Running Count
The running count is a core concept in card counting strategy used by blackjack players to gain an edge over the house. It represents a cumulative total based on the values assigned to each card as they are dealt. In an online casino, understanding and tracking the running count can help skilled players make more informed decisions and adjust their bets according to the changing composition of the deck.
What Is a Running Count?
Players use the running count to estimate the ratio of high cards to low cards left in the shoe, which helps them determine when the odds are in their favor.
In the most popular system—Hi-Lo card counting—cards are assigned values as follows:
- 2 through 6 = +1
- 7 through 9 = 0
- 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace = -1
As cards are dealt, the player adds or subtracts from the running count according to these values. A positive running count suggests more high cards remain in the deck, which benefits the player. A negative count implies more low cards are left, favoring the dealer.
How the Running Count Works
The running count starts at zero at the beginning of a freshly shuffled shoe. As cards are dealt to players and the dealer, you update the count continuously:
- If you see a 3, you add +1.
- If a Jack is dealt, you subtract -1.
- If an 8 comes out, you do nothing.
You repeat this process for every card that hits the table. The higher the running count, the more favorable the remaining deck is for the player. That’s because a deck rich in 10s and Aces increases your chances of hitting blackjacks and strong hands while also increasing the likelihood the dealer will bust.
Challenges of Tracking the Running Count
Maintaining an accurate running count in a live game isn't easy. Players must:
- Keep count while engaging with the dealer and other players.
- Adjust for distractions, such as music, conversations, or fast dealing.
- Avoid looking obvious, as casinos monitor for card counters.
Practice and mental discipline are key. Many experienced players practice with decks at home to get faster and more accurate. Online trainers and simulators are also helpful tools.
Running Count vs. True Count
One important distinction to make is between the running count and the true count.
The running count is the raw total based on all cards seen, whereas the true count adjusts the running count based on how many decks remain to be dealt.
This adjustment is crucial because a +5 running count means very different things in a single-deck game versus an eight-deck shoe. To calculate the true count, divide the running count by the estimated number of decks left in the shoe:
True Count = Running Count ÷ Decks Remaining
Most betting and strategy decisions are based on the true count, not the running count. However, maintaining an accurate running count is the first step.
Why the Running Count Matters
The running count helps players determine:
When to increase or decrease bets: A high running count means it's a good time to bet more, as the odds are in the player's favor.
When to deviate from basic strategy: Card counters may choose to stand, hit, split, or double in non-standard ways based on the count.
The likelihood of dealer busts: If many low cards are gone, the dealer is more likely to bust trying to reach 17 or higher.
While the running count doesn’t directly tell you what to do, it is the foundation of all advanced decision-making in blackjack advantage play.
FAQs About the Running Count in Blackjack
What is the purpose of the running count in blackjack?
The running count tracks the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the shoe. A positive count favors the player; a negative count favors the dealer.
What counting systems use a running count?
Most popular systems, such as Hi-Lo, KO, and Red Seven, use a running count. Each system assigns slightly different point values to cards.
Is a higher running count always better?
Generally, yes. A higher running count indicates more 10s and Aces remain, increasing the chance of blackjacks and dealer busts.
How is the running count different from the true count?
The running count is a raw total. The true count divides that total by the estimated number of decks left to determine how impactful the count really is.
Can I use the running count alone to make decisions?
You can, but it's not optimal. The true count provides more accurate information for betting and strategy deviations, especially in multi-deck games.
