Card counting is a blackjack strategy used by experienced players to obtain an edge on the casino. A typical card counter will even the odds with the casino, or even gain an edge up to 1.5%. There are many types of card counting systems, some are easy to learn and others are very complex. There is a lot of debate as to which card counting systems works the best, however we believe that different systems are suited for different types of players. For example if a very complex system produces better results mathematically but is very difficult to use, a player may have better results with a system that is easy to learn. We recommend that you find a system that you understand and are comfortable using.

Is Card Counting Permitted?

Although many blackjack casinos would like you to believe “Card Counting” is not permitted, this is not true. Blackjack is a game of skill, and counting cards is a skill set that many advanced players exploit.

How is card counting done?

The “Unbalanced 10 Count” card counting system that is described on this page is 100% accurate for determining when to make an insurance bet, and an excellent system to explain the premise behind card counting. There are many other card counting systems available to players that are willing to invest a bit of time to learn and practice a system.

Unbalanced 10 Count – One Deck

1 Start the count at -4 before the cards are dealt.
2 Count -2 for 10’s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings
3 Count +1 for all other cards (including aces)
4 Make small wagers when the count is below -2, and make big wagers when the count is above -2
5 Take the insurance bet when the count is positive.
Play according to the basic blackjack strategy tables

Unbalanced 10 Count – Multiple Deck

Start the count at –4 multiplied by the number of decks in the shoe
Example. –4 * 8 decks = -32

2 Count -2 for 10’s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings
3 Count +1 for all other cards (including aces)
4 Make small wagers when the count is below -2, and make big wagers when the count is above -2
5 Take the insurance bet when the count is positive.
Play according to the basic blackjack strategy tables.

The best feature of the “Unbalanced 10 Count” card counting system is that it is flawless according to the laws of mathematics for determining when to make an Insurance bet. When the count is above –2 the player has an advantage over the casino, therefor it is advised to make the insurance wager in this situation. When the count is –2 or below the casino has the advantage, therefor taking “insurance” is not recommended.