Blackjack card counting: Hi-Lo guide
Card counting does not predict exact cards; it estimates whether the remaining deck favors the player or the house to adjust risk and bet sizing.
Hi-Lo system in short
Assign +1 to low cards (2-6), 0 to medium cards (7-9), and -1 to high cards (10-A). The cumulative sum is the running count.
Difference between running and true count
True count adjusts the running count by the number of remaining decks. That adjustment allows more realistic scenario comparisons.
Relationship with basic strategy
Basic strategy is the foundation. Counting is used for specific deviations and bet adjustments when the count is favorable.
Frequently asked questions
Is card counting illegal?
In many places using memory is not illegal, but casinos can restrict or remove players according to internal policies.
Does it work in online blackjack?
In RNG games it usually provides no advantage because the deck is shuffled continuously. It makes more sense in games with real penetration.