We’ve recently written about the innate human tendency to get rich overnight while gambling by every means possible. There are numerous methods for achieving that, some of which were once considered unethical, both legal and illegal. But probably the most popular method out of all is the infamous art of card counting. There’s a veil of mystique surrounding the practice and popular culture is the one to blame for it, primarily movies such as Hangover and Rain Man. But the reality as usual is totally different, so let’s face it by debunking some of the most common card counting myths.
What is Card Counting?
The first card counting myth we’re about to debunk is the one regarding the very nature of the term. There are a lot of misconceptions based around it, people tend to consider it as some kind of superpower. But simply put, card counting boils down to keeping track of high-and-low-value cards. As a result of that action, the player chooses when to wager more when he or she believes that the upcoming card will benefit their hand. Card counting can also help players decide to leave the game, for instance, if the assessment favors the dealer’s hand. Nothing less, nothing more.
Card Counting is Illegal
That card counting is illegal is one of the most spread myths in the gambling industry. Pop culture is probably the culprit behind it too, with many scenes from movies featuring the protagonist getting kicked or beaten when caught practicing it. The truth is that it is a totally legal thing to do, although frowned upon by the casinos. That’s because it can significantly reduce the house edge when done the right way. So, the worst thing you can expect is to be kindly asked by the casino staff to leave the premises. But rest assured, no one is going to put you behind bars because of it.
Card Counting Requires Complex Math
If you were to base your opinion on movies about blackjack such as Rain Man (1988) and 21 (2008) you might get the impression that only a savant can become a card counter. But actually, card counting is not that complicated at all. If you know basic mathematical operations, you can learn how to become one. You need to assign „tags“ to the specific set of cards, and then add or subtract them as the playing cards appear. The process is pretty straightforward, but it is the execution that can prove to be tricky.
Anyone Can Become a Card Counter
On the other hand, possessing only a very basic set of mathematical skills is not going to be enough to become good at card counting. You also need to possess discipline and concentration, because not everyone can keep track of where the cards in the shoe are with all the distractions going on at the blackjack or baccarat table. Another key component is money management and the ability to draw minimum attention to oneself, which doesn’t come easily to most people.
Card Counting Means Certain Win
This is another myth we can blame on Rain Man’s and The Hangover’s main characters. You never see them lose a single hand while playing, but it’s not like we aren’t used to seeing Hollywood bend reality. What card counting can do is help you lower house edge to around 0.5 percent. That means you’ll be able to claim smaller amounts of wins over a longer period. So, if getting rich overnight is what you’re aiming for you better take a shot at progressive jackpot slots. However, if you consider yourself capable and willing to put all your mental capacity into practice it will certainly bring you winnings in the long run.
Conclusion
We hope we’ve helped you prove with this list of most common card counting myths that it isn’t some kind of superpower, but a rather helpful way to improve your chances of winning at either blackjack or baccarat. It’s also a totally legit and legal thing to practice, and we’re more than happy to share our advice on becoming better at it. And while it may not be of much help in the standard online version of blackjack, you can always practice your card counting skills with the live dealer blackjack version here at Mr. Yabby’s instant withdrawal casino. Don’t hesitate to try it out!
