The basic fundamentals of this system boil down to the remaining cards in a deck and whether or not there are more high or low cards left to be dealt to the dealer and player.
A player begins by notating high cards as Ten through Ace. When a player sees these cards they must count them as a minus one against the current count. The reasoning behind this strategy is that these cards are the most likely to obtain a blackjack, and every time one of these cards hits the table you are therefore less likely to achieve this optimal outcome.
Neutral value cards (a zero against the running count) are the values eight, nine and any black sevens.
The remaining cards in the deck are the two through six which are counted as a minus one. This leaves the red sevens, which are also treated as a minus one. The reasoning here is that these cards will in fact get us closer to a blackjack.
The deductions of these point value systems therefore create a precise balance in the flow of the game without having to delve into advanced math, which is why this is such a popular system for all players.
To test your mettle while using this system practice at home with a single deck of cards. If your count is correct your deck should always end at a value of a plus two. We shall then apply the inverse of the theory to the casino depending on how many decks are in play.
If a deck of cards contains a true value of plus two then each deck of cards in use at the table carries a value of a minus two for your starting count. One deck would have a starting count of minus two, two decks minus four and so on.
It is a good rule of thumb to increase your bets as you gain an advantage over the house and decrease your bets as your advantage decreases.
As always, before attempting any system make sure you are proficient in the basics of blackjack, bankroll management, bet sizing and the functions of the casino.
