Card counting is a technique used in casinos to keep track of the cards that have been played in order to gain an advantage over the house. The spelling of the word "card counting" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /kɑːrd ˈkaʊntɪŋ/. The first syllable is pronounced with an "a" sound, followed by a soft "r" and a "d" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a long "o" sound followed by an "u" and a "t" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with an "i" sound and a soft "ng" at the end.
Card counting is a technique used in gambling, particularly in blackjack, to gain an advantage over the casino. It involves keeping track of the cards that have been dealt from a deck or shoe in order to determine the likelihood of certain cards being dealt in subsequent hands. This knowledge helps the player adjust their betting and strategy accordingly.
The primary objective of card counting is to keep track of the ratio of high-value cards to low-value cards still remaining in the deck. This is accomplished using a system of assigning point values to different cards. Cards with a value of 10, such as 10s, face cards (jacks, queens, and kings), and aces, are designated as high-value cards and assigned a negative point value. On the other hand, low-value cards, such as 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 6s, are considered low-value cards and assigned a positive point value. Cards with a value of 7, 8, or 9 are considered neutral and assigned a value of zero.
By keeping a running count of these point values, card counters can determine when the deck is favorable to the player or the dealer. A high count indicates a higher proportion of high-value cards remaining, which is advantageous for the player, as it increases the likelihood of receiving strong hands such as blackjack. Conversely, a low count indicates a higher proportion of low-value cards remaining, which favors the dealer.
Card counting, while not illegal, is generally frowned upon by casinos, who may take measures to detect and prevent its use.
The term "card counting" has a relatively straightforward etymology.
The word "card" derives from the Latin word "charta" and the Greek word "khartes", both of which mean "paper". Over time, "charta" and "khartes" came to specifically refer to playing cards.
The word "counting" comes from the Middle English word "counten", which ultimately has Old French roots. "Counten" originally meant to reckon or calculate.
Therefore, combining the two words, "card counting" simply refers to the act of reckoning or calculating the value of playing cards in a game, particularly in the context of casino gambling.