Everything you need to know About the Betting Strategy ‘The Hi-Lo System’

The Hi-lo strategy instills a very simple value system to each card in a deck. For example, cards 2 through 6 have a value of +1, 7-9 have no value which is 0, 10 and every face card including an ace has a value of -1. Starting off a ‘Running Count’ in a game of blackjack from the time of the cards being dealt goes like this. Say the dealer is dealt a 3 and you are dealt a king, the 3 is worth +1 and the king is worth -1 which gives you a running count of 0. You are then dealt a 7 and the dealer has an ace making the count -1.

Being able to count cards is a pretty easy task nevertheless with some practice, though in order to obtain what is known as the ‘True Count’ can be a little tricky. Knowing how many decks are in a shoe is important in receiving the true count. Say you have a six deck shoe, you then take the running count and divide it by the number of decks to come up with the true count. So if the running count is +3 divided by 6 decks leaves you with a true count of +2. Keeping track of roughly how many decks are left in a shoe at all times will increase your odds of winning your bets.

Having a high count notifies the player when to bet high, and more than likely will be in your favor. However having a high count does not mean you will automatically win the hand. Following a high true count should increase the desire to stand, split, double down, and take insurance as well as increasing your bets. Learning the ins and outs of basic strategy along with the ‘Illustrious 18’ table, will help players know when to make decisions on what plays to make. For example, taking insurance anytime the count is higher than +3 is a wise choice. ‘Fab 4 Surrenders’ is also a methodical table made up to help players decision making while having a high count.

Even though the Hi-lo strategy greatly heightens your chance to beat the house, playing carefully and knowing how to not attract the pit bosses attention is frugal. As stated above, card counting is a huge no no to casinos. To avoid attracting attention while the count is high, decreasing bets after losses and increasing bets after wins should be worked into the players routine. All-though a casino can’t get you in legal trouble the first time caught counting cards, they will kick you out and may even ban you from their casinos.