The Best Card Counting Systems for Blackjack
In Blackjack there are many card counting systems from which to choose, so to make it easier for you, here’s a suggestion of some of the finest known systems. If used correctly, most of these strategies will help you estimate your Blackjack advantage with nearly perfect accuracy.
Wong Halves
One of the most reliable card counting systems, Wong Halves is also one of the most difficult to master. This Level 3 balanced strategy demands strong concentration and good math skills, since it’s using fractions to achieve greater accuracy. It was created by Stanford Wong and is recommended for advanced card counters.
Counting Values:
| A | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| -1 | 0.5 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 | 1 | 0.5 | 0 | -0.5 | -1 |
Zen
Created by Arnold Snyder, Zen is a Level 2 balanced strategy, notable for the emphasis it places on 4, 5 and 6. One of the strongest Level 2 strategies out there, this system is also one of the more popular ones.
Counting Values:
| A | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| -1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -2 |
Red Seven
An easy Level 1 unbalanced strategy, Red Seven is another Snyder’s system that is widely used. Its simplicity makes it a good choice for card counting beginners, but at the same time Red Seven has high accuracy. Keep in mind that 7’s counting value depends on the colour of its suit - red sevens count as 1, while black ones count as 0.
Counting Values:
| A | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| -1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0/1 | 0 | 0 | -1 |
Hi-Lo
If all those systems seem too challenging at the moment, you can try honing your Blackjack skills with Hi-Lo, a Level 1 balanced strategy. Unlike Red Seven, this system won’t require you to keep track of suit colours. Invented by Harvey Dubner, Hi-Lo has since been revised several times by different authors. Once you master Hi-Lo, we recommend that you move on to one of the more complex systems, as they offer better chance of success.
Counting Values:
| A | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| -1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 |
Final tip: whichever system you decide to use, be sure to practice it before you venture off to your favourite casino!
