How Casinos Spot Card Counting

There are several systems players can use for card counting. It is fundamental for gamblers to fully understand the distinctions of each method to choose the one that works best. Here are the most popular card counting systems you should know:

• Hi-Lo System

The Hi-Lo system is the most straightforward and widely used card counting system. Because it is easy to learn, it is often recommended for beginners. Each card is given a value of +1, -1, or 0 in this system. High cards, such as 10s, face cards, and Aces, are worth -1, low cards, like 2s and 6s, are worth +1, and neutral cards are assigned 0. Hi-Lo is meant to be practical and easy to learn yet can still increase the possibility of having an edge.

• Hi-Opt I and Hi-Opt II System

The Hi-Opt I system, an advanced card counting method, assigns card values: +1 for 2s to 9s, Aces, and -1 for 10s and face cards. While this system demands more concentration and practice, it enhances accuracy and potentially creates greater profits than simpler methods.

Conversely, the Hi-Opt II system designates values to each card: +2 for 4s and 5s, +1 for 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, 0 for 8s, 9s, and Aces, and -2 for 10s and face cards. This system requires more accuracy by placing more nuanced values, requiring heightened concentration and practice from the player.

• Omega II System

Most counting systems are “single level” since cards with a value of 2 or 3 points are non-existent. However, Omega II is a 2-level system, wherein some cards are worth + or -1, and others are worth + or -2. The cards are assigned as follows:

• Aces and 8s count as 0

• 9s count as -1

• 10s as -2

• 2s, 3s, and 7s as +1

• 4s, 5s, and 6s as +2

The Omega II card counting system is a balanced approach that ensures equal positive and negative values. Counting through a deck of cards accurately should ideally finish with a total of 0, making it a relatively manageable process.

• Wong Halves System

Like Omega II, the Wong Halves system is a multi-level card counting system but uses three value levels, rendering it more complex than basic methods. The system’s card count value levels are:

• 10s, face cards, and Aces count as 0

• 8s as 0

• 9s as -0.5

• 2s, and 7s count as 0.5

• 5s as 1.5

• 3s, 4s, and 6s count as 1

As such, novice players may find this system challenging, and it is only ideal for players who have already mastered other card counting systems.