By knowing this ratio, a player can adjust their bets accordingly.
The Hi-Lo System:
In the Hi-Lo system, cards are assigned values as follows:
2 through 6 = +1
7 through 9 = 0
10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace = -1
Steps to Counting Cards with the Hi-Lo System:
Start with a Count of 0: At the beginning of a new deck or shoe, start your count at 0.
Assign Values to Each Card: As each card is dealt, assign it the appropriate value (+1, 0, or -1) and adjust your running count accordingly.
Maintain a Running Count: As cards continue to be dealt, keep adjusting your count. If a 5 is dealt, you add 1. If a King is dealt, you subtract 1. If an 8 is dealt, your count remains the same.
Adjust for the Number of Decks: To get the ‘true count’, you’ll need to adjust your running count based on the number of decks remaining in the shoe.
To do this, divide your running count by the estimated number of decks remaining. This gives a more accurate picture of the card ratios.
For example, if your running count is +8 and you estimate 4 decks remaining, the true count is +2.
Change Your Bets: With a positive count (indicating more high cards than low cards are left), you increase your bets. With a negative count, decrease your bets.
Play Strategically: Card counting helps inform your betting, but you should also adjust your play strategy based on the count. For instance, with a high positive count, you might take insurance or change some hit/stand decisions.
A Few Important Points:
1. Card counting is legal, but casinos frown upon it. If caught, you may be asked to leave the casino.
2. While the Hi-Lo system is relatively simple, mastering it requires practice. Training in a distraction-free environment, perhaps with a deck of cards at home, can be beneficial.
3. Remember, card counting doesn’t guarantee wins. It merely provides a statistical edge. There’s still the risk of losing.