Beginners Guide Card Counting

BEGINNERS GUIDE
TO CARD COUNTING
BLACKJACK ADVISORS
Introduction:
Counting cards is a blackjack

strategy that can give players an
edge in the game by keeping track
of the ratio of high to low-value
cards left in the deck. Colin's
Blackjack Apprenticeship is a
popular training resource for
learning this skill. Here's a
beginner's guide to counting cards
based on their training:
1. Learn Basic Strategy:
Before diving into card

counting, it's crucial to have a
solid understanding of basic
blackjack strategy. This
includes knowing when to hit,
stand, double down, or split
based on your hand and the
dealer's upcard. You should
play basic strategy perfectly at
all times.
(SEE LAST PAGE)
2. Understand the Hi-Lo
System:
Colin's Blackjack Apprenticeship

uses the Hi-Lo card counting system,
one of the simplest and most
effective methods for beginners. In
this system, cards are assigned a
value:
Low cards (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) are worth

+1.
High cards (10, J, Q, K, A) are worth
-1.
Neutral cards (7, 8, 9) are worth 0.
The running count is the sum of
these values as cards are dealt.
3. Start with a Fresh Deck:
To practice, start with a single

deck of cards and deal through
the entire deck while keeping a
running count. Your count
should start at 0, and by the time
you've gone through all the
cards, it should ideally be 0
again. This helps you get
accustomed to the card values.
4. Maintain the Running
Count:
In a casino, the running count

reflects the ratio of high to low-
value cards remaining in the deck.
A high count (+ve) indicates more
high cards are left, making it
favorable for the player. A low or
negative count suggests more low
cards are remaining, which
benefits the dealer.
5. Calculate the True Count:
The true count adjusts the

running count based on the
number of decks remaining. To
calculate it, divide the running
count by the number of decks
left in the shoe. This provides a
more accurate representation of
the advantage.
6. Betting Strategy:
You should increase your

bets when the true count is
positive and decrease or bet
the table minimum when it's
negative. The higher the true
count, the more you should
bet within your bankroll's
limits.
7. Maintain Discretion:
One key aspect of card

counting is to avoid drawing
attention to yourself. Casinos
don't like card counters. So, act
like a casual player, avoid
making drastic betting
changes, and refrain from
counting aloud.
8. Practice, Practice,
Practice:
Card counting takes practice to

become proficient. Continue
working on your skills with
different decks and under
various conditions to get
comfortable with the process.
9. Bankroll
Management:
Ensure you have a

dedicated blackjack
bankroll, and never bet
more than you can afford
to lose. Card counting is a
long-term strategy and
doesn't guarantee wins in
every session.
10. Use Resources:
Colin's Blackjack Apprenticeship

offers valuable training tools,
including videos and articles, which
can help you improve your skills.
Remember, card counting is not

foolproof and doesn't guarantee
winning. It merely shifts the odds in
your favor. Successful card counting
requires skill, discipline, and
patience. Practice diligently and be
prepared for the ups and downs that
come with this strategy.
BASIC STRATEGY
Surrenders:
16 surrenders against dealer 9 through Ace, otherwise

don’t surrender (revert to hard totals).
15 surrenders against dealer 10, otherwise don’t
surrender (revert to hard totals).
Splits:
Always split aces.

Never split tens.
A pair of 9’s splits against dealer 2 through 9, except
for 7, otherwise stand.
Always split 8’s
A pair of 7’s splits against dealer 2 through 7,
otherwise hit.
otherwise hit.
A pair of 5’s doubles against dealer 2 through 9
otherwise hit.
A pair of 4’s splits against dealer 5 and 6 , otherwise
hit.
otherwise hit.
otherwise hit.
Soft totals:
A soft total is any hand that has an Ace as one of

the first two cards, the ace counts as 11 to start.)
Soft 20 (A,9) always stands

Soft 19 (A,8) doubles against dealer 6, otherwise
stand.
Soft 18 (A,7) doubles against dealer 2 through 6,
and hits against 9 through Ace, otherwise stand.
otherwise hit.
otherwise hit.
otherwise hit.
otherwise hit.
otherwise hit.
Hard totals:
A hard total is any hand that does not start
with an ace in it, or it has been dealt an ace
that can only be counted as 1 instead of 11.
17 and up always stands.

16 stands against dealer 2 through 6,
otherwise hit.
otherwise hit.
otherwise hit.
otherwise hit.
otherwise hit.
11 always doubles.
10 doubles against dealer 2 through 9
otherwise hit.
9 doubles against dealer 3 through 6
otherwise hit.
8 always hits.

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BEGINNERS GUIDE

Counting cards is a blackjack

Before diving into card

Colin's Blackjack Apprenticeship

Low cards (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) are worth

To practice, start with a single

In a casino, the running count

The true count adjusts the

You should increase your

One key aspect of card

Card counting takes practice to

Ensure you have a

Colin's Blackjack Apprenticeship

Remember, card counting is not

16 surrenders against dealer 9 through Ace, otherwise

Always split aces.

A soft total is any hand that has an Ace as one of

Soft 20 (A,9) always stands

17 and up always stands.

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