Blackjack Card Counting Practice

1. Blackjack Card Counting Practice Game
2. Blackjack Card Counting

If you’re looking for a blackjack card counting system that doesn’t require
you to do any division, the KO system might be the one for you. As you’ll see
below, this system of counting cards is relatively easy to learn and implement.
Because of this, it’s one of the more popular blackjack systems out there.

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Over the years, the KO system has also become known as the knockout system.
In the boxing world, KO is an acronym for knockout, and this system has adopted
that name as well. Before we move on, we wanted to point out the fact that we’ll
use the names KO system and knockout system interchangeably.

Blackjack Card Counting Practice Game

On this page, you’ll find all the details that you need to know about the
knockout system of blackjack card counting. Below, we’ll equip you with
fundamentals first and then move you into sections about how you can count cards
and size your bets. We’ve even included details about how you can practice the
KO system and avoid getting caught when using it in a real-life casino. Lastly,
you’ll find an FAQ section and additional blackjack resources toward the bottom
of this page.

To help you navigate everything we have to offer on this page, we’ve included
some jump links below. You can use these to skip ahead if you’re only interested
in a particular portion of this page. For those of you looking to absorb as much
detail as possible about the KO system of counting cards, we’d suggest you read
the full page.

Understanding the Basics of the KO System

Up first, we’ve built this section to get you quickly up to speed on the
basics of the KO system of blackjack card counting. You won’t want to skip this
section as it will help you understand some of the other core concepts below
about how to actually count cards and size your bets

Running Count

The main piece of the knockout system that you need to grasp is the idea of a
running count. With this count, you’ll know how to bet all of your blackjack
hands. We’ll give you much more detail on a running count and how to calculate
it using the KO system in the next section below.

Starting Count

If you’ve studied other card counting systems, you might think that you’ll
begin your running count with a count of 0. After all, that is the case with
most other systems out there. However, the knockout system starting count
depends on how many decks are being used. Below, we’ve built a handy chart to
help you know what starting count you should use when using the KO system.

• One deck = Starting count of 0
• Two decks = Starting count of -4
• Six decks = Starting count of -20
• Eight decks = Starting count of -28

As you can see, the higher the number of decks in play, the lower your
starting count will be. Through this process of adjusting the starting count for
the number of decks in play, the knockout system doesn’t require players to
convert to a true count. This saves time and tough division so that players can
more easily keep track of what’s going on.

True Count

One of the most substantial perks of the KO system is that it doesn’t make
players convert their running count into a true count. This is something that
many other card counting systems require to help adjust for the number of decks
in play. If you’re used to the idea of a true count from studying other card
counting methods, you can forget about it here and solely track your running
count.

Implications

As with other blackjack card counting systems, the primary aim of the
knockout system is to help you know when to bet higher amounts while playing. If
the system is used correctly, it will have you betting more considerable sums
when you have a higher chance of getting blackjack. This is beneficial because
getting blackjack pays out a higher return than winning a normal hand against
the dealer. If your count is low or negative, the KO system is telling you that
you have a smaller chance of getting blackjack. However, the higher your running
count goes, the more likely it is that you’ll get a blackjack.

Counting Cards With the KO System

Now that you understand the fundamentals of the KO system, we wanted to help
you know how to actually count cards. Below, we’ve included a list that shows
you the cards you’ll need to track with the KO system and the values associated
with each of them. It’s these card values that you’ll need to add up in your
head to do a KO system running count as described above.

• Determine your starting count based on the number of decks in
  play (see our guidance in the section above)
• When you see an A, K, Q, J or 10: Subtract 1 from your
  running count
• When you see a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7: Add 1 to your
  running count
• When you see an 8 or 9: Do nothing (worth 0)

If the first card dealt by the dealer is a 5, you’ll add one to
your running count. Then, if the following card is a 2, you’ll add another one
to your running count. For each card that comes out, you’ll use the assigned
values described above to keep a running tally.

As we mentioned above, the goal of the knockout system is to help you know
when you should bet higher amounts while playing blackjack. To do this, you’ll
have to know the cards you’ll need to track and those values associated with
them. By keeping up with all of this, the KO system will guide you in your
betting. We’ll touch on that more in the following section below.

How to Size Your Bets Using the KO System

When using the knockout system, it will still be up to you to decide how much
you want to wager for each hand. In general, the idea is that you want to bet
the least amount of money possible when your count is low or negative. The
reason is that the system is saying you have a small chance of getting
blackjack. Alternatively, when your count is high, you should be betting more
since that implies you have a high probability of getting blackjack.

One way you can size your bets is to simply use the running count as a
multiplier for the table minimum.

If you’re playing at a $100
minimum table, and your running count is 3, you’d bet $300 on the next hand. If
your count is 1 or less, you’ll just bet the table minimum of $100.

Another way to size your bets is to use tiers. Some players will bet 2x the
minimum bet whenever their count is at a 2 or 3. Then, when their count goes to
4 or 5, they’ll increase their wager to 3x the table minimum. Going with this
method will slow down the amount you wager compared to the sample in the
paragraph above. Ultimately, you’ll want to find a betting system that works
best for you and your bankroll.

How to Practice the KO System

Up next, we wanted to give you some color on how you can begin to practice
the knockout system. Practicing things is always a good idea because you’ll need
to be able to count quickly and stealthily when you’re ready to use it in a
casino. Check out our tips below so that you can quickly learn how to use the KO
system.

Begin by Counting a Deck

Up first, you’ll kick things off by counting an entire deck. Using the card
values discussed above, you’ll work your way through a deck one by one until you
finish all 52 cards. Along the way, you’ll keep a running count in your head
just as you will when you eventually use the knockout system in a casino.

Since you’ll be practicing with a single deck, your starting count will be 0.
Then, if you deal yourself an ace, you’ll move your count to a -1 based on the
value of that card. If the next card you deal is a 10, you’ll subtract another
one from your count, bringing your running count to -2. You’ll continue this
process by keeping a running total of the sum based on the assigned values of
the cards as described in the section above.

Time Yourself

After you’ve counted a deck using the KO system a few times, you’ll then want
to begin timing yourself. The goal of this step is to help you track your
progress. To be an effective card counter, you’ll have to be able to count cards
in a casino swiftly.

To get started, simply use a stopwatch or a timer on your phone. Start the
timer, and then begin counting the deck one card at a time. When finished,
record your time and then start again. Your goal should be to reduce your times
to less than half of your initial time.

Start Counting in Pairs

When you’ve made some improvements with your time counting a deck one card at
a time, your next step of practicing the knockout system is to begin counting
the cards in pairs. By doing this step, you’ll be able to eventually count cards
faster since you’ll be counting two cards at a time as opposed to one.

If you deal yourself a king and a 7, your total in your head
should add up to 0 since those two cards offset one another. Alternatively, if
you deal yourself a queen and an ace, the combined total for those two cards is
-2. Continue practicing counting in pairs while also keeping up with a running
count all at the same time.

Add Some Distractions

To create a more real-life environment, our next suggestion for you is to add
some distractions as you practice counting cards with the KO system. While it
would be nice if you were counting cards in a perfectly quiet and
distraction-free environment, that’s not the case. Casinos are very noisy places
that have all kinds of things going on that can be a potential distraction. All
of these things add up to make it more difficult for you to concentrate and
count cards while playing blackjack.

To help limit the chance of getting distracted while playing in a casino,
you’ll want to introduce some distractions at home while you practice the
knockout system. It’s as simple as turning on the radio or television as you
practice counts. You can also turn them both on at the same time if you’re
really looking for a challenge. Ultimately, work to reduce your count time as
much as possible with distractions happening at home.

Practice With a Friend

After you’ve practiced your card counting with distractions, your next step
is to grab a friend to help you continue perfecting your KO system skills. By
using a friend, you’ll be able to have them help point out any body language
signs that you might be giving off. The goal of this practice step is to have
your friends let you know if you’re doing anything weird with your body that
might signal to the dealer you’re counting cards.

Once you have a friend ready to help, start counting a deck as discussed
below. Feel free to keep distractions going if you’d like to keep things
challenging. Have your friend pay close attention to see if you’re doing
anything like mouthing your count, furrowing your brow, or something else that
seems off. Be sure to take note of anything they catch and work to eliminate
that tell to help reduce the likelihood of getting caught as a card counter.

Practice in a Real-Life Casino

One other great way to practice counting cards is to do it in an actual
casino. Here, you won’t actually be playing blackjack yet. Instead, you’ll be
observing blackjack games and practicing your card counting skills as the others
play the game. Your goal should be to see how effective your counting skills are
with all of the distractions going on and the speed of the dealer. Simply keep a
knockout system running count in your head and ensure that you can count fast
enough to keep up with what’s going on. Repeat this step until you’re confident
in your ability to quickly count in this environment.

Get Started With Low Stakes Tables

After you’ve run through all of our suggested practice steps above, your next
step is to put everything you learned into use at a real money blackjack table.
But before you head into the high-roller section of the casino to test your card
counting skills using the KO system, be sure to get things started at a low
stakes table. Ideally, try to find a $5 or $10 table to use at first. By
starting with a low stakes table, you’ll be able to implement your card counting
strategy without risking a ton of money. This is a good idea in case you have
any complications getting the ball rolling. Once you’re feeling right about
everything at a low stakes tables, you can elevate your table minimums to higher
levels.

Tips to Avoid Getting Caught

Now that you know about the KO system and how to practice it, we also wanted
to provide you with some tips on how you can avoid getting caught. While it’s
not illegal to count cards, casinos don’t want folks doing it because it can
cause the casino to lose their edge. Because of this, you’ll need to be very
smart when counting cards to avoid being detected as a potential card counter.
Before you head off to use the knockout system to count cards in a real-life
casino, check out our pro tips below.

• Don’t forget to tip your dealers.

One of the things
that card counters are most notorious for is not tipping the dealers. While
many card counters skip out on tipping to help their profit margins, you
should not. By tipping the dealer a bit here and there, you’ll have less
chance that they flag you as a potential card counter.

• Don’t bet large betting spreads.

If you ever find your
running count with the KO system high, it doesn’t always mean that you
should bet a significant Another way that dealers identify potential card
counters is by looking for players with a massive spread of bets. In
general, it’s a good idea to keep your max bet under 5x the table minimum to
help you avoid detection.

• Mix up casinos.

As much as possible, try to play at
different casinos. Understandably, this is going to be tough for many folks
that don’t have a ton of casino options near their home. However, if you do
have options, be sure to mix up where you play. Doing this will make it less
likely that the staff of a casino gets used to your card counting ways.

• Mix up playing times.

If you are using just a single
casino due to limited options around you, be sure to at least play at
different times of the day. Your goal should be to play at different hours
so that your playing is exposed to a broader set of casino employees. Using
this strategy will help you fly under the radar.

• Mix up dealers.

Another great thing is always to mix up
your dealers. By playing with a small number of dealers too often, it may
allow the dealers to catch on to your card counting. Instead, mix it up as
much as possible to help lessen the chances of getting caught.

• Pay attention to casino employees.

If you ever feel
like you’re being watched more than usual at a casino, this might be a sign
that they are on to your card counting. If you end up feeling like this, do
yourself a favor and call it a day. Try again on another day and see if you
can identify what tells you might have given off to the dealer so that you
can try to eliminate them.

• Don’t play at one table too long.

Instead of parking it
at one table all night, be sure to move around to different tables every
once in a while. This will expose you to other dealers and casino staff to
lessen the likelihood that they catch on to your card counting. As a good
rule of thumb, aim to change tables at least once an hour if you’re playing
for an extended period of time.

• Don’t think too hard.

When counting cards in a casino,
don’t overthink. If you’re thinking too hard, there’s a very good chance
that your face may show it. Instead, relax and trust your ability to use the
KO system so that you can fly under the radar.

• Limit your alcohol.

This rule applies to all forms of
gambling, but it’s essential when counting cards. Since alcohol can slow
your mental skills, it’s best to go light. By doing this, you’ll be less
likely to make mistakes when using the knockout system, or any card counting
system for that matter.

• Don’t advise other players.

Lastly, don’t give advice
to any of the other players at your blackjack table. If you do offer help,
you’ll immediately be under higher scrutiny as a potential card counter.
Instead, keep the tips to yourself and focus on running the system
correctly.

Additional Blackjack Resources

In addition to all of the information you found here today about the knockout
system of blackjack card counting, we’ve also got lots of other resources to
help you elevate your game skills. To give you a little taste of what we have to
offer, we’ve included a few of these resources here. To see more blackjack
resources than these, be sure to check out our main website menu.

Best Online Casinos for Blackjack

If you’re considering playing blackjack online, then you won’t want to miss
the link below. This link will take you to our page focused on the best online
casinos. Here, we’ll give you our list of recommendations and walk you through
why our picks are the best of the best for your blackjack gaming needs. If you’d
like to see this information, just click the link below.

Blackjack Strategy for Beginners

Card counting strategy is not something that you should be trying to learn if
you’re a blackjack beginner. If by chance you’ve ended up on this page, and
you’re new to blackjack, we’d suggest you take a quick step back since counting
cards is a more advanced game strategy. Before diving into card counting systems
like the KO system, you’ll want to head to our blackjack strategy beginners
guide. On this page, we’ll fill you in on all of the primary game fundamentals
that you need to know. Once you get some experience under your belt with the
game, you can then continue your research of card counting strategies.

Main Blackjack Card Counting Hub

If you’re just beginning your research for a blackjack card counting system,
you should definitely check out our main page focused on all things card
counting. Using the link below, you can explore more general information about
card counting. We’ve also got high-level details about other popular card
counting systems that you might consider using. To visit this page, click the
link below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, we’ve compiled a list of some of the questions that we get
most frequently about the KO system of card counting. If you’ve still got some
unanswered questions at this time, be sure to check these out. We hope you’ll be
able to find the answers you’re looking for.

Is it illegal to use the Knockout system of counting cards?

No. It’s perfectly legal to count cards using the KO system if you’re only
using your mind to do it. If you ever use a device to count cards, you may be
breaking the law depending on where you’re playing. Doing that is also cheating.
While it’s not illegal to count cards with your mind, casinos still don’t have
to let you play if they think you are counting cards. Be sure to visit our
section above to see tips on how you can avoid being caught when using the
knockout system.

Is this the right card counting system for me?

With so many card counting systems out there, we can’t blame you for asking
this question. To know if the KO system is the right one for you, it’s best to
check out some of the other options available. By investigating multiple card
counting systems, you can identify which one is the best fit for you. Your goal
should be to locate a system that’s easy for you to use and put into practice.

Is the Knockout System the best card counting system?

The KO system is a good card counting system, however, it can be tough to
determine which method is best. All card counting systems have their strengths
and weaknesses. We can tell you that there are some variants out there that are
more accurate than the knockout system. However, these systems are often much
more complex and harder to implement than the KO system. In our opinion, this
system is an excellent intermediate system for counting cards.

Will the KO system work if I play blackjack online?

You may be able to use the knockout system if you play online blackjack. Your
ability to use it will depend on what form of online blackjack you plan on
playing. If you’re into live dealer blackjack where you can see the dealer and
the table, you should be able to implement this system. However, those of you
choosing to play traditional online blackjack won’t be able to use the KO
system. The reason for this is that most traditional online blackjack variants
reshuffle the deck virtually after every hand, thus wiping out your ability to
establish patterns.

Will I be a sure winner using the Knockout system?

Unfortunately, no. The KO system does not guarantee that you’ll be a winner
when playing blackjack. The same is true for all other card counting systems out
there. However, the knockout system and others do give you an advantage on the
house if you can execute them properly. In turn, this means that you’ll be more
likely to make money when playing.

How difficult is it to learn the KO system?

If you’ve jumped to this frequently asked questions section without reading
the rest of the article, we’d suggest you start there. Up above, we’ve got some
reliable information about the system, how it works, and how you can practice
it. In general, many folks should be able to learn how to use the knockout
system in a relatively short amount of time. However, it will take some practice
to make sure that you’re effectively doing it.

Conclusion

Thanks for stopping by to visit our page about the KO system of blackjack
card counting. If you’ve never visited our site before, this article is one of
just many that we’ve created to help you improve your blackjack game. Be sure to
check out some of the other excellent blackjack-related material that we have to
offer. We’re here to be your one-stop source for all things gambling related.
Thanks for reading and good luck with your future card counting attempts!

Counting your cards while playing Blackjack is NOT illegal. Although the casino has the right to ask you to leave if you get caught.

Counting cards is one of the most infamous blackjack strategies. Contrary to popular belief, counting cards does not require memorizing every card that has been dealt in a game of blackjack. Rather, card counters simply keep track of the ratio of high cards to low cards that are in the deck and place their bets accordingly.

There are varied methods and strategies of counting cards, all of which have been employed by players to determine which favors them most. The simplest card counting systems employ easy math, and the systems assign the number -1 to aces, face cards and 10s, +1 to low cards and 0 to medium value cards. As these cards are dealt, the player keeps track in his head.

Running Count and True Count

Keeping a track of the numbers of cards that have been dealt is what is commercially known as the running count. Every time a card is laid down, you either add the assigned value or subtract it from the running total. If the assigned number is 0, then of course, nothing changes. As this amount changes, most players will wager higher amounts when the card count is higher than +3 and lower amounts when it falls below this value. This is due to the fact that the higher the number, the more 10s, face cards and aces there will be in the deck, and the more opportunity to create a blackjack.

The true count is used when there are multiple decks in play. Multiple decks were introduced to blackjack to discourage card counters from utilizing such methods, but if you’re aware of the number of decks of cards you’re playing with, the true count is easy to figure out. Simply take the running count and divide it by the number of decks. So, if you have a running count of +6 and you’re playing with two decks, six divided by two equates to three, and this is your true count. Therefore, in this particular example, the advantage lies with the player.

>>Go here to learn more about the difference between a Running & True counting system.

Strategies Used

As mentioned, as the number of the card values dealt gets higher, the player knows there are more high cards in the deck; as the number gets lower the player knows there are more low cards in the deck. The strategy and stakes are adjusted accordingly. Some players like to keep a side count of Aces as well. Simple card counting systems for beginners include the Hi-Lo strategy, the Red Seven count and Knock-Out Blackjack, also known as the KO system.

The Hi-Lo strategy is employed by first of all assigning values to each of the cards in the following way; deuces to sixes +1, sevens to nines 0, 10s to aces -1. Then, start with a running count of zero at the start of the deck. As cards are revealed, add and subtract the assigned card values as described from the running count. For example, if the cards dealt were a 6, a 2, a 9, a Jack and a 4, the running count would be +1, +1, 0, -1, +1, equating to a running count of 2. Divide the running count by the number of decks you’re playing with to figure out your true count. Playing with two decks would mean you’d divide two by two, to receive 1 as your true count. Using this, you can then more strategically place wagers for further rounds.

>>Go here to learn more about the Hi-Lo counting system.

Blackjack Card Counting

The Red 7 Count, on the other hand, assigns values of +1 to deuces through to sevens, but only to red-suited sevens. Black-suited sevens, along with eights and nines are valued at 0, while everything else above that is -1. Red 7 uses an alternate pivot point to other methods, which is the time when you need to increase your bets to take advantage of a favorable deck. Usually, this would be at +3, +4 or +5, but the count in Red 7 does not begin at zero. The count is figured out by multiplying the number of decks in play by -2. So, in a six deck game, your starting count would be 6 x -2, equating to -12. The pivot is reached in red 7 when you cross over into positive territory. This is what makes Red 7 a more favorable strategy.

>>Go here to learn more about the Red Seven counting system.

Advanced Strategies

Once you become a more experienced card counter you can move on to more advanced systems that allow for a more accurate count. These include Wong Halves, KISS and the Omega II card counting system.

Wong Halves is considered one of the most advanced card counting systems of all. In fact, there are few people who actually use this strategy due to its complexity. Values assigned to cards are as follows; 10s to aces are -1, nines are worth -0.5, deuces and sevens are worth +0.5, threes, fours and sixes are worth +1 and fives are worth +1.5. In comparison to the other strategies, Wong Halves is a whole load of values more to remember. It is, however, a lot more accurate when providing the true count, and therefore, placing higher bets when the cards are in your favor provides a stronger opportunity for profit.

>>Go here to learn more about the Wong Halves counting system.

Omega II offers up a range of value from +1 (given to deuces, threes and sevens), to +2 (fours through to sixes), 0 (for eights and aces) -1 (for nines) and -2 (for 10s to Kings). Like the Wong Halves method, Omega II is a lot more accurate in determining how many cards are left in the decks that will go in your favor. However, because of the vast amount of values, counting is a little more difficult. Furthermore, this method also requires a separate ace count to be tallied. If for example, you’re playing with eight decks and using the Omega II method, this means there are 32 aces available altogether. When you know the deck is rich in aces, you can combine that knowledge with a high positive count to generate outstanding results.

>>Go here to learn more about the Omega II counting system.

Card Counting Awareness

It is important to note that while card counting is not illegal it is frowned upon by casinos. This may seem like nonsense to read when playing online casino blackjack games, but live casinos do reserve the right to ask you to leave the table if you are suspected of counting cards. Therefore, mastering the techniques of card counting, regardless of which method you opt to use, is something all card counters should strive towards.

Blackjack Card Counting Practice