It's hard to discuss blackjack strategies and blackjack tips without touching on card counting. Why is card counting a term that's so frequently tossed around in discussions about blackjack? Because it gives smart players enough information to overcome the house edge and regularly win at blackjack games. There's a good chance you've seen (or at least heard of) one of the many movies that glorifies this blackjack strategy, and you've probably wondered if it can actually be done. More to the point, you're probably wondering if you can use card counting to win at blackjack. The answer is yes...and no.
The purpose of counting cards is self-explanatory; the point of the practice is to track which cards have been used. Knowing which cards have been pulled from the deck gives you a good idea of what's left, making it easier to predict the likelihood of getting certain hands, or of the dealer having a certain hand. Some casinos make counting cards harder than others. Online casinos, which use randomization software instead of actual decks, make card counting pretty much impossible in their blackjack games.
These days, most casinos draw from a shoe—a box that contains multiple decks—and while this practice doesn't make card counting impossible, it definitely complicates the math. To deter card counting, some casinos also require blackjack players to keep their cards face down. Crafty pros combat this problem through collusion, where a partner stands behind other players and gives clues about their cards.
What many aspiring card counters forget is that casinos really don't like to lose money. Furthermore, while counting cards isn't explicitly illegal, it is looked down upon, and since casinos are private establishments it is within their rights to eject anyone they don't like (aka card counters). For this reason and the others listed above, card counting has become increasingly difficult at most blackjack games.
If you still want to give blackjack a go, then we recommend memorizing a good hit/stand strategy. Because casino dealers are limited by house blackjack rules and you are not, you have a workable advantage. You can use skill and strategy to win at blackjack without using card counting. Hit/stand blackjack strategies are far easier to master than card counting anyway, plus there are significantly more tools--like blackjack simulators--available to teach you the ropes. Blackjack simulators can be purchased, downloaded, or played online at various blackjack strategy sites. Blackjack simulators are superior to free games because they offer valuable advice on your playing style and pinpoint the ideal move for every potential hand. See our blackjack strategy page for more information on when you should hit, stand, double down and split.
