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Advantage Slots
21Blackjack
Beginner

Hi-Lo Card Counting

Complete Advantage Play Strategy Guide

21
21

Blackjack

Quick Stats

Expected Edge

0.5-1.5%

Bankroll Required

Medium ($1,000-3,000)

Time to Learn

2-4 weeks

Additional Metrics

betting Correlation
97%
playing Efficiency
51%
insurance Correlation
76%

Overview

The most popular and widely-used card counting system. Hi-Lo is a balanced, level-one count that's perfect for beginners while still being powerful enough for serious advantage play.

Strategy

Assign +1 to cards 2-6, -1 to 10-Ace, and 0 to 7-9. Maintain a running count and convert to true count by dividing by remaining decks. Increase bet size as true count increases. At TC +2 or higher, you have an edge over the house.

What to Look For

  • Games with 3:2 blackjack payout (avoid 6:5)
  • Dealer stands on soft 17 (S17)
  • Double after split allowed (DAS)
  • Late surrender available
  • 4-6 deck shoes (easier to count than 8 decks)
  • Good deck penetration (75% or more cards dealt before shuffle)

Risks & Considerations

  • Casino heat and potential backoff if detected
  • Requires significant practice to count accurately under pressure
  • Short-term variance can be brutal even with an edge
  • Need proper bankroll management (100+ max bets recommended)

Pro Tip

Always start with proper bankroll management. Even with an edge, variance can be brutal. Never risk more than 1-2% of your total bankroll on a single session, and ensure you have at least 20-30 buy-ins for your chosen stakes.

Basic Strategy Chart

4-6 Decks, S17, DAS, Late Surrender

Legend
HHit
SStand
DDouble (Hit if not allowed)
DSDouble (Stand if not allowed)
PSplit
RhSurrender (Hit if not allowed)
RsSurrender (Stand if not allowed)
Hard Total2345678910A
9
H
D
D
D
D
H
H
H
H
H
10
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
H
H
11
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
12
H
H
S
S
S
H
H
H
H
H
13
S
S
S
S
S
H
H
H
H
H
14
S
S
S
S
S
H
H
H
H
H
15
S
S
S
S
S
H
H
H
Rh
Rh
16
S
S
S
S
S
H
H
Rh
Rh
Rh
5-8
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
17+
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S

Pro Tips

  • • Always split Aces and 8s
  • • Never split 5s or 10s
  • • Double down on 11 against everything except Ace
  • • Stand on 17 or higher (except soft 17)
  • • Never take insurance (unless counting cards at TC +3)

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