Practicing Blackjack Card Counting

Here is how the typical movie depiction of blackjack card counting goes: people in fancy suits winning thousands of dollars every night – all before the casino security staff chases them around Las Vegas with music blaring in the background. But the reality is that blackjack card counting involves hours spent grinding at the table, wild variance swings, and lots of practice away from the table. The latter aspect is paramount if you want to win money with card counting, so let’s go over some of the best ways to sharpen your counting skills.

Assuming you already know a fair amount about blackjack card counting, the next step is to practice what you’ve learned. And the best place to start is by dealing cards to yourself while trying to keep up with the count. What’s nice about doing this is that you can go at your own pace until improving as a counter. Once you start picking up your speed with counting cards, you can deal at a faster pace. Seeing as how there are plenty of distractions in the casino, you might also want to play your TV in the background and/or listen to music while counting.

Those who have friends who are also interested in casino gaming can practice card counting with them. Even if you don’t have friends who like playing casino games, you can try to form a blackjack team and practice with them. A good way to do this is either by looking for players through blackjack forums, or meeting serious players at the casino. Once you have friends or a blackjack team to play with, you can take turns dealing in order to practice card counting techniques. What’s nice about doing this is that you simulate more of a casino environment where other people are around.

What’s nice about the growth of the internet is that there are more and more card counting software programs available today. These programs enable you to practice counting cards in a simulated casino environment. In addition to this, you can also change the blackjack variation rules and dealer speed to suit your situation. One more great aspect of using blackjack card counting software is that there are plenty of free programs available! Those who are really into card counting can also pay for more advanced software.

There is no better way to simulate what it’s like to count cards in a casino than by actually watching a blackjack game. When you watch the game off to the side, try to keep a count in your head and see if you can keep up with the dealer. Also, see if you can determine how many decks are left while counting to get a true count (getting accurate count based on deck amounts). The big bonus to using this practice technique is that you get real-time casino card counting experience without putting any money on the line. Furthermore, you can gauge whether or not you’re ready to beat the casino in blackjack.

Now this point might seem obvious, but it’s very important that you both learn and review the basics of blackjack card counting strategy from time to time. For example, if you learn the Hi-Lo counting method and use this in casinos, you should go back every two or three months to restudy what you’ve learned in the past. Also, you should keep up with the aforementioned card counting practice methods when you have free time. This will keep your skills sharp, and ensure that you don’t forget anything in the heat of action.

One question many people have after practicing card counting and sharpening their skills involves when they’ll actually be ready to hit the casino. Unfortunately, there is no definite answer for this question because different players will experience varying levels of success when chips are actually on the line. However, you should be able to get an accurate picture on when you’re ready by closely following the tip about watching casino blackjack games.