Hi-Lo Card Counting System

Can you legally tilt the odds a bit closer to even in blackjack? Yes—if you learn
hi-lo card counting the right way. In this guide, you’ll get a clear, fact-checked,
step-by-step path to using the system in live or online live-dealer games, plus a real example,
practice drills, and a quick FAQ.

What Is hi-lo card counting?

The Hi-Lo is a classic, balanced system that assigns simple values to cards
so you can estimate when the deck favors the player. It’s popular because it’s accurate enough
to beat many games while staying a beginner-friendly method to learn and execute.

hi-lo card counting step-by-step

Learn it in small parts, then combine everything at the table.

Step 1: Memorize the values

• Say the values out loud while you flip a deck face up, one card per second.
• Goal: Finish a deck in under 30 seconds with zero mistakes.

Step 2: Keep a Running Count (RC)

Add the value of each exposed card as the shoe is dealt. For example, if you see 5, K, 3, A:

• Start at 0
• 5 (+1) → RC = +1
• K (−1) → RC = 0
• 3 (+1) → RC = +1
• A (−1) → RC = 0

Keep the RC in your head at all times. Practice by counting down TV hands or apps.

Step 3: Convert to True Count (TC)

In multi-deck games, divide the RC by decks remaining to normalize the count:

• TC = Running Count ÷ Decks Remaining (estimate to the nearest half-deck)
• Example: RC = +6 with ~3 decks left → TC = +2

TC is what you use for betting and playing decisions.

Step 4: Size your bets with the True Count

A simple, effective ramp for a $10 table might look like this:

• TC ≤ 0: $10 (table minimum)
• TC +1: $20
• TC +2: $30–$40
• TC +3: $50–$60
• TC +4 or higher: $70–$100 (within table max and bankroll rules)

Keep your spread discreet and steady. Spiky bets draw heat and increase variance.

Step 5: Use basic strategy—and a few key deviations

Basic strategy does most of the work. With Hi-Lo, adjust a handful of close calls using TC:

• Insurance: Take it at TC ≥ +3 (10-rich shoes)
• 16 vs 10: Stand at TC ≥ 0; hit below
• 15 vs 10: Stand at TC ≥ +4; hit below
• 10 vs 10: Double at TC ≥ +4 (if rules allow and you’re comfortable)

Start with these few. Add more only when your speed and accuracy are solid.

Real-life story: My first weekend with Hi-Lo

On my first serious weekend using Hi-Lo in Las Vegas, I found a 6-deck game,
dealer stands on soft 17, double after split allowed, ~75% penetration.
I flat-bet minimums at TC ≤ 0 and used a 1–8 spread above TC +3.

Day 1 ended up +$220 after 3 hours—mostly from two TC +4 shoes where blackjacks
clustered. Day 2 I hit a cold streak and finished −$90 despite perfect counting.
Across 6 hours, I netted +$130. The lesson: your edge appears over time, not every session.
Keeping sessions short, tipping normally, and chatting about sports helped me blend in.

Practice plan that actually works

If you can do a simple count at home, you can do it at the table.
Here’s a 2-week plan (20–30 minutes/day).

1. Days 1–3: Single-deck speed
   • Flip one card per second and say the RC aloud.
   • Goal: 1 deck in 30 seconds with 0 errors.
2. Days 4–6: True count estimation
   • Deal 2–6 decks; pause every few rounds to estimate decks remaining.
   • Goal: TC within ±0.5 of correct value 95% of the time.
3. Days 7–10: Distraction drills
   • Count while the TV is on or music plays.
   • Practice chip handling while maintaining the RC.
4. Days 11–14: Full simulation
   • Run mock shoes: bet with a ramp and apply 3–5 deviations.
   • Track errors; tighten before adding speed.

Bankroll, risk, and expectations

• Edge: With solid execution in good games, long-term EV often lands around 0.5%–1.5% of total action.
• Bankroll: For lower risk of ruin (~5%), many players aim for 100–200 bets. Example: Using $10 units, a $1,000–$2,000 bankroll.
• Variance: Swings are real. A winning strategy can still lose in the short term.
• Etiquette: Always follow house rules; tip as you normally would; don’t be disruptive.

Table rules that matter

Game quality affects your edge more than most people think. Favor:

• Fewer decks (1–2 decks best; 6 decks is common; 8 is worse)
• Dealer stands on soft 17 (S17 beats H17)
• Double after split (DAS) allowed
• Late surrender if available
• Good penetration (75%+ of the shoe dealt before shuffle)

Common mistakes to avoid

• Over-betting at low true counts
• Forgetting to convert RC to TC
• Adding too many deviations too fast
• Table hopping quickly or flashing big spreads in heat
• Ignoring fatigue—errors erase your edge

Quick glossary

• Running Count (RC): Ongoing sum of card values seen.
• True Count (TC): RC divided by decks remaining.
• Penetration: How deep into the shoe the dealer goes before shuffling.
• Spread: Ratio of your max bet to min bet.

FAQs

Conclusion

The bottom line: hi-lo card counting offers a practical, proven path to a small edge when paired with smart game selection, clean execution, and disciplined bankroll management.
Start with the drills above, add a few deviations, and grow gradually.