Is It Possible To Count Cards In Live Dealer Blackjack?

Counting cards has long been considered a way to gain an advantage over the casino – but as the digital world has progressed, players have become increasingly curious if this trick can also be applied to online casinos. 

In the digital world of live dealer blackjack, things can seem a little different to how it does in a traditional casino. With dealers broadcast directly to the screen, the experience can feel a little bit more personal. The question remains; can you still count cards like you might in a physical casino?

This post will explore how online live dealer games operate and whether the art of card counting is effective in this setting. If you’re interested in understanding the dynamics of this popular card game and how it works online, read on.

What Is Live Dealer Blackjack?

A real-life dealer is broadcast to the screens of the players via a live video stream – the dealer is usually situated in a casino-themed environment which adds to the authenticity of the experience. 

You can interact with the dealer and other players through a chat feature, making it feel more social, much like sitting at a physical table in a casino.

Unlike traditional online blackjack, where outcomes are determined by Random Number Generators (RNGs), live dealer blackjack relies on a real deck of cards – this means that the game unfolds in real time with genuine card shuffling and dealing. 

Whether you’re an experienced player or new to the game, live dealer blackjack offers an engaging setting that mirrors the fun of a physical casino. The unique blend of real and virtual elements gives players the chance to enjoy the classic game at a time and place that suits them best. 

What Is Card Counting?

Card counting is a strategy used in the game of blackjack to keep track of the number of high-value and low-value cards remaining in the deck.

The basic idea is that certain cards, like tens and aces, are more beneficial to the player. By knowing how many of these cards are left, players can make decisions about how much to bet. 

Card counting involves assigning values to different cards. Typically, low-value cards (2-6) are given a positive value (+1), while high cards (10s and aces) get a negative value (-1). Cards in the middle (7-9) are often considered neutral (0). 

As the cards are dealt, players add or subtract these values to maintain a running count; this helps them decide if the deck is in their favour and settle on what strategy they will use. 

It’s worth noting that card counting isn’t about memorising every card played. Instead, it’s about keeping a simple tally that can give players an advantage if done correctly. However, it is important to know the consequences of trying to card count because casinos do not look upon it favourably. 

Is It Illegal To Count Cards?

Technically, no; card counting is legal in a criminal sense. It’s simply a strategy used by players, relying on their mental calculations rather than any tools or devices that could tamper with the fairness and integrity of the game.

However, casinos are businesses, and they look to protect their interests. They often view card counting as a way to gain an unfair advantage in what is meant to be a game of chance. Because of this, casinos have the right to refuse service to anyone they suspect of counting cards.

In a physical casino, card counters can expect to be politely asked to leave or banned from playing blackjack; this is within the rights of the casino as it is private property. 

When it comes to online casinos, the rules vary from site to site. Many online casinos have terms and conditions that discourage or even prohibit activities such as card counting. They can take steps to prevent it, such as using continuous shuffling machines, which can make counting cards very difficult. 

How Is Card Counting Prevented In Live Dealer Blackjack?

In live dealer blackjack, casinos use several methods to make card counting very difficult. One of these common techniques is frequent shuffling. 

Decks are shuffled earlier and more frequently than in a traditional casino game, meaning that the count resets far more often. This makes it much harder for players to keep track of the remaining cards effectively.

Some casinos use continuous shuffling machines – these are machines that keep continuously mixing the cards after every round, which virtually eliminates any chance of keeping a running count. 

Additionally, the number of decks in play can also affect card counting – live dealer blackjack games often use multiple decks, typically six to eight, which makes counting more complex and less accurate.

Dealers in live games are also trained to notice patterns or behaviour that suggests card counting. If they note suspicious activity, they’re likely to change things up to disrupt the suspected player’s counting efforts. 

While not impossible, card counting in live dealer blackjack can be very difficult due to the challenges that the casino imposes upon players who attempt it. Also, the risk of being banned from the casino site if caught makes this already difficult method even less appealing; it is simply not worth the risk. 

What Happens If You’re Caught Counting Cards In Live Dealer Blackjack?

If you are caught counting cards in live dealer blackjack, the outcome can vary depending on the rules of each site. Although it isn’t technically illegal, casinos will still take steps to protect their interests.

In an online casino, being suspected of card counting can lead to your account being restricted or suspended if your activity is deemed suspicious. 

Casinos use various measures to detect any unusual play styles, so it’s not surprising that they have ways to spot potential card counters – these measures are part of how they maintain fairness and safeguard their games. 

While the concept might sound intriguing, understanding the potential consequences is important to see that card counting is simply not worth it, even in a live dealer setting. 

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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.