Among the various casino games, the most popular are probably card games. Several card games like poker lend themselves to strategy. This involves an understanding of the psychology of other players depending on their facial expressions. But it is at Blackjack, or 21 as it is more popularly known that you can employ card counting.

Rules of 21

The cards from deuce to 9 have a value equal to the face value. A ten, king, queen, or jack has a value of 10. An ace can be a one or an eleven.

The aim is to reach as close to 21 as possible without going over it. If your cards are more than 21, then you go bust.

The game begins with two cards for each payer. The perfect hand would be an ace and a jack, which equals 21.

To illustrate, the first two cards for you are an ace and a five, meaning sixteen. If you ask for another card, it has to be an ace, 2-5. Any higher, and you would go bust.

You may, of course, refuse a card. This will be needed if you are very close such as an ace and a seven or a total of eighteen.

Techniques of Card Counting

The most basic method (which is hard enough) is a plus-minus count. Lower value cards form 2-6 are +1, 7-9 is 0, and 10, jack, king, queen, ace are -1.

If three players are playing and the cards dealt are – 

King

9

7

Ace

4

Queen

The count is (-1) + 0 + 0 + (-1) + 1 + (-1) = -2

When the count is 0 or negative bet one unit (lowest possible bet).

When the count is positive, bet higher. 

Does it Work?

It absolutely works. It works so well that there is a film based on a real-life story named "21," starring Kevin Spacey and Lawrence Fishburne.

It works so well that you may get banned from a casino.

The technique is not going to work in one game or maybe even ten games. But if you play all day long for a few days, you have a definite edge over the house. You will win big

Is it Illegal?                              

Not in the strict sense of the word. But understand well that all casinos around the world train their pit bosses to understand card counting.

A casino does not need to give you any reason when they throw you out. If they think you are counting cards at casino games, they will ask you to leave without any reason whatsoever.

How Long Till I Am Good at It?

First practice at home and online. There are a lot of virtual casino games that offer 21, including Microsoft!

When you feel you have the basics mastered bet at casinos.

Be careful that you don't mumble and whisper +1, -1, 0. That would be a dead giveaway.

Learn to have an inscrutable face. Don't look around and get distracted. The card counting trick requires utmost concentration even from the best.