FAQs

What is Hi-Lo card counting?

Hi-Lo is a card counting system that assigns values to cards in the shoe depending on whether they help or hinder the player’s advantage. As you calculate the total value of cards played in the game, the system gives you an indication of what cards are remaining. The higher the value, the better the player’s advantage.

Is Hi-Lo the best card counting system?

Hi-Lo is the easiest to learn and perfect, but there are more accurate counting systems. Omega II, Wong Halves, and Thorp Ultimate are more accurate, but they are also complicated and harder to perfect. Card counting is only good when the player deploys it accurately, and for many, the harder systems are above their ability.

Can you count cards in online blackjack?

The gameplay and objective in online blackjack are the same as playing 21 in brick-and-mortar casinos. This means you can count cards in online blackjack games.

Is a high count good or bad for players?

A high count is good for players, because it means the shoe is rich in high-value cards like 10s and Aces.

What is a rich shoe in blackjack?

When players say a shoe is ‘rich’ in blackjack, they mean it is filled with high-value cards. This gives you a better chance of maximizing your advantage in the game with splits and doubling down.

How can I practice Hi-Lo card counting?

You can practice card counting using our Free Blackjack arcade. Alternatively, there are blackjack apps that specially tailor exercises for card counting and basic strategy practice.

Are there any moments in blackjack when Hi-Lo counting won’t work?

Casinos try to beat card counters through several means. The most popular method is using an automatic shuffler machine halfway through the shoe. This prevents you from fully capitalizing on your advantage in the game. There are also blackjack deviations, when the cards left in the shoe require you to go against basic strategy best practices.