Card counting systems are advanced strategies and therefore, they are mainly used by proficient players who have already acquired the necessary knowledge of the game. Once mastered, these systems can be incredibly effective and help players gain an advantage over the casino. Combined with the principles of basic strategy, they can really work wonders and are certainly worthwhile.
Even though there are many different card counting systems, they all aim at the same thing – to help players improve their game and increase their chances of winning significantly. Their foundation always includes counting the cards in a particular way and, in most cases, the difference lies in their assigned total values, which makes one method simpler or more complicated.
One of the most famous card counting systems is the Hi-Lo system (High-Low system), and it is used by players all over the world. In general, card counting systems require a lot of experience and knowledge; therefore, most are not suitable for beginners. However, the case with the Hi-Lo system is different, as it is highly simplified and straightforward, which makes it very easy to learn.
Brief History of the Hi-Lo System
The Hi-Lo system is one of the most popular strategies used all over the world, and it has provoked many heated discussions among professional players. Throughout the years, it has proven to be extremely effective and accurate, which is the reason why it is the first choice of many gamblers. Established in 1963 by the mathematician Harvey Dubner, the system grew in popularity very quickly and since then it has been a centre of attention in the gambling sphere.
Assigned Card Values in the Hi-Lo System
The Hi-Lo is a level-one system in terms of difficulty, which places it among the strategies that are not only reliable but also simplified. It uses the famous principle of card counting, which is assigning different point values to the cards in the deck. These values can be negative, positive or zero, and this method is specifically designed to ease players’ counting at the table and make it more pleasant.
In this sense, the plan they need to follow and understand, should they decide to use this strategy, is the following: the cards from two through six get plus one value, seven, eight and nine get zero and the rest of the cards – minus one.
| Hi-Lo Card Counting System | |
|---|---|
| Card Value | Count |
| 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | count +1 |
| 7, 8, 9 | count 0 |
| 10, J, Q, K, A | count -1 |
How the Hi-Lo System Works
Players should use a card counting system in the casino only if they feel confident enough and know the system by heart. The Hi-Lo system is particularly easy to grasp, as it is level one, which means that it is simpler than most other strategies. The first thing players need to do when they join a table is to focus so that they can start keeping track of the cards as soon as possible. It is essential for them to start counting from the beginning; otherwise, the final count won’t be as accurate. They need to count the cards according to their assigned value, or in other words, add or subtract one.
The count should help them make better decisions about their bets by giving them the opportunity to adjust them accordingly. Players should keep in mind that when the count has a positive value, they are in an advantageous position and need to make the most of it by increasing their bet. In the same sense, when the count is negative, they don’t have the edge and should refrain from placing higher wagers. Card counting provides such valuable information and it is essential for players to know how to benefit from it and avoid losing money.
Card Counting Systems
Hi-Lo System
Red Seven System
K-O System
KISS Systems
Important Considerations of the Hi-Lo System
In order to apply this strategy effectively and make it work, the first thing players need to do is take their time to remember the new values for the different ranks of the cards. It is really important to understand this system and be able to recall it in the blink of an eye when needed, as counting the cards is a huge challenge in itself and there is no time to think about their assigned values. Players shouldn’t let themselves get confused in the counting process as this might result in losing a significant amount of money.
Discipline and a high level of concentration are also essential for players’ performance; even if they know the system inside out, if they lack the necessary focus, they won’t be able to recall it in time. These two abilities shouldn’t be underestimated, as they play a crucial role in card counting and players should always try to develop and improve them.
Classification of the Hi-Lo System
As already indicated, the Hi-Lo is a level-one system, which is considered to be moderately easy to learn and understand. Even beginners can take advantage of the accuracy it offers if applied correctly, which makes it one of the most widely used strategies worldwide. It also belongs to the group of the so-called balanced systems, along with Omega II, Hi-Opt II and others. The term “balanced system” means that if players were to count all of the cards in the deck, the final total would be zero.
It is very important to know whether the counting system in use is balanced or unbalanced, as this is a great source of valuable information. For instance, if the count is positive, the deck is rich in high-value cards, and if it is negative – in low-value ones. It is worth mentioning that in balanced card counting systems, in order to obtain more accurate information, players need to convert the running count into the true count.
Conclusion
The Hi-Lo is a card counting system that has proven to be very efficient and, at the same time, very easy to learn. It is moderately simplified, which makes it perfect for inexperienced players who would like to take advantage of a card counting strategy. If applied correctly, it can be extremely beneficial for them and give them the opportunity to increase their chances of winning and gain an advantage over the casino.
Moreover, players don’t have to perform complicated mathematical calculations in order to keep track of the cards successfully. Even though it takes a lot of time to learn the system thoroughly and remain highly concentrated during the course of the game, players can be certain that their efforts won’t be in vain.