Blackjack Card Counting Systems

In this article we’re going to take a look at some of the different blackjack card counting systems out there that you can use to increase your chances at winning on the blackjack tables. There are several systems out there and many of them have been proven to work over the years, but we’re going to take a look at only four of the blackjack card counting systems in this guide.

Knockout Card Counting System

The knockout or KO card counting system for blackjack is one that was designed to improve upon previous systems which were difficult to use. The KO card counting system is one of the systems where the count is never zero if you count through the entire deck. It’s always +4 and this will help you from needing to convert from a true count and running count too much. The following value is given to each card and you need to add or subtract the number based on the value of the card when you see it.

* 2-7 – +1

* 8-9 – 0

* 10-A – -1

Hi/Lo Card Counting System

The Hi/Lo card counting system is one of the most popular blackjack systems because it’s really simple to learn and difficult to mess up. It’s known as a balanced count because when you run through the deck you’ll be left with an even zero count. The system can be mastered by anyone who can do basic math and it’s the best card counting systems for beginners looking to try it out. The value of each card is similar to the KO system except for the sevens.

* 2-6 – +1

* 7-9 – 0

* 10-A – -1

Hi-Opt I Card Counting System

The Hi-Opt I system is for the more advanced blackjack card counter because the values vary more in this system and you need to be focused when you’re counting the cards. I don’t recommend this system if you’re new because you’ll lose track often and you won’t gain any benefit from doing that. The system is a balanced system jus like the Hi/Lo system and it means the deck will equal a zero count when you run through every card. The values are important to learn in this system and you should look them over a few times as they differ from the first two systems quite a bit.

* 3-6 – +1

* 2, 7-9 and Aces – 0

* 10-K – -1

Hi-Opt II Card Counting System

Just like the Hi-Opt I the Hi-Opt II card counting system is for the more advanced blackjack players and shouldn’t be used by new card counters since it’s much more complicated then the first two systems. You’re going to need to be a focused blackjack player as well as be good at remembering what to add or subtract from your count. A lot of players have problems keeping up with the count on this system, but if you want to try it out the values are as followed.

* 2-3 and 6-7 – +1

* 4-5 – +2

* 8-9 and Aces – 0

* 10-K – -2