Card counting is an advanced technique that enables blackjack players to identify instances when the odds shift in their favor. When this happens, players increase their bets. Conversely, when they are at a disadvantage, they place smaller wagers or refrain from betting altogether. It is this variation in bet size that enables card counters to beat the game of blackjack.
Keeping track of the cards through counting is possible in both single-deck and multiple-deck blackjack variations. Single-deck games can be very profitable (provided that they offer decent table conditions) because the effect of removing individual cards from a single deck is more significant.
Counting single-deck games requires a different approach that you should learn even if you play mostly shoe blackjack. Stick with us for further clarification on what this approach is and how you can improve your speed and accuracy while counting single-deck blackjack games.
How Counting Works in Single-Deck Blackjack
The method of counting is slightly different here because single-deck players receive their first two cards face-down. In comparison, those who play shoe blackjack have all their starting hands dealt face up, which makes it easier for counters to keep an accurate track of the cards.
It can be difficult at first, especially if you have already grown accustomed to counting shoe games. The main principle remains the same, however. Again, you add or subtract the value of each visible card that is dealt. On this basis, you establish a running count to help you with accurate bet sizing. The trouble is that the two starting cards of other players are dealt face down in single-deck games, so you cannot immediately use them to adjust your running count.
There will be situations in which things get a little hectic. For example, suppose the dealer gets a blackjack and all players muck their hands face up. You need to be able to count all visible cards very quickly before the next round of play commences. This requires a good deal of practice.
When a player hits their two-card total, their hit cards are dealt face up so you can easily see them. After the reshuffle, you start by counting the first cards that you can actually see, those in your starting hand and the dealer’s exposed card.
How Counting Works in Single-Deck Blackjack – Additional TipsProvided that you are not the first person to act, you should count the hit cards of the people who have drawn before you. When another player doubles, they are also required to reveal their starting hand, so you should count those two cards as well. However, the double card itself is again dealt face down, so you will not be able to add its value to your running count just yet.
Whenever a player decides to split, they must reveal the pair’s two cards. You count them along with the hit cards drawn to each card of the pair. When a player decides to stay on their hand, they must tuck their two cards face down underneath their chips in the betting circle. Obviously, you will have to wait for the end of the round to see and count those cards.
If someone busts, he or she mucks their starting hand face up. Add those cards to your running count as well. The dealer is the last person to act at the table. When their turn comes, be sure to count both their hole card and any additional cards they draw.
This is the order in which you count the cards at the single-deck table. Keep in mind that when settling the bets, the dealer starts with the player in the third-base spot, turning over all hole cards, including those on double downs. To prevent mistakes, you need to count those hole cards as they are exposed. Otherwise, you risk counting some of the cards twice, which messes up your running count.
This may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but you will inevitably get used to it when you watch actual single-deck games in progress. In the beginning, you can just stand by and watch others play or practice at home by asking a more experienced friend to deal you the cards and settle the bets for you.
Single Deck Blackjack Card Counting
Tips on Improving Your Speed and Accuracy
In order to be a successful counter in single-deck blackjack, you must develop both speed and accuracy. You can start your training by shuffling two decks together and counting them down. You can test your accuracy by removing three of the cards.
After you have developed some speed and can count the two decks down in less than forty seconds, you can proceed by practicing with six decks shuffled together. Divide the cards into six separate stacks and try to count them down as quickly as you can. You should practice this way until you develop the ability to count the six decks down in less than two minutes.
The purpose of practicing with multiple decks is to help you maintain an accurate count for prolonged periods of time. This way, you also grow accustomed to experiencing more dramatic swings in the count. You will rarely witness running counts of +10 or -10 in single-deck blackjack, but they are not so rare in shoe games. You should know how to approach those high positive and negative counts in both types of games.
Another good idea is to try to mimic the hectic casino environment by practicing with a lot of distractions around you. If you get interrupted while counting the cards, try repeating the running count in your mind. The real sign of progress comes when you develop the ability to converse with people at the table without losing your running count. The only way to achieve this is through practice.
Moving Your Bets with the Running Count in Single-Deck Blackjack
Regardless of the number of decks you play against, you gain an advantage over the house by sizing your bets in accordance with the count. The general rule of thumb for card counters is to increase their action when the composition of the remaining deck/shoe is favorable (that is, when it is rich in high cards) and reduce their bets or refrain from betting on negative counts when the odds shift in favor of the casino.
Sizing your bets in accordance with the count is quite easy in single-deck blackjack. To do it successfully, you need to gain a sufficient understanding of the shuffling procedures single-deck dealers are instructed to follow.
The single-deck dealers in many land-based casinos abide by the so-called “rule of 6,” which dictates that the deck should be reshuffled when the total of the number of players at the table and the number of rounds played equals 6.
Moving Your Bets with the Running Count in Single-Deck Blackjack – Additional TipsFor example, suppose you are sitting at the single-deck table with two other players. The dealer will reshuffle the deck after three rounds because 3 rounds plus 3 players equal 6. If five players are sitting at the table, the dealer will reshuffle the cards after a single round of play. It is clear that the more crowded the table, the more frequent the reshuffles will be.
The bottom line is that single-deck players do not get the chance to go through many rounds before a reshuffle takes place. This frequent reshuffling is quite detrimental to card counters because the dealer often ends up shuffling away their advantage on high positive counts.
Note that not all land-based casinos abide by the “rule of 6.” Some single-deck dealers follow the “rule of 7,” which is better for advantage players. Others perform more frequent reshuffles under the “rule of 5,” which is naturally worse for the counter. Either way, the only way for you to figure out which shuffling rule applies is to stand by and observe a game in progress.
Most regular gamblers prefer to either flat bet or increase their bets dramatically after a win. To avoid detection, you are advised to refrain from spreading your bets very aggressively.
Some experts recommend a conservative 1-to-4 bet spread for single-deck games. You bet one unit when you have negative, neutral, and +1 running counts and raise your wagers incrementally as the count increases.
The higher the positive count you reach, the larger the edge you have and the more you should wager. When the running count reaches +2, you should bet 2 base units; when it escalates to +3, you should bet 3 units; finally, when it hits +4 or above, you continue flat betting 4 units until the count drops enough to justify a bet decrease.
This is just an example of a bet ramp you can use in a single-deck game of blackjack. You can choose another bet spread if you wish. Just remember to increase your action when you have the advantage and decrease it when you are at a disadvantage.
Is Counting Single-Deck Blackjack Worthwhile?
Single-deck blackjack is the best variation of the game to play if you know how to count cards. The fewer decks in play, the lower the house edge. Players generally tend to enjoy more blackjacks and more successful doubles and splits when a single deck of cards is used.
The trouble is that casino operators themselves are aware single-deck blackjack is beatable, so they change the rules to more unfavorable ones to hinder card counters. If you are unable to find a single-deck table with half-decent rules, you’d better not bother. Many single-deck games offer payouts of 6 to 5 for blackjack. These are the tables you need to avoid because the reduction in the blackjack payout increases the casino advantage by 1.40%. It is impossible to beat such a game even if you are a very skilled card counter.
Some of the other rules may also be unfavorable. Dealers at single-deck tables are often required to hit soft 17, which works to your disadvantage. Some casinos restrict players to doubling only on specific two-card totals like 9, 10, and 11. This significantly cuts down the profits you can extract from the game. The opportunities for splitting and re-splitting may also be limited, which again leads to a profit decrease for the player.
To wrap things up, you should never settle for a game with subpar playing conditions just because it plays with a single deck. A decent single-deck game to count is one where the dealer gives you at least three rounds before they reshuffle and pays your blackjacks at the standard rate of 3 to 2.