Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in casinos. Many players love it because it’s simple to play and offers better odds than most other games. Over the years, a technique known as card counting has become famous — often shown in movies and stories about smart gamblers beating the house. But is card counting a real skill, or just a myth? Let’s break it down in a simple way. Some players even wonder if it can be used at online platforms like 20Bet casino, but there’s more to the story.
What Is Card Counting?
Card counting is a method used by some blackjack players to keep track of the cards that have already been dealt. The goal is to figure out whether the next hand is more likely to benefit the player or the dealer. Players who count cards don’t try to guess exactly which card is coming next — instead, they keep a mental tally that helps them adjust their bets.
For example, in a common system called the Hi-Lo method, players assign a value to each card:
Cards 2 through 6 are +1
Cards 7 through 9 are 0
Cards 10, face cards, and aces are -1
When more high cards are left in the deck, the player has a better chance of getting a blackjack or beating the dealer. That’s when they might bet more. When the count is low, they bet less.
Is It Legal?
Yes, card counting is legal, but there’s a catch. Casinos don’t like it and can ask players to leave or ban them from playing blackjack. It’s not considered cheating because players are just using their brains — no special tools or tricks. But casinos still try to stop it because it gives players an edge.
Does It Work Online?
Card counting is much harder — or nearly impossible — to do in most online blackjack games. That’s because online platforms like 20Bet casino use software that shuffles the cards after every hand or uses random number generators. These systems make sure every hand is fresh, and that ruins any chance of tracking cards over time.
Live dealer blackjack is slightly different. Some live games deal from a shoe of multiple decks and don’t reshuffle after every hand, which might make card counting possible. Still, the speed of the game and the number of decks used make it very difficult.
Myth or Skill?
Card counting is a real skill that requires practice, focus, and quick math. However, it’s not a magic trick. It doesn’t guarantee wins and doesn’t work in every situation. It’s only effective in specific conditions — like land-based casinos with favorable rules and fewer decks.
For most casual players, card counting may not be worth the effort. It takes time to learn and even more time to master. Plus, many casinos now use strategies to stop counters, like using multiple decks or frequent reshuffling.
So, is card counting in blackjack a skill or a myth? The truth is: it’s both. It’s a real technique that works under the right conditions, but it’s not a guaranteed way to win, and it doesn’t work in most online games. If you’re playing for fun, focus on learning basic blackjack strategy, managing your money, and enjoying the experience — whether at a real table or online at 20Bet casino.
