more often (because dealer busts more)
- At low counts, you hit more (because dealer makes stronger totals)
- At very high counts, you insure blackjacks
- Some borderline basic-strategy plays shift based on the count
Beginners don’t need to memorize strategy deviations right away.
The Truth About Card Counting: What It Can and Can’t Do
What Counting CAN Do
✔ Give you a small edge over the casino
✔ Help you choose better betting moments
✔ Improve your long-term winning chances
✔ Make you a smarter, more disciplined player
What Counting CAN’T Do
✘ Guarantee winning every session
✘ Replace good bankroll management
✘ Overcome terrible blackjack rules
✘ Help if you can’t play basic strategy perfectly
Counting is a long-term advantage, not immediate magic.
Beginner Practice Exercise (Try This at Home)
Use a single deck of cards.
- Flip cards over one at a time.
- Add +1, –1, or 0 for each card.
- Finish the deck.
- Your final count should be 0.
If it’s not, repeat with slower pacing until consistent.
After that, practice speed and silent counting.
Signs You’re Ready for the Casino
You’re beginner-ready if you can:
- Run through a full deck with perfect accuracy
- Keep the count while distracted (music, people talking)
- Keep your betting subtle
- Play basic strategy without hesitation
You do not need to be perfect — just consistent.
Important Casino Tips for Card Counters
- Don’t stare at the cards
- Don’t react emotionally when the count rises
- Don’t raise your bets drastically or suddenly
- Don’t talk about the count
- Don’t stay in high counts only — play normally
- Tip the dealer occasionally (this keeps attention off you)
Blending in is part of the skill.
Conclusion
Card counting is not complicated. With the basic Hi-Lo system, a little practice, and smart discipline, beginners can start understanding the rhythm of the shoe and take a more informed approach to blackjack.
You don’t need advanced math — just a simple count, solid strategy, and consistent practice. If you’re ready to take your blackjack skills to the next level, counting cards is the logical next step.
Kevin Collier is the founder of BlackjackBetter.com, where he helps beginners learn blackjack in a simple, stress-free way. After years of studying basic strategy and breaking down real gameplay situations, he created this site to help new players avoid common mistakes and understand the game step by step. His writing focuses on clarity, confidence, and smarter decision-making at the table.
