In the realm of blackjack, the art of card counting is a clandestine dance between the player and the house. This intricate ballet is not confined to the poker table alone; it permeates the world of blackjack, where discerning the signs of a card counter can be as crucial as the game itself. Let’s delve into the subtle cues that might reveal a card counter’s presence.
1. The Telltale Bet Spreads
A card counter’s bet spread is often a dead giveaway. This term refers to the disparity between their highest and lowest bets. The objective of card counting is to wager more when the deck is player-friendly (rich in Aces and 10-count cards) and less when the deck favors the dealer (abundant in 2s through 6s).
The extent of a bet spread that will raise eyebrows varies from one casino to another, and even from one shift to the next. However, a spread that is ten times the minimum bet is likely to attract attention. A more manageable spread would be four to five times the minimum bet. Avarice is not your ally here.
2. Splitting Face Cards or 10s
Splitting face cards or 10s when the count is high is a surefire way to draw attention. Only the uninformed or card counters would split a 20. While there are instances where deviating from basic strategy can be profitable, the gains from such deviations are usually minimal.
3. Opting for Insurance
Basic strategy advises against taking insurance. However, when combined with a substantial bet that has been increasing, taking insurance is probably the most conspicuous play that card counters make. It may raise red flags, but a counter will still opt for insurance when the situation calls for it.
4. Surrendering a Hand
The option to surrender is a rarity on most blackjack tables these days. Few players take advantage of it, even when it’s offered. However, if you do use it correctly, you are identifying yourself as a savvy player. And if you’re a savvy player, you might just be a card counter.
5. Maintaining Composure
One of the easiest ways to be identified as a card counter is to appear too tense or paranoid. Learn to maintain the running count while engaging in simple conversation. The game is meant to be enjoyable. There’s nothing wrong with expressing joy after a winning hand or congratulating the table when the dealer busts and everyone wins.
6. Avoiding Suspicious Behavior
Avoiding suspicious behavior and blending in like any other “unassuming gambler” is key. After all, you want to continue to play your favorite game at the stakes you’re comfortable with, and you want your ratings slip to be entered into the computer so you can claim whatever comps your play has entitled you to.
Also, DO NOT move your lips or mouth the words when you are counting. This is a common mistake, especially for beginners. Practice at home by listening to loud music or watching television while you silently count down a deck of cards, all the while maintaining a smile on your face and engaging with your surroundings.
Key Takeaways
In this exploration, we’ve examined some common actions that might identify you as a card counter. While card counting isn’t illegal, it is probably the casino manager’s biggest fear. Casinos are incredibly wary of card counters, which is the primary reason blackjack conditions have deteriorated so much in recent years. You have to play, but don’t make it easy for them to identify you as a counter.
To summarize:
- You might be a card counter if you spread your bet amounts up and down aggressively. Keep the ranges between four to six units. Don’t get greedy.
- You might be a card counter if you split 10s. Nobody splits 10s; do they?
- You might be a card counter if you take insurance, especially on big bets. Why do you think I’m betting big anyway?
- You might be a card counter if you routinely surrender hands correctly. Nobody even knows what surrender is, right?
- You might be a card counter if you are paranoid. Be cool.
