Can You Count Cards
The key to any good card game strategy is to find an edge versus the house. It may be marginal but it results in more frequent wins than would have otherwise been possible. Counting cards has been discussed for decades at blackjack tables everywhere. But is it possible to do so in the digital format?
The best of the best in the blackjack world have been known to employ card-counting strategies. With more and more players venturing into online blackjack, the question becomes, “Can you count cards at an online casino?” Let’s dive into the topic below.
What is Card Counting?
There have been plenty of gambling movies that make card counting seem like it is a great and complex strategy. Believe it or not, you don’t have to be a mathematician to count cards the next time that you sit down at a blackjack table.
Card counting is a relatively basic strategy used in blackjack where the player keeps a running tally of all the cards that have already been dealt. Dealers can have varying numbers of decks, but players can keep track of the cards that have been dealt to provide more information.
Card counting is essentially gathering as much data as possible to make a more educated guess as to the next cards to be dealt. It isn’t perfect and can be a bit tougher with more decks in play, but it has become a consistently used way to gain a slight edge on the house.
Despite what you might have heard, it actually isn’t illegal to count cards, whether it be in a real or online casino. That said, casinos generally frown on that sort of thing, so use caution. Doing so at a brick-and-mortar casino could result in ejection and refusal of service.
That said, most of the truly good blackjack players count cards in some way. It isn’t the most complicated process to learn and can provide a slightly better chance of winning than not using this strategy. It isn’t a guaranteed winner but for high-volume players, it is something that can somewhat level the playing field over time.
Can You Count Cards at an Online Casino?
Now to the million-dollar question. When talking about online blackjack, there are two major differences. For one, there is no dealer. For two, there is no shoe as cards are randomly generated each round. Every online casino uses a random number generator (RNG), which basically equates to the cards being shuffled before each round.
Since there isn’t a shuffle order – nor is there a cut card 80% of the way through 6- and 8-shuffled decks, card counting would have to be thrown away ahead of each round. There isn’t enough data available to provide an edge, which basically negates the strategy as a whole. If you see someone offering online counting services, it is a scam. It simply isn’t possible to count cards at an online casino with any consistency or regularity.
Is it Illegal to Count Cards?
Despite what you might have heard, it actually isn’t illegal to count cards, whether it be in a real or online casino. That said, casinos generally frown on that sort of thing, so use caution. Doing so at a brick-and-mortar casino could result in ejection and refusal of service.
That said, most of the truly good blackjack players count cards in some way. It isn’t the most complicated process to learn and can provide a slightly better chance of winning than not using this strategy. It isn’t a guaranteed winner but for high-volume players, it is something that can somewhat level the playing field over time.
Can You Count Cards at an Online Casino?
Now to the million-dollar question. When talking about online blackjack, there are two major differences. For one, there is no dealer. For two, there is no shoe as cards are randomly generated each round. Every online casino uses a random number generator (RNG), which basically equates to the cards being shuffled before each round.
Since there isn’t a shuffle order – nor is there a cut card 80% of the way through 6- and 8-shuffled decks, card counting would have to be thrown away ahead of each round. There isn’t enough data available to provide an edge, which basically negates the strategy as a whole. If you see someone offering online counting services, it is a scam. It simply isn’t possible to count cards at an online casino with any consistency or regularity.
How card counting works
Card counting is a method used by skilled players to track the ratio of high-value cards to low-value cards left in a deck, giving them an advantage in blackjack. The basic principle behind card counting is that when the deck has a higher ratio of high-value cards (such as tens and aces), the player has a higher chance of getting blackjack or winning a hand.
Conversely, when the deck has a higher ratio of low-value cards (such as twos and threes), the dealer has a higher chance of winning.
To implement card counting, players assign values to each card. They start with a count of zero and adjust it based on the cards that are dealt. Low-value cards are assigned a positive value (+1), while high-value cards are assigned a negative value (-1). The player keeps a running count of the cards and adjusts their betting strategy accordingly.
Is card counting legal?
Before we dive into whether card counting is possible at online casinos, let’s address the legal aspect of this strategy. While card counting itself is not illegal, casinos frown upon this practice and have the right to refuse service to players suspected of counting cards. In some jurisdictions, casinos can even ban players for life if they are caught counting cards.
Card counting in brick-and-mortar casinos vs online casinos
In the context of brick-and-mortar casinos, card counting can be a viable strategy, albeit a challenging one. Skilled players can use their card counting skills to gain an edge over the house and increase their chances of winning. However, when it comes to online casinos, the dynamics change significantly.
Online platforms use random number generators (RNG) to shuffle their virtual decks, making it virtually impossible to track card distribution accurately. Unlike a physical deck of cards, which can be physically manipulated, shuffled, and tracked, virtual decks are entirely algorithm-driven. The RNG ensures that every shuffle is completely random, eliminating any predictability that card counting relies upon.
Challenges and limitations of card counting at online casinos
Counting cards at online casinos comes with several challenges and limitations. Firstly, the use of RNG makes it impossible to accurately track the distribution of cards. Each hand is essentially independent of the previous one, making it difficult to identify patterns or create a reliable counting system.
Additionally, online casinos have implemented various measures to prevent card counting. They frequently shuffle the virtual decks, making it even more challenging to keep a running count. Some online casinos also use multiple decks, further complicating the card counting process.
Strategies for card counting at online casinos
While counting cards may not be a feasible strategy at online casinos, there are other techniques that players can employ to enhance their chances of winning. One such strategy is basic blackjack strategy, which involves making mathematically optimal decisions based on the player’s hand and the dealer’s upcard.
By following this strategy, players can minimize the house edge and maximize their potential winnings.
Another strategy is to take advantage of bonuses and promotions offered by online casinos. These can provide players with extra funds to play with, increasing their overall bankroll and giving them more opportunities to win.
Tips for successful card counting at online casinos
If you still want to try your hand at card counting at online casinos, here are a few tips that might help:
Familiarize yourself with the specific rules and policies of the online casino you’re playing at. Some casinos may have more lenient rules regarding card counting, while others may have stricter measures in place.
Practice your card counting skills extensively before playing for real money. There are many online resources and simulators available that can help you sharpen your skills.
Keep your bets small and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Online casinos monitor player behavior, so it’s best to blend in and avoid attracting any unwanted attention.
Be prepared for the limitations of card counting at online casinos. Understand that your edge will be significantly smaller compared to brick-and-mortar casinos, and winning consistently may be challenging.
Tools and resources for card counting at online casinos
While card counting may not be effective at online casinos, there are still resources and tools that can assist players in improving their overall blackjack strategy. These include blackjack strategy charts, which provide players with optimal decisions for different hand combinations, and blackjack simulators, which allow players to practice their skills in a realistic virtual environment.
The future of card counting in online gambling
As technology continues to evolve, it’s possible that new innovations may emerge that could change the landscape of online gambling. However, as it stands, card counting remains an ineffective strategy at online casinos due to the use of RNG and anti-card counting measures.
Conclusion
There are certain advantages to playing in person versus an online casino when it comes to blackjack. Though card counting is certainly not a guarantee, it does provide a slight edge that would otherwise be unavailable. Those attempting to count cards when playing online blackjack will find themselves sorely disappointe