Card Counting in Online Live Blackjack

Blackjack is, and always will be, one of the most popular card games in both online and physical casinos across New Zealand. While luck plays a part in getting the best cards and maximising your wins, employing a solid strategy can significantly boost your chances of success.

There are numerous strategies you can deploy when playing card games online in NZ. One of the most talked-about is card counting.

While card counting is generally seen as more challenging to implement in online blackjack compared to a land-based casino, it's still definitely achievable and can offer a slight edge over the house.

How Does Card Counting Actually Work?

No matter which casino games you enjoy playing online in New Zealand, blackjack or poker, you can harness the power of card counting.

This strategy involves diligently tracking the cards that have already been dealt from the shoe. As you play and get a feel for the count, you'll be able to better gauge whether the upcoming hand is likely to favour you.

Step 1: Assign Values to Dealt Cards

To get started, you'll need to watch the cards and assign the following values to each type:

• Low cards (2s through to 6s) = +1
• Neutral cards (7s through to 9s) = 0
• High cards (Aces through to 10s) = -1. This running tally is often called the 'running count'.

Step 2: Figure Out the True Count

Next, you'll want to calculate the 'true count' to account for the multiple decks commonly used in real-money blackjack games in New Zealand. To do this, divide your running count by the estimated number of decks remaining in the shoe. For instance, if your running count is +9 and you estimate there are 3 decks left, your true count is +3.

Step 3: Understand Your Advantage

Next, apply the “true count” to determine if you hold an edge over the house. Here is how true count determines the advantage or disadvantage: -3 = 2.05% house edge -2 = 1.53% house edge -1 = 0.80% house edge 0 = 0.42% house edge +3 = 1.77% player’s advantage +2 = 1.17% player’s advantage +1 = 0.58% player’s advantage Remember that a higher true count lets you risk more with high confidence.

The Possibility of Online Live Blackjack Card Counting

While online live blackjack uses real decks of cards, they are shuffled more frequently than in a traditional casino. This makes it harder for players to count cards effectively. Additionally, many live online casinos employ software to detect card counters and prevent them from playing. However, it is still possible to use card counting strategies in online live blackjack if you are disciplined and adapt your strategies to the online format.

Strategies for Card Counting in Online Live Blackjack

Here are some tips to help you implement card-counting strategies in online live blackjack:

Keep it simple

Stick to a basic card counting system like the Hi-Lo count. This system is easy to learn and implement and will give you a good idea of when the deck is in your favor.

Practice

Practice counting cards at home before playing online live blackjack. There are many online simulators available that can help you improve your skills.

Adjust your betting

When the deck is in your favor, increase your bet. When the deck is against you, decrease your bet. This will help you maximize your winnings and minimize your losses.

Pay attention to the game

Stay focused on the game and avoid distractions. Watch for changes in the dealer's behavior and patterns in the cards dealt with.

Risks and Rewards of Card Counting in Online Live Blackjack

Card counting can give players an edge over the house, but it also carries risks. Here are some potential risks and rewards to consider:

Rewards

• Increased chances of winning
• More accurate betting decisions
• Ability to take advantage of favorable situations

Risks

• Detection by live online casinos and possible ban
• Legal consequences in some jurisdictions
• Requires a significant amount of time and effort to master

Conclusion

Overall, card counting will always be easier to implement if you are playing in a land-based casino. Nevertheless, this strategy will work well even online if you practice it enough and find a good casino to do it.

We recommend you start on blackjack tables with fewer decks in play, which will make your job simple.