Things that could mess up the running count
Because card counting is simple math applied repeatedly, it doesn’t mean it’s easy. Some things could affect your game. And below, we’ll take a look at the most common mistakes card counters make. We’ll also look at how these errors affect their odds at a blackjack table. Because the reality is if you can’t hold the count and don’t know the things that could throw you off your game, beating the house at a low-edge game like blackjack is nearly impossible. So better read what’s coming about the running count, to see if you’re losing your edge by doing the below.
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Mastering card counting is not an overnight thing
By now, you should know that it’ll take you hundreds of hours of practice to become the best card counter you can be. And as you’re learning skills to either change job or make enough money to spoil family and friends. It’s likely you’ll make mistakes but won’t understand why.
Yet, the good news is that all card counting mistakes are fixable. Experts advantage counters would even tell you that thousands of players have made these mistakes as they were learning.
The most common mistake when card counting at a blackjack table
Without a doubt, if you’re struggling to hold an accurate count, it could be because you are miscounting the dealer up-card. There are 2 ways this can happen.
By and large, the most common mistake is to forget to count the dealer’s face-up card. Or in other words, only add and subtract the players’ hands. Yet, for card counting to work and give you the edge you are looking for. All cards need to be accounted for once and only once.
The other mistake players make when card counting is double counting the dealer’s visible card. So to avoid this, you should practice counting right to the left.
Then, count the dealer’s cards only once both cards are unveiled. Or when the dealer is compelled to stand according to the table’s rules.
Confusing the 6s’ and the 9s’
When under pressure and running numbers in your head in an online casino or offline venue. It’s easy to look at the bottom right corner of a card since it’s the one closest to your chip.
Now for most cards, that’s not a problem. However, you should pay special attention to 6s and 9s because the top part of the card is not visible. It could lead to an inaccurate count since an inverted 9 (value of 0) looks like a 6 (value of +1) when upside down.
Not updating the running count as you play
It’s easy to get distracted when you split, double down, and when lots of cards hit the table for 1 hand. Making sure you update the running count as you make moves will undeniably require some practice. Yet, it’s the only way to have a real edge.
Thus, it’s paramount to remember that you are not at the casino only to have fun. If you’re serious about card counting, your goal is to generate positive value. So, to overcome this error, why not invite other card counters for an evening of practice. Then you can test your skills and see if you are guilty of making this common blackjack mistake. Remember that the first thing you must do is update the running count even before updating your hand.
Don’t confuse the true count and the running count
As numbers collide in your mind, remember that the running count is not the true count. The true count comes into play when looking into bet spreads. So, before counting the true count, you should repeat the running count over and over in your head. This way, you won’t confuse the 2.
Yet, mistakes happen, and your goal should be to become exceptionally good so that you can maintain your edge. As a rule of thumb, advantage players consider that someone is ready to visit an online casino when he (or she) can get the count right 99% of the time. So, that’s what you should aim for too.
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| $25 FREE on Signup 100% up to $1.000 on First Deposit Hotspot Leaderboard | Visit Casino |
