How to Play Blackjack Strategically: Card Counting in Canada (Legal?)

Understanding the Basics of Blackjack Strategy

The aim when playing blackjack is to beat the dealer without going over 21. While luck plays an important role, blackjack allows players to use different strategies.

However, strategies can be basic or advanced, serving different purposes. For basic strategy, the goal is to reduce the house edge by making correct decisions for each hand. Players can use the blackjack strategy chart and must be familiar with the following.

• Hit: Take an extra card

• Stand: Keep your current hand (don't receive an additional card)

• Double down: Double your initial bet and get an additional card

• Split: Divide a pair of identical cards into two hands. Place an additional bet of the same amount on each hand.

• Surrender: Forfeit your hand and receive half of your bet back. This is not available for all blackjacks. 

Advanced strategy aims to gain an edge over the casino. Below are the top advanced strategies.

• Card counting: Track high and low cards to determine if the deck will favour you. 

• Deviation from basic strategy: using Hit instead of Stand in some situations 

• Use betting systems like the Fibonacci, Martingale, or d'Alembert.

What is Card Counting?

Card counting is one of the best advanced blackjack strategies that helps players increase their chances of winning. Players use card counting to track the remaining cards on the deck. It determines whether the upcoming cards will favour the player or the dealer. This lets players adjust their bets and decisions and decrease the house edge.

Card counting doesn't involve memorizing every card. Instead, players use mathematics to determine how many high or low cards are left on the deck. They do a running count of the tally of the cards that have been dealt to estimate the remaining cards on the deck. A deck rich in high cards favours the players. On the flip side, more low cards in the deck benefit the casino.

Cards are categorized into three groups, depending on how they benefit players.

1. High cards (A, K, J, Q, 10): Removal from the deck benefits the house.

2. Low cards (2,3,4,5,6): Removal benefits the player.

3. Neutral cards (7,8,9): They have no significance on the player or house.

When calculating, high cards are designated as -1, low cards as +1, and neutral cards as 0. Card counters use these designations to make a “running count” of the deck by adding and subtracting when low or high cards are dealt. In multi-deck games, players divide the running count by the number of leftover decks to get the true count.

Is Card Counting Legal in Canada?

According to section 209 of the Criminal Code R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46, card counting is not considered cheating. Hence, card counting in Canada, including Ontario, is entirely legal.

Even though it's not illegal, card counting helps players gain an advantage over the house, and most casinos frown upon it. Because most casinos are private establishments, they have the right to ban users from playing at their casino if they're suspected of card counting. Nevertheless, the casino cannot confiscate players’ chips or detain them because it's not a crime.

However, using software or devices to count cards is considered cheating under criminal law. Thus, it is illegal, and players could face bans, fines, and criminal charges. 

Smartphones and hidden devices like watches, calculators, cameras, and sensors are prohibited. Instead, players should do the counting in their heads as the dealer deals the cards. However, they must be vigilant because the house might shuffle the cards often.

Most casinos use card counting detection devices to discourage customers from using this strategy. One such device is ratio frequency identification (RFID), which embeds tags into chips. This helps casinos monitor chip movement in and out of the casino. 

Another example is computer vision systems with facial recognition systems. Casinos use these to identify card counters through their methods of play. Many casinos also have an overhead stereo camera that tracks the value of players' cards using template matching, contour analysis, and the scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) algorithm. 

How to Learn and Practice Card Counting

The truth is that the advantage is always with the house for every casino game. This is how casinos make money in the long term. Using card counting is one of the methods to reduce the house edge. However, even though it's legal, we don't recommend it because the casino may ban you if you're caught.

If you're still interested in using card counting, the steps below will guide you.

1. Understand the Goal of Card Counting: The primary purpose of card counting is to track the ratio of high cards to low cards left on the deck. More high cards in the deck will benefit you while more low cards favour the house.

2. Understand the Card Values: The next step is to understand the value of each card. Low cards (2-6) are counted +1, high cards (A, J, K, Q, and 10) are counted -1, and neutral cards 7-9 are counted 0. Add or subtract these values as the dealer shares the card.

3. Running Count: Start counting as the cards are dealt to everyone at the table. For instance, Q, 8, 3, 7, and 6 are dealt. Your count will be (-1)Q + (0)8 + (+1)3 + (0)7 + (+1)6 = +1.

4. Convert to True Count: If there are multiple decks, you can calculate the true count by dividing the running count by the estimated decks remaining. For example, running counts of +6 with two remaining decks will have a true count of +3.

5. Adjust your Bet: Card counting helps shift the edge to your side so that you can adjust your bet. Bet low if your count is 0 or below. Increase your bet if your count is +1 or above. 

6. Act Natural: You need to behave as naturally as possible. Learn to count fast and silently, and engage in talks at the table.

Pros and Cons of Card Counting in Canada

Like other betting strategies, card counting has its advantages and downsides. Below are a few pros.

Alternatives to Card Counting: Other Strategic Tips

Of course, card counting is not the only strategy that will help your blackjack session. To avoid getting caught, you may practice the following alternative strategy.

Using Basic Strategy Charts

Instead of using advanced strategies, players can use basic strategy charts. This is one of the safest methods for beginners. It helps them make the best mathematical move based on their hand and the dealer's upcard. 

Basic strategy charts help to reduce the house edge to the barest minimum. Players use it to know when to hit, stand, split, double down, or surrender. The actions are usually represented using the following abbreviations.

• Hit - H

• Stand - S

• Split - P

• Double Down - D

• Surrender - R

Bankroll Management 

Whether playing sports betting or online casino games, bankroll management is crucial. It's best to set aside funds for betting, away from money for more important stuff. This amount should be how much you can afford to lose without going broke.

After setting aside your bankroll, choose a unit size per bet. We recommend risking 1-5% of your entire bankroll per session. In addition, avoid chasing your losses or wagering based on emotions.

Playing at Low House-Edge Tables

This is a no-brainer. Before placing your bet, you must pay attention to the house edge at each table. Playing at a table with a high percentage house edge will give more advantage to the casino. Hence, you must find tables with a low house edge to limit the casino's advantage and retain more of your bankroll over time. 

For example, blackjacks with fewer decks have lower house edges. Those that pay 3:2 and allow double down on any 2 cards also fall into this category.

Loyalty Programs and Comps for Value

Another alternative strategy to card counting is taking advantage of loyalty programs and comps for value. Many casinos offer customers promotions and bonuses for their constant patronage. This could be in the form of loyalty cashback or comps. 

Examples of comps include free play, event tickets, gifts, and free drinks. Getting cashback or free play will improve your bankroll. However, we advise that you calculate your comp value to ensure you're getting the worth of your expected losses.

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Responsible Gambling 

Many players play without caution, leading them into gambling addictions. This is why using tools like deposit and time limits at casinos is crucial to help control your habits.

All casinos also ensure you undergo verification checks to certify you're 18 years or above. You must submit your ID document to sign up and claim your winnings.

If you've found yourself involved with problem gambling, we also encourage you to reach out to support organizations such as ConnexOntario, Gamblers Anonymous, and Alberta Health Services.