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Blackjack Strategies

Online Blackjack can be virtual magic when played with an array of cool card counting strategies – the same systems that have taken casinos for millions and made gamers into legends.

The good news is that card counting is genuine and based on the fact that high value cards can be a nightmare for the online casino dealer – because they must hit if they have less than 17. Card counting works by assigning cards a value and keeping a running count… start with the most basic of systems and upgrade as your skill increases.

Of course, while no blackjack strategy can guarantee success, you can expect to gain an edge of 1 to 4% when used with proficiency. Pick a card counting system to match your level and arm yourself against the casino, for a chance of long-term success:

The Casual Card Counting System

Card counting is for highly skilled gamers – right? Wrong! Even low skilled blackjack players can utilise the basic concept of card counting for enhanced fun and possibly more wins: 

1. Make a casual analysis of the card flow (i.e. is it heavy in low value or high value cards)
2. Make you wagering decisions based on your analysis (whether to increase or reduce your stakes)

Casual blackjack strategy is very flexible and as your skill progresses, you’re likely to find the most effective way of implementing the system. Ready for something a little more deadly – the read on…

Hi Opt I Card Counting System

If you’re a single deck blackjack player, the Hi-Opt I Card Counting System is a traditional blackjack strategy that is a potentially powerful weapon against the house – even better it’s simple to implement!
Keep a running count by assigning the following card values:

1. 3, 4, 5, 6: +1
2. 10, Jack, King, Queen: -1
3. 2, 7, 8, 9, Aces: 0 

The Hi-Opt I system can also be used with a side-count of Aces to analyse whether the pack is rich or poor in Aces, boosting potential success even higher:
If a quarter-pack has been dealt with no Aces, add +1 
If 2 Aces have been dealt, -1  

Red 7 Card Counting System

The Red 7 blackjack strategy sounds a bit special – and for gamers wanting a professional system without extreme complexity… Red 7 could be the ultimate, providing roughly 80% the power of hardcore counting, without the need for high skill levels. Here’s the scoring system:

• Aces and 10s (High Cards), -1
  • - Low cards (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6), +1
  • - 8s and 9s, 0
    • - Red 7, +1
      • Black 7, 0

The unique red value is essential to give the system the imbalance it needs to work.

Here are the next steps: 

1. Use a suitable starting count (multiply the deck number by -2) 
2. When the count reaches zero, you have an average advantage of 1% and it’s advisable to increase your stakes gradually from this score onwards

Advanced moves:

- If your count is 0 or higher in one or two deck games, take insurance    - If your count is 0 or higher, stand on 16 vs. 10 and on 12 vs. 3   - If the count is +2>, stand on 12 vs. 2 and on 15 vs. 10 - If the count is +2> double down on 10 vs Aces 
 
The Knock-Out System

The KO System is many blackjack players’ favourite way to deliver a real blow to the dealer – without resorting to tactics that are confusing and generally make you want to give up blackjack strategies! Here’s the instant-play guide to the Knock-Out:
- Start the count at 0  - Discard neutral cards (8 and 9)    - 2 - 7, +1  
- 10 - Ace, -1

Now for the actions:

- Use a +2 pivot point (i.e. increase stakes at +2 or over)    - Reduce stakes when the score is below +2   - Take insurance if your score is over +3
The cool KO system has a uniquely unbalanced score, meaning there is no need to calculate a true counting as with many blackjack strategies (+ = 24, - = 20).
The KO can deliver an edge of 1 or 3 percent – which can be very significant when used as a long-term blackjack strategy.

Hi-Opt II Card Counting System

Now it’s time for the serious blackjack strategies – so if you’re a newbie you may want to scroll back up the page! However, while the Hi-Opt II is a serious counting system, it’s much easier to keep count when gaming online!

1. 2, 3, 6, +1
2. 4, 5, +2
3. 7, +7
4. 8, 9, 0
5. 10, J, Q, K, -2
6. A, 0 
7. If a quarter-deck has been dealt with no Aces, +1
8. If 2 Aces have been dealt, -1

The key to the system is the higher value and diversity of card scores, which gives more complexity but slightly more power than comparable strategies.

Zen Card Counting Strategy
 
Maybe it’s time to chill out with the Zen blackjack strategy – an intermediate counting system that doesn’t require you to keep a side count of aces – what a nice relief!

1. 2, 3, 7, +1
2. 4, 5, 6, +2
3. 8, 9, 0
4. 10, A, -2

Note that the Zen strategy is a balanced system, so it also requires the calculation of the true count. However, the system is simple to use to get an advantage over the house – simply increase and reduce your wager levels as your count fluctuates.
 
Essentially, there’s a blackjack strategy for every level of gamer – so whether you just want more fun, or you desire to become a world class blackjack counter… test out the methods next time you stand face to face with an dealer – make them wish you’d never logged-in!