How to Count Cards

Step 1: Use the high-low method Use the high-low method, which assigns cards two through six a plus one, and cards 10 through ace a negative one, while middle cards are worth zero.
TIP: Small cards favor the dealer while large cards favor the player, so when a small card is removed it favors the player and when a large card is removed it is bad for the player.
Step 2: Track all cards dealt Start from zero when the dealer has a new deck and add up all the cards dealt. When you reach a plus two or three, the odds shift in your favor.
TIP: Practice counting with your own deck. If you do it right you can predict the last card — a whole deck always equals zero.
Step 3: Cancel card pairs Cancel card pairs by matching a high card and low card to reach zero. When you reach a plus two or three, the odds shift in your favor.
Step 4: Calculate true count Calculate the true count by dividing your number by the number of decks the dealer has left in his shoe or card collector.
Step 5: Give it time Be patient — you may have to go through several hands before you can estimate which cards remain in the shoe or deck.
Step 6: Walk away Walk away before anyone gets suspicious. While card counting isn’t illegal, casinos can kick you to the curb for counting.
FACT: During operation Iraqi Freedom, the Defense Department issued 55 playing cards with the faces of Saddam Hussein’s regime on them.

Lessons in this Guide