Counting Cards in Poker - How It Works and Is It Legal?

October 11, 2023

Matt Hansen Live Reporting Executive

Card counting is one way players might train to find an edge in the casino. With enough studying and preparation, players can take advantage of a significant change in the odds of winning.

Card counting is a controversial technique in other card games such as blackjack, but players can find a significant edge if done correctly. You can count cards in blackjack, but can you card count in poker games, and is it legal?

Here’s everything you need to know about counting cards in poker.

What Does Counting Cards Mean?

Counting cards is a strategy where players track the relative abundance of high and low-value cards in a deck. By assigning values to cards and mentally keeping a running total, players can predict when the deck favors them with more high-value cards, increasing their chances of winning.

This card-counting technique is not illegal but is often discouraged by casinos, which may ban players who employ it. Counting cards and card-counting techniques require a sharp memory, quick calculations, and discretion to avoid detection. While not a guaranteed way to win, it can shift the odds in the player's favor when executed effectively.

Counting Cards in Blackjack

Before we move on to poker, let's talk about counting cards in other games first. Counting cards is one of many strategies used in casino games like blackjack, where card counting is used to gain an edge over the casino. Card counting involves keeping track of the cards that have been dealt to determine what might remain in the deck.

A successful blackjack card counter will use a count system and increase their bets when the remaining cards in the deck are favorable. More acceptable tools, like online blackjack calculators, allow players to prepare and learn about blackjack without running afoul of casino rules.

Players can also use a blackjack 'cheat sheet' and free online blackjack games to learn about the game's rules and strategy.

Counting Cards in Baccarat

Counting cards in baccarat is different from counting cards in blackjack. In baccarat, players have less control over the game because they don't decide when to hit or stand like in blackjack.

Baccarat uses multiple decks of cards shuffled together, making it more challenging to track individual cards.

However, some players attempt to track the outcomes of the hands using scorecards or observing patterns. They may look for trends like "streaks" where either the Player or Banker's hand wins multiple times in a row.

Some players believe that recognizing patterns can help them make more informed bets. Still, it's essential to understand that baccarat is largely a game of chance, and any perceived patterns may not hold true over the long run.

Casinos that offer real money baccarat are also aware of players attempting to count cards in baccarat, and they take measures to prevent it, such as frequent reshuffling or using automatic shuffling machines.

Unlike blackjack, where card counting can provide a statistical advantage, card counting in baccarat is less effective and more challenging to implement successfully.

Counting Cards in Poker

Card counting in poker fundamentally differs from what you will find in blackjack. Poker games like Texas hold’em and Omaha deal cards face down, so the only known information is what can be seen on the flop and what is in a player’s hand.

However, poker players can still use what they know to determine the probability of what combinations of cards other players might have. This information can be used to bluff or assess the odds in a given hand.

Can you Count Cards in Poker?

You can’t count cards in poker games in the traditional way. Stud games do allow a player to see the cards of other players to determine the likelihood of particular draws, but players do not use the same counting system as a game like blackjack.

Players can’t count cards in poker in the same way that they might in blackjack. In blackjack, a player will use a system to calculate the value of all the cards on the table. This running count indicates when the deck is favorable; at this point, the player will increase their bet. This type of counting system is not necessary in poker.

In poker, players sometimes use what is called blockers. Blockers are the cards in your hand that reduce the chance of your opponents holding a specific combination of cards. Stud games also have more cards shown, which can give the player more information.

Why Count Cards in Poker?

Using all the information available to you at a table is essential to finding success in poker. Understanding blockers will give players insight into their opponent's range and open up more bluffing opportunities.

Understanding the probability of draws and other hands using blockers will increase a player’s chance of making the right decision.

Is Counting Cards Legal in Poker?

Card counting is generally legal in poker, as it's considered a skill-based game where players compete against each other. Unlike blackjack, where card counting can provide an advantage against the house, in poker, it doesn't give players an edge over other players. Using freely available information to determine the probability of an outcome is encouraged and marks the sign of a good poker player.

However, using external devices or collaborating with others to gain an unfair advantage is typically against the rules in poker.

Blackjack vs Poker Card Counting - What’s the Difference?

The key difference between card counting in blackjack and poker lies in the game's nature. In blackjack, card counting involves tracking high and low-value cards to gain a statistical advantage against the house.

In poker, card counting is less relevant, as it's a game of skill and strategy where players compete against each other, not the house. However, certain card counting techniques, such as identifying 'blockers', are used to count and utilize relevant cards in a game of poker.

Blackjack	Poker
Players use a counting system	Players have limited information
Bets are increased when the count is favorable	Poker players exploit other players and the strength of their hand
Card counting is legal, but not allowed at casinos	Blockers and using other information is an accepted part of poker

Counting Cards in Poker FAQ

Can you count cards in Texas Hold’em poker?

Players can use hole cards in combination with the community cards to determine the probability of an opponent’s hand.

Can you count cards in Pot-Limit Omaha poker?

Similar to Texas Hold’em, players can use hole cards in combination with the community cards to determine the probability of an opponent’s hand.

Can you count cards in Stud poker?

Keeping track of the up-cards given to every player in a stud poker game is important. By keeping track of the cards that are gone, you can make the right decision about your draws and your opponents' hands.

Can you count cards in Razz poker?

Similar to stud, It’s important to keep track of the up-cards given to every player in a razz poker game. By keeping track of the cards that are gone, you can make the right decision about your draws and your opponents' hands.

Can you count cards in PLO8 poker?

Similar to pot-limit Omaha, players can use hole cards in combination with community cards to determine the probability of an opponent’s hand.

Do professional poker players count cards?

Professional poker players use the concept of blockers to determine the probability of an outcome in poker.

Can you count cards in online poker?

Similar to live poker, you can use your hole cards and the community cards to apply the blockers concept to your decisions.

Is card counting possible in poker?

No, not in the way that you might count cards in blackjack.

Is counting cards in poker cheating?

No.

What are blockers in poker?

Blockers are a form of 'card counting' in poker where players use their hole cards and the community cards to determine what combinations of cards an opponent may or may not have.