Card counting is the process of dealing with the odds that one has the advantage, primarily in internet blackjack and its derivatives. This can be accomplished in several different methods, all based around the theory of tracking the ratio of lower to higher cards at any assigned place in the game. The fundamental idea is that higher cards are more valuable for the player, while lower cards, namely 4s, 5s, and 6s, are better for the dealer. This is because higher cards, specifically aces and tens, offer a greater odds of a blackjack, and smaller value cards lessen the chance that the dealer will bust (as he is required to hit stiff hands, whereas the player may hit or stand as they sees fit).

The exercise is not illegal, although casinos hold the right to disallow players that are known or assumed card counters. Card counting does not involve impacting the deck in any way, but rather, the player’s own meaning of the deck. Each card the player sees is allocated a score which shows the value of that card in relation to the game, and the sum of those values can be tracked. There are a range of different ranking techniques, but all involve assigning a positive, negative, or null value to each card. When a new card is dealt, its value influences the sum of the running count. Lower cards will increase the count, as their occurrence means that the percentage of higher cards remaining is increased. Higher cards, likewise, lower the count.

The High-Low method, a popular and rather simple technique, adds one for each card valued 2-6, and subtracts one for any ten through ace, while the 7, 8, and 9 receive no value. It is considered an easy method to learn and sustain because of its single-level count; the count is never increased or decreased by any more than one. This makes it easier for the player to keep track of and still keep his head in the game itself.

The Zen Count, on the other hand, is a bit more intricate and allows for more precise accuracy in surmising chance. The more valuable cards, 4-6, are allocated a 2 value, while the 10, Jack, Queen, and King are all given a value of -2. The 2, 3, and 7 are allocated values of 1, the ace is a -1, and the 8 and 9 are null. This technique is a multilevel count, and while it is deemed more accurate, it requires more thought and time, and may consequently keep one from playing as precisely, defeating the purpose of the program one is using.

If a player is able to play quicker and thus generate more money using a easier system, there is little point in using a more precise and precise method, but this is completely up to personal knowledge and preference. Many more card counting systems exist to enhance one’s blackjack expertise. It is simply an issue of experience to find which technique is best for the individual player.