A deck with a positive number is good. The higher the number, the more you want to bet. The higher the number, the more high cards are left to be played.

Cards 2-6 have a value of +1. Cards 7-9 have no value. Cards worth 10 have a value of -1. Aces also have a value of -1.

Generally speaking, you want to increase your bet by a unit of 1 for each point that the tally goes up. If you do it any more drastically than that, those eyes in the skies will be on you like a hawk.

Start timing yourself when you can get through the deck and end up at 0 every time. Even though the math is very simple, it’s easy to get side tracked. Don’t be surprised if you end up with a different number consistently in the beginning stages. Take a card out and leave it face down. Run through the deck and get your tally—what’s the unturned card?

Counting cards is about remembering a tally. Counting cards well is about accuracy and speed. To be a good card counter, it has to be like riding a bike—you can go on autopilot at the drop of a hat. Taking in pairs gives you a lot less to worry about, making it easier for you to be accurate.

To know how many decks are left, take a covert look at the discard tray. Do this between hands, when you have the extra bit of time. If you are working with a single deck, invert and multiply. Say you have 3/4 of a deck left and the count is +4. You would then multiply 4 x 4 to get 16 and divide it by 3 (a little over 5). Some people choose just to go with the running count in a single deck, but know that the true count is always a little bit different (higher, regardless).

In Hi-Opt II, Aces are valued at 0. Hi-Opt II and Omega II have the highest playing efficiency (PE). [7] X Research source The PE determines decisions and deviations (when you change from basic strategy) in play.

Omega II is similar to the Halves strategy. In Halves, 2 and 7 are worth +. 5. 5 is worth +1. 5. 9 is worth -. 5. [9] X Research source In KO, 7s are worth +1. [10] X Research source

Lots of casinos have banned mid-shoe entry for this purpose. If you do consider doing this, know that it looks fishy to even untrained eyes. How else would you know when to swoop in for the kill if you weren’t counting cards? The suspicions you do avoid, however, are changing your bets. When you’re wonging, you bet the same exorbitant amount every time.

Blend in. Busting out your three-piece Armani suit is not what you want to do when starting your card counting career at your local casino. Leave the Italian suede at home and act like a regular Joe.

This may seem counterproductive to making money, but if you get thrown out, you’ll be making zero. No, card counting isn’t illegal, but it is heavily frowned upon and you can be asked to never return to the establishment.

You need to be proficient enough at counting that you can carry on a conversation. Chat with the dealer about how their day is going. If the pit boss comes up, chat with him, too. When you practice counting cards at home, turn on the TV and radio, and maybe have some small kids around, if you can. Practice getting used to counting amidst total chaos; this will simulate what it’s like counting in a casino.

A dealer can help you or hurt you. Motivate the dealer to be for you. Same goes for the entire pit crew—get them on your side, and your not-so-heinous crime may slide under their radar.

If a casino suspects you’re counting, they probably won’t come right out and say it. They may have someone start a conversation with you to distract you, assign you a high-speed dealer, shuffle spontaneously, or change the betting rules. If any of these happen, back down slowly, but immediately. [17] X Research source

Do not jump from table to table every time the deck sours. This will bring you to the attention of the casino personnel fast. Make minimum bets until the deck is richer. Increase casually because you’re doing well—not because you know what’s about to come.