Bet Spread in Card Counting
Lesson description
Card counting indicates when you have the advantage, but it means nothing if you don't understand bet spreading. Mr Blackjack explains how to maximize your winnings with this technique.
- Since we know some cards are better for the player and some cards are better for the dealer, we must bet according to the potential outcome of the next hand of cards. Lesson 6, bet spread in card counting. This also means we need to adjust our bets on the running outcome of every hand following that.
First, you have to assign a value to your betting. If your usual bet is $10, we will assign a unit value of 1 for every $10. Have a look at this chart. Keep in mind every unit is $10.
True count, how much to bet? If the true count is plus 1 or lower, you're going to bet 1 unit or $10. If the true count is plus 2, you're going to bet 2 units or $20.
If the true count is plus 3, you're going to bet 4 units or $40. If the true count is plus 4, you're going to bet 8 units or $80. If the true count is plus 5, or higher, you're going to bet 12 units or $120.
Based on these charts, the true count shows that once the deck is rich in 10s, you need to increase your wagers to 12 times your initial wager. This is so you can take advantage of getting those aces and 10s left in the deck. Having fewer 4's, 5's, and 6's in the deck will help you perform better in your upcoming hand since there are less of them and your odds of making 20s is greater.
So to recap, you increase your bet or lower your bet based on the true count of every hand. Keep in mind you must be consistent in using basic strategy, and you must not miss any opportunities. The deck may never be this rich in 10s again for the rest of the shoe.
So bet big when it's hot, and lower your bet when it is not. If you count cards but play terribly, you probably won't get the result that you're looking for. Card counting, ace tracking, basic strategy, and smart, variable betting are all important to becoming a winning player.
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Thanks for watching, players. If you want to learn more, check out our guides on blackjack strategy through the link. s
What this lesson covers
- What a bet spread is
- How a bet spread works with card counting
- Recommended bet spread sizes
Meet Mr Blackjack
With a career spanning two decades, Mathieu Blake knows his way around a blackjack table. He's taught and entertained over 100,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel . In this series he'll take you through basic strategy, card counting, and bankroll management. Take a seat with Mr Blackjack and become a winning player.
Card Counting
Card Counting 101
Ace Tracking
Learn the Most Popular Card Counting System - Hi-Lo
The Math Behind Card Counting
Single Deck/Multi Deck Card Counting - How to Determine the True Count
Bet Spread in Card Counting
How the Casinos Beat Card Counters
Can You Count Cards at Online Casinos?
Is Card Counting Illegal?
Top Card Counting Exercises - Learn Card Counting, Fast
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FAQs
- What is a bet spread?
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A bet spread is a minimum to the maximum number of units you bet in a game. One unit is equal to the minimum amount you want to bet on a hand.
- When should you bet big when counting cards?
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When the true count is high (+5 or more) and the deck is rich in high-value cards, you will want to increase your wagers. You have the advantage in the game; this is your moment to maximize your winnings.
- What is a 1-12 bet spread?
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1-12 refers to the minimum and maximum units you bet, with one being the lowest and 12 the max. Say you had $2 equal to one unit, then $24 would be your max bet with this system.
- Do all card counters use the same bet spread?
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While the system above is a common approach, many blackjack players will adjust their bet spreads to their own gameplay style and bankroll size.
- What should my bet spread be?
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Your bet spread depends on your bankroll size and the length of your blackjack sessions. Our lesson ‘How Much Should I Bet at the Blackjack Tables?’ covers responsible betting amounts in further detail.
- Can I use card counting and a different betting system at the same time?
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Betting systems follow a set pattern, and don’t take aspects like the true count or deviations into account. Most blackjack pros take elements of a betting system and adjust their bet spread when card counting in blackjack.
- What if the 1-12 system is too much for my bankroll? Does that mean I can’t use a bet spread?
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If 12 units stretch your bankroll too thinly, then you can use a more conservative 1-8 bet spread system. Bear in mind a more conservative bet spread also means your winnings will be smaller.