What makes some card counters better than others?

Question

in the game of blackjack some people can count the cards and predict what the next card will be.

what makes a card counter more subtle than another, and (yes, i have recently watched the film '21') can it be done alone on just one table or does it have to been done in teams

Answer 1

To answer your first question, "What makes some card counters better than others?" Well, that's simple. Some card counters are better than others because some can simply keep the count in their head. If you noticed in the movie "21" Fisher lost count and made less money than Ben did. If you could keep the count, it's easy to be the best.

Now to answer your second question, "What makes a card counter more subtle than others?" That's easy, lip service. You may think that being quiet will help you stay under the radar, but in fact it's the opposite. Being quiet and focused can only tip off the pit boss and dealer that you are in fact counting. If you were to talk it up with other players and the dealer and still keep the count, the liklihood of you getting noticed as a counter would be less because you're not looking so focused.

Thirdly, "Can it be done alone?" Yes it can. I know a few people who've done it on their own and won a little bit. But it's very hard because you can lose the count. With a team, you can referrence back to know whether your count is right or wrong. Because you'll have 2 or 3 more people keeping count for you. Plus it's so much cooler to be part of a team. Dont you think?

Answer 2

it can be done alone however you will be caught not because the floor notices you heavily concentrating on the cards and suspects you could be counting but by simply observing your betting strategy.  With the team idea your betting strategy won't give away you are counting cards since you are only signaled in when you should be betting more.  This makes your bets consistent.

Answer 3

Just aquick note on the above post a lot of casinos have no mid shoe entry on the tables. It is proven to cost the casino money. The only problem as an operator I have with counting is when there is a team on the property, if it's just you I won't waste the resources watching you the chances of you alone affecting the hold in a major way are slim.