What Is Card Counting And Why Is It Illegal?
What Is Card Counting?

Card counting, as the name suggests, is a strategy that involves tracking which cards have been dealt throughout each round.  This lets the player know if he has an advantage in the next few hands, or not.  Card counting is commonly used in Blackjack games, but it is also possible in other casino games.

In this article we answer the question: What is card counting?  We do this by looking at how it works, the benefits of card counting, and whether or not it’s illegal!
How Does Card Counting Work?

So how does card counting work?  Well, the optimal counting strategy has two different aspects: a « running count » and a « real count. »  To find the « checking account », players must use a combination of math and memory, while avoiding distractions at the table.  Each card represents a different value, which will affect the current « checking account ».  Here are these values:

2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are worth +1.
7, 8 and 9 are worth 0.
10s, jacks, queens, kings and aces are worth -1.

The « running count » must be kept until the shoe is completed, at which time it will be reset to zero.  At any time, players can divide the « running count » by the number of games remaining to be dealt to find the « true count ».  It is this value that allows you to gain the advantage over the house.
The Benefits Of Card Counting?

All About Card Counting: A Complete Guide

If players use the “real account” correctly, they can enjoy various advantages over the casino.  First, they can reverse the house advantage.  With optimal play, the advantage can tilt 1-2% in the player’s favor, meaning they can expect a « positive expected value » when at the table.

Another potential benefit of card counting is knowing when to take insurance.  Although according to statistics this bet should generally be avoided, it can actually be beneficial when the « real count » reaches 3 or more.

Finally, players have the opportunity to adjust their bet at appropriate times.  Since high cards favor the player and lower cards tend to favor the dealer, a high count means the game is « rich. »  This means there are plenty of 10s, jacks, queens, kings and aces left in the shoe.  Experienced card counters will increase their bet when the « real count » becomes higher.
Is Card Counting Illegal?

Now, a common misconception is that card counting is illegal.  This is not the case, but even though it is perfectly legal to count cards, casinos have strict monitoring procedures to spot players using this strategy at the table.  In casino lingo, these individuals are called “advantage players.”

As mentioned earlier, card counting in blackjack can reverse the house edge in the player’s favor.  This is obviously a problem for casinos, so if they spot a card counter, they have every right to refuse bets or eject the player from the building.  They can also “flat bet” on a counter, meaning they cannot adjust their bet and thus cannot gain an advantage.

However, the evicted person still has the legal right to collect all their tokens, if they wish, before leaving.  It is important to note that if the player refuses to leave the premises, he will be committing an infraction, as he will be considered a trespasser.
How Card Counters Avoid Getting Caught

It’s no secret that some card counters don’t mind being spotted at the table.  However, there are several ways to go unnoticed.  Observing the action from afar before playing when the count is high can be a good idea.  Many counters start with small bets before increasing them significantly when the count is in their favor, which is extremely easy to spot.

Another slightly more daring way to avoid being discovered when counting cards is to conceal each action.  One of the most common ways to do this is to pretend to be drunk at the table.  Thus, frequently changing bet sizes may simply be attributed to alcohol-impaired thinking.
Card Counting Strategies That Are Illegal

All blackjack card counting strategies are legal worldwide, including the UK and America.  This applies to all variations of poker games and baccarat as well.  However, counting cards in baccarat will not provide any advantage to the player.  Therefore, many casinos offer small sheets to players to allow them to keep track of all the cards during a baccarat session.

The reason card counting is legal is because players simply use the information to their advantage.  This has none of the characteristics of cheating, as it is a strategy that can be learned by anyone.  That said, card counting requires a lot of practice, knowledge, and determination to master perfectly.
Conclusion: What Do We Think Of Card Counting?

Card counting is a difficult technique to master in practice, as casinos have several measures in place to prevent it.  These measures include the use of multiple decks of cards and automatic shufflers.  However, experienced players who practice card counting can use this technique in any of our live casino games where card counting is applicable.

Some casinos may prohibit card counting and ask players to leave if they are caught doing so.  Additionally, some casinos use facial recognition software to identify known card counters and prevent them from playing.  Therefore, it is not recommended to attempt card counting at a Vegas blackjack table unless you are prepared to be quickly escorted out of the casino.
How effective is card counting?

In theory, card counting can be effective, but it is difficult to put into practice.  Card counting involves keeping track of the cards that are dealt during a game, which requires intense concentration and attention.
Is card counting considered cheating?

No, card counting is not cheating.  It’s a skill that requires mental ability, like winning at chess, and it’s perfectly legal.
Is card counting difficult?

Yes, card counting is difficult to learn.  There are many card counting systems and mastering even one can be more complicated than it seems.  Counting cards under pressure also requires good memory and concentration.
How do casinos identify card counters?

Casinos often hire former card counters to monitor players via security cameras.  If they notice a player increasing and decreasing their bets while counting cards, the casino may slow them down by offering more drinks or ask them to leave.
Will casinos ban you for counting cards?

In most casinos, players will not be excluded from counting cards unless they are known for doing so or have been previously warned.  Instead, they will be politely told that they cannot play games of 21. It is a common misconception that one must be a mathematician to count cards.