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"""Many professional gamblers claim that card counting is an effective strategy to beat the casino in the game of blackjack. Is card counting difficult to learn? What is the basic principle of card counting?
Based on mathematical statistics, when there are more high-value cards left in the deck, the dealer is more likely to bust with a hand value of 12 to 16, increasing the average win for players. Blackjack enthusiasts use card counting to identify opportunities when there are more high-value cards in play. As the game progresses, the composition of the deck deviates from the standard deck due to the cards that have been dealt. For example, the count of ten-point cards may be 13 out of 5 instead of the usual 13 out of 4 if smaller cards have been dealt first.
In the 1960s, Dr. Thorp, a professor at the University of California, utilized computers to study the changes in player win rates with non-standard decks (when certain cards like fives or tens are depleted). He found that when there are relatively more high-value cards left, players have a higher chance of winning. Dr. Thorp's groundbreaking book, ""Beat the Dealer,"" published in 1963, introduced card counting as a strategy for players to gain an edge in blackjack.
One of the most commonly used card counting methods today is the Hi-Lo system. It classifies the thirteen card ranks into three groups: High (Ten, Jack, Queen, King, Ace), Neutral (Seven, Eight, Nine), and Low (Two to Six). Each group is assigned a value: -1 for High cards, +1 for Low cards, and 0 for Neutral cards. As the cards are dealt, players keep a running count, adjusting the count based on the assigned values. A positive count indicates an abundance of low-value cards, while a negative count suggests more high-value cards remain. This information helps players determine when to increase their bets for a favorable outcome.
Learning card counting involves practicing at home by assigning values to individual cards and aiming to complete the count within a set time frame. At the casino table, players strive to cancel out the high and low values, focusing on the net count. The Running Count or the raw count is the accumulated result of the count during a session. When the count is divided by the number of remaining decks, it becomes the True Count, providing a more accurate indication of the advantage.
Card counters adjust their betting size based on the True Count. The higher the True Count, the larger the bet, and vice versa. This method, known as the Kelly Criterion, optimizes bankroll growth while minimizing risk. However, players may choose a fraction of the Kelly Criterion, such as half or quarter Kelly, to reduce risk.
In conclusion, winning at blackjack requires a combination of understanding basic strategy, learning card counting techniques, and calculating optimal bet sizes based on the prevailing advantage.""" |
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Post time 28-11-2023 13:12:40
