Blackjack is one of the few casino games where a skilled player can mathematically beat the house. This is done via Card Counting—tracking the ratio of high cards (10, J, Q, K, A) to low cards remaining in the deck.
This calculator does the heavy lifting for you. It converts your “Running Count” into the “True Count” and estimates your current advantage over the casino.
How Card Counting Works
The calculator uses the standard Hi-Lo System logic:
- Low cards (2-6): +1 (Bad for you when dealt, good when removed).
- Neutral cards (7-9): 0.
- High cards (10-A): -1 (Good for you when dealt, bad when removed).
The Importance of “True Count”
A Running Count of +10 sounds great, but if there are 6 decks remaining, the density of high cards is actually low. You must divide by the remaining decks.
True Count = Running Count / Decks Remaining
Typically, for every +1 in True Count, the player’s edge increases by about 0.5%. When the True Count hits +2 or +3, you should increase your bet size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is card counting illegal?
No, using your brain is not illegal. However, casinos are private businesses and can refuse service to anyone. If they suspect you are counting (by varying your bets aggressively), they will back you off or ban you.
Can I count cards in online casinos?
Generally, no. Most online RNG (software) games shuffle the deck after every hand, making the count useless. Live Dealer games are better, but they often cut off 50% of the shoe (poor penetration), making it very hard to get a high True Count.