Card Counting
The whole idea of card counting is based on a simple fact that the dealer has different rules than those that apply to players. The dealer has to hit until he gets 17, and the player can stand before that.
In addition, Aces give higher chances to get natural blackjack that pays 3:2.
That's why the card counting improves your winning odds. If you are aware of cards remained in the deck you can adjust your bets accordingly.
For example, if you know there are more small cards in the deck, you won't bet high, because such deck is in the dealers favor. But, I you know there are more 10s in the deck, you will have better chances for winning, if the dealer gets busted.
How does it work?
If you have a photographic memory, good for you. You won't have any problems with counting cards. For the rest of us mortals, there are different systems that simplify the task. Here are some of them.
The Running Count System
Also called the Hi-Lo strategy, assigns different values to the cards. Therefore, 2-6 have +1 value, 7-9 have 0 value, and the rest of the cards have the value of -1.
Therefore, it isn't easy to count, if you are concentrated enough. It is unbalanced counting strategy, and if you want to learn something more, you should learn balanced strategies as well.
