Table of Content 6
In short
-
+1 / 0 / −1
Hi-Lo counts 2–6 as +1, 7–9 as 0 and tens and aces as −1.
-
≈0.5%
Each point of true count moves the edge about 0.5% toward the player.
-
8 decks
Evolution's regular live blackjack uses 8-deck shoes, which keeps true counts near zero.
How card counting works
Card counting tracks whether the cards left in the shoe are rich in tens and aces, which help the player (more blackjacks paid 3:2, more dealer busts). The most common system is Hi-Lo:
Hi-Lo card values
| Cards | Count value |
|---|---|
| 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | +1 |
| 7, 8, 9 | 0 |
| 10, J, Q, K, A | −1 |
Add the values of every card you see to get the running count. Divide it by the number of decks left in the shoe to get the true count. A running count of +9 with 3 decks left is a true count of +3. As a rule of thumb, each point of true count shifts about 0.5% of edge to the player, so a game with a 0.5% house edge turns roughly even at +1 and favours the player from about +2.
Why counting rarely works at live tables
- Big shoes. Live tables deal from large shoes, such as the eight decks of Evolution's regular live blackjack, so high true counts are rare.
- Games that reset every round. Some live formats, such as unlimited-seat games, may use a new shuffle every round, which makes counting pointless. Check the rules panel.
- Bet spread. A counter needs to bet much more when the count is high. Table minimums and maximums limit that, and a sudden jump in bet size is easy for a casino to spot.
- Account limits. Casinos can restrict or close accounts under their terms. Check the casino's terms before using any software or other aid.
What to do instead
Learn the basic strategy chart in our guide to how to play live blackjack, skip insurance, and pick tables that pay 3:2 with the dealer standing on soft 17.
Table rules and what they cost
Payout ratio matters more than all other rules together. Check the payout and the other rules in each game's help panel before you play.
| Rule | Better version | Cost of the worse version |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack payout | 3:2 | 6:5 costs about 1.39% |
| Dealer on soft 17 | Stands | Hitting costs about 0.22% |
| Doubling | Any two cards | 9–11 only costs about 0.09% |
| Double after split | Allowed | Not allowed costs about 0.14% |
| Resplitting aces | Allowed | Not allowed costs about 0.08% |
Rule effects: Wizard of Odds, blackjack rule variations (multi-deck). RTP and limits: our game pages.
Casinos with live blackjack
-
- Bonus
- 1,600 USD + 150 FS
- Wagering
- –
- You must wager
- –
- Expected value
- –
18+ · T&Cs Apply · Play Responsibly -
- Bonus
- 1,500 USD + 150 FS
- Wagering
- –
- You must wager
- –
- Expected value
- –
18+ · T&Cs Apply · Play Responsibly -
- Bonus
- 1,000 USD + 100 FS
- Wagering
- –
- You must wager
- –
- Expected value
- –
18+ · T&Cs Apply · Play Responsibly
Questions and answers
What is card counting?
Card counting tracks the balance of high and low cards left in the shoe. In the Hi-Lo system you add +1 for 2–6, 0 for 7–9 and −1 for tens and aces, then divide by the decks left to get the true count.
Can you count cards in live dealer blackjack?
Yes, you can count what you see on screen. In practice 8-deck shoes and table limits make it very hard to gain an edge, and casinos can restrict or close accounts under their terms.
Does card count work in live blackjack?
Rarely. The edge a counter can gain is small and depends on high true counts, which large shoes seldom reach.
Is it easy to count cards in online live blackjack?
No. It is hard to profit because shoes are large, table limits cap the bet spread and a sudden jump in bet size stands out.
