Blackjack (21)

Blackjack card counting (Hi-Lo): running count and true count

Card counting keeps track of which cards have already left the shoe. When many low cards are gone, the cards left are richer in tens and aces, which helps the player a little: blackjacks come more often and the dealer busts more. Hi-Lo is the most widely used count.

Hi-Lo card values

Card	Value
2, 3, 4, 5, 6	+1
7, 8, 9	0
10, J, Q, K, A	-1

Each deck has 20 cards worth +1 and 20 worth -1, so a full shoe adds up to 0. That is why Hi-Lo is called a balanced count.

Running count and true count

• Running count: add up the value of every card you see, starting from the shuffle.
• True count: the running count divided by the decks left. A running count of +6 with 3 decks left is a true count of +2.
• Decks left are estimated from the cards seen: 8 decks minus cards seen ÷ 52.

The true count is what matters: +6 means much more with 1 deck left than with 6.

How the true count is used

A common rule of thumb is that each +1 of true count moves the player's expectation by about 0.5%. Starting from a house edge of about 0.5% to 0.7%, the game tips slightly toward the player only around a true count of +2 and above. Counters bet more at high counts and the minimum at low counts. There are also playing changes by count (index plays); the Hiddenpick bot does not use them and keeps basic strategy.

Why the edge is small on 8-deck live shoes

• Eight decks dilute every card, so the count moves slowly.
• Live shoes are reshuffled well before the last card (the cut card is commonly reported around the middle), so high true counts are rare.
• You can only count from a shuffle. If you join mid-shoe, the count is unknown until the next shuffle.
• Infinite Blackjack uses an automatic shuffler, so counting there is of little use. The 7-seat tables are where the count can be followed.
• Casinos can limit players whose bets swing with the count.

What Hiddenpick shows

• Running count, true count and cards seen, updated live.
• A +, 0 or - mark on each card as it is dealt.
• One log line per hand.
• Count strategy (optional): a multiplier table by true count with a maximum cap, and an option to bet only the step-1 amount while the count is unfavorable.

It shows the count and lets you size bets by it. It does not beat the casino. See the blackjack bot and the basic strategy chart.

Frequently asked questions

Is card counting illegal?

Counting with your own eyes and memory is not a crime in many places, but casinos can refuse play or limit accounts. Check the law where you live and the casino's terms.

Does card counting work online?

Not in computer (RNG) blackjack, which reshuffles every hand. At live dealer tables the shoe can be counted, but with 8 decks the gain is small.

What true count is favorable?

By the common rule of thumb, around +2 and above under Evolution rules. Below that the house still has the edge.

Does the Hiddenpick bot change its play by the count?

No. It always plays basic strategy. The count only changes the bet size, and only if you turn on count strategy.

Running count or true count, which one matters?

The true count. A running count means little until you divide it by the decks left.

Can I try it for free?

Yes. You get every feature free for 3 hours, and the trial only counts down while you use the live board or the bot.