How to Count Cards (Hi-Lo)
1. The Values
- 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: Count as +1 (Low cards are good for you).
- 7, 8, 9: Count as 0 (Neutral).
- 10, J, Q, K, A: Count as -1 (High cards are bad when gone).
Start at 0. Keep a "Running Count" in your head as cards are dealt.
2. The "True Count" (TC)
A +5 count is weak if 6 decks remain, but huge if 1 deck remains. You must normalize it by estimating the visual stacks:
True Count = Running Count / Estimated Decks Remaining
Example: Running Count +12 with 3 decks left = TC +4.
3. Betting Strategy (The Spread)
In a 6-deck game, the house starts with ~0.5% edge. You gain ~0.5% advantage for every +1 TC.
- TC ≤ +1: Bet 1 Unit (Table Minimum). House has edge.
- TC +2: Bet 2 Units. (You have small edge).
- TC +3: Bet 4 Units.
- TC +4: Bet 6-8 Units.
- TC +5: Bet 10 Units (Max Bet).
4. Strategic Deviations
- Insurance: Only take Insurance if TC ≥ +3.
- "Fab 4" Surrender: If allowed, surrender 15 vs 10 if TC ≥ 0; surrender 14 vs 10 if TC ≥ +3.
5. Avoiding Heat
Casinos watch for bet spreads. If you jump from $25 to $300 instantly, they will notice.
- Wonging Out: If the count drops to TC -2, leave the table ("bathroom break"). Don't lose money waiting for it to get better.
- Camouflage: Don't look like you are doing math. Talk to the dealer. Tip occasionally.