Card counting works by tracking the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the shoe. When more high cards (10s and Aces) remain, the player has an advantage. Here are the six systems we support, from beginner to advanced.
As each card is dealt, add its assigned value to your running total. Start at 0 for balanced systems. For unbalanced systems like KO, start at -4 x number of decks.
Divide the running count by the estimated number of decks remaining in the shoe. This normalizes the count across different shoe depths. Example: RC +6 with 3 decks left = TC +2.
Increase bets when the true count is +2 or higher (player advantage). Bet minimum when the count is +1 or lower. The higher the count, the larger the bet.
The most popular and easiest balanced system. Ideal for beginners. Assigns +1 to low cards (2-6), 0 to neutral (7-9), and -1 to high cards (10-A).
| Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | J | Q | K | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 |
An unbalanced Level 1 system that eliminates true count conversion. The 7 counts as +1 instead of 0. Great for beginners who want simplicity.
| Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | J | Q | K | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 |
A Level 2 balanced system with excellent insurance correlation. Aces are neutral and optionally side-counted. Best for experienced counters.
| Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | J | Q | K | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | +1 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | -2 | -2 | -2 | -2 | 0 |
A Level 2 balanced system with strong playing efficiency. The 9 counts as -1 and 6 counts as +2, differentiating it from Hi-Opt II.
| Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | J | Q | K | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | +1 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +2 | +1 | 0 | -1 | -2 | -2 | -2 | -2 | 0 |
A Level 2 balanced system with excellent betting correlation. Counts the Ace as -1 unlike Omega II and Hi-Opt II.
| Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | J | Q | K | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | +1 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +2 | +1 | 0 | 0 | -2 | -2 | -2 | -2 | -1 |
The most accurate Level 3 system using fractional values. Highest betting correlation of any system but extremely difficult to master.
| Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | J | Q | K | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | +0.5 | +1 | +1 | +1.5 | +1 | +0.5 | 0 | -0.5 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 |