While blackjack is a game of chance like all casino games, it has long intrigued players due to misconceptions about the effectiveness of card counting. Card counting is a technique where players attempt to track cards dealt in order to estimate the likelihood of certain cards appearing in future hands. However, in a modern casino setting, especially online, card counting is ineffective and offers no real advantage.
In this article, we’ll explore why card counting does not work in online blackjack and what alternative strategies players can use to enhance their gameplay experience.
What Is Card Counting?
Definition and Purpose
Card counting involves keeping a mental tally of dealt cards to estimate the likelihood of remaining high or low-value cards. For example, in a single-deck game, if two aces have already been played but no 10s, the probability of drawing another ace is lower than that of drawing a 10.
Although popular culture has portrayed card counting as an effective strategy, the reality is quite different. In a regulated casino environment, the house maintains its edge through game rules, multiple decks, and frequent shuffling—making card counting impractical. Moreover, card counting does not guarantee success and requires a significant amount of practice, focus, and mathematical skill for negligible potential gains.
Common Methods
There are various card counting systems, such as the Hi-Lo system, where players assign values to cards and track a running count, and the Omega II system, which uses more complex values. While these methods are mathematically structured, they are not effective in modern blackjack games, particularly online versions where shuffling mechanisms prevent tracking cards over multiple hands.
Can You Count Cards in Online Blackjack?
The short answer is no. Here's why:
RNG Blackjack
Online blackjack has no shoe or dealer. In each round, cards are randomly created. The RNG "shuffles" the cards between rounds.
Since there is no shuffle order and no cut card 80% of the way through the 6-8 shuffled decks, your card counting efforts from the previous round must be started over before each new round, preventing you from keeping a running tally of more than one card, which is obviously not long enough to be useful.
Therefore cards in online blackjack cannot be counted.
Live Dealer Blackjack
Most live casino blackjack games employ Continuous Shuffle Machines (CSMs). This prevents players from counting cards as the CSM shuffles cards better than the dealer and after every hand. Additionally, online casinos set a lower deck penetration, meaning the dealer reshuffles after fewer cards have been dealt—further reducing any potential advantage from counting cards.
Deck Penetration
Casino deck penetration is how deep a shoe goes before shuffling (aka how many times the deck is used before it is replaced or reshuffled. Online casinos and live casino games quickly replace shoes often assisted by a CSM, making it virtually impossible to track cards with any meaningful accuracy.
Alternative Strategies for Online Blackjack
When it comes to potentially useful/effective strategies it is important to note that there is nothing legal that you can do to put the odds in your favour further than the stated RTP. However, there are some alternative strategies you can use to assist your gameplay should you choose to use them.
Mastering Basic Strategy
The house edge of blackjack applies to players making optimal gameplay decisions. Playing the game poorly technically lowers this percentage. Therefore one of the best strategies for online blackjack that you can utilise is to master the basic strategy. There are blackjack gameplay charts that you can use while learning to help you make the optimal decision for the hand you currently hold.
Bankroll Management
There are plenty of blackjack strategies out there such as the Martingale, Fibonacci, and Paroli methods. However, it is important to remember that these strategies cannot predict or guarantee winning outcomes. Instead, these strategies can be used to switch up your gameplay style and/or manage your bankroll.
Focus on Promotions
Promotions can add value to your session. Match-up bonuses for example give you more bankroll to play with, while free game promotions give you more rounds to play without touching your bankroll. Just remember that all promotions come with terms and conditions and most require a playthrough or ‘wagering requirement’ before any won funds can be withdrawn.
Disclaimer: The house will always have the edge. Players should never try to recover losses by gambling more. The outcome of the games is always entirely based on luck.
Spin Genie's Responsible Gambling Tools
We cannot emphasise enough the importance of gambling responsibly. Before you sit down for an online blackjack session, set yourself a budget and a time limit and stick to it. Do not take excessive risks and step away if you notice you’re becoming frustrated.
Spin Genie offers a variety of tools to help you to gamble responsibly. On our side, you’ll find tools such as deposit limits, self-exclusion, and educational resources on responsible gambling, plus affiliation with external support services. We pride ourselves on running a transparent and equitable online casino and genuinely care about the welfare of our players.
Alongside this, for complete peace of mind Spin Genie is licensed and regulated by the UKGC and the games we host have been third-party tested and accredited with fair play certifications.
Conclusion
Unless you’re some supercomputer/undiscovered genius, because the shoe is shuffled after every hand, card counting in online blackjack is pretty much pointless. Instead, players should focus on learning basic strategy, managing their bankroll responsibly, and taking advantage of casino promotions where appropriate.
Most importantly, be sure to always gamble responsibly, and remember; that online casino games are about having fun and should not be viewed as potential money-making opportunities. Sign up and play today at Spin Genie.
