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Learn to Count Cards - Part 2

So, how's it going? Do you see how simple it is to learn card-counting? (If you haven't visited part 1 of this lesson, please do so before continuing here.)

The biggest problem you will encounter as a 'new' counter is fast dealers. Some take great pride in whipping the cards around their table and, at least in the beginning, that will be a problem for you. You'll lose count, especially when the cocktail server comes by or when a new player comes to the table or if anyone speaks to you. Practice is all it takes to overcome this problem.

By now, you should be able to count down a deck by flipping over one card at a time and adding them algebraically so that when you've gone through the whole deck the count is zero. The real trick of counting is to start turning the cards over two at a time. By learning to count in pairs, you'll find that a lot of time is saved simply because so many pairs are canceled out to zero. For instance, a Queen and a 5 are -1 and +1 or zero. Two 7s are zero. An 8 and a 9 are zero.

So, here's what you do Start turning over pairs and recite the value of that pair; don't try to keep the running count, just get used to adding up the net value of pairs. After a day or two of practice (you should practice counting at least an hour a day), you'll know the value of all the pairs and then you may begin going through a deck two cards at a time while keeping the running count. But, before you do that, remove 3 cards from the deck without looking at them. Once you've finished counting down the deck, check your accuracy by looking at those last 3 cards. By doing this, you'll avoid fooling yourself if you're incorrect in the count.

To go even faster (once you're doing a running count by pairs well), hold the deck in one hand, face up, and count the pairs by sliding the cards off with your other hand. By using this method, you'll soon get to the required speed of 20 seconds or less to count down one deck. Yes, I said one deck in under 20 seconds...accurately! That's what it takes to keep up with a fast dealer. I don't want to brag, but I do it in under 11 seconds and I've yet to meet the dealer who can lay out the cards faster than I can count them.

Wait! We're not finished yet. Once you've mastered one deck, then start counting down 2, then 4 and work your way up to 6 decks. Yep, 6 decks. Take 3 cards out, set the decks into 5 or 6 piles in front of you and go at it. A good time is 2 minutes.

Told you this was simple. Not easy, but simple.

ARCHIVE of BLACKJACK ARTICLES

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1997 Articles

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