A Guide Horse Racing Betting in the Philippines
April 24, 2025
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A Brief Gallop Through Philippine Horse Racing History Horse racing in the Philippines isn’t just…
The Art of Card Counting in Blackjack
Ever watched “21” or “The Last Casino” and thought, “Could I really beat the house at online blackjack?” Well, grab yourself a cold one, my friend, because I’m about to walk you through the interesting world of card counting, a technique that’s neither illegal nor easy, but definitely worth understanding if you’re serious about your casino adventures.
- PAGCOR licensed
- Generous betting bonuses
- Straightforward approach
- Interface might feel too simple
- Limited selection of niche sports
- Lack of crypto currencies
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What Is Card Counting, Really?
Card counting isn’t the rain man style mental gymnastics that Hollywood portrays. At its core, it’s simply keeping track of the ratio of high cards to low cards remaining in the deck. When more high cards (10s, face cards, Aces) are left, the player has an advantage. When more low cards remain, the house edge increases.
I remember my first attempt at counting cards at Resorts World Manila. There I was, sweating bullets, mumbling numbers under my breath like a madman solving invisible math problems. The dealer probably thought I was praying for good cards rather than tracking them!
The Basic Hi-Lo System: Your Starting Point
The most common and beginner-friendly system is the Hi-Lo count. Here’s how it works:
- Cards 2-6: Count as +1 (low cards)
- Cards 7-9: Count as 0 (neutral)
- Cards 10-Ace: Count as -1 (high cards)
As cards are dealt, you simply add or subtract accordingly to maintain what’s called a “running count.”
The Four Step Process to Counting Success
Step 1: Assign Values to Cards
Memorize the values above until they become second nature. Practice by flipping through a deck of cards, calling out the values as you go.
Step 2: Keep a Running Count
Start your count at zero when a fresh shoe begins. As each card appears, add or subtract its value from your running count.
For example, if the first five cards dealt are: 5, King, 8, 2, Ace
Your count would go: +1, 0, 0, +1, 0 (ending with a running count of +1)
Step 3: Calculate the True Count
This is where many beginners falter, but it’s crucial. Divide your running count by the number of decks remaining in the shoe.
True Count = Running Count ÷ Number of Decks Remaining
So if your running count is +8 with approximately 4 decks remaining, your true count would be +2.
Step 4: Adjust Your Betting Based on the Count
Here’s where the money is made or lost. When the true count is positive (especially +2 or higher), the advantage shifts to the player. This is when you should increase your bets.
When I first started practicing at Casino Filipino, I’d bet the minimum when the count was negative or neutral, and gradually increase my bets as the count rose. Nothing suspicious – just enough variation to capitalize on favorable situations.
Beyond the Basics: Practical Tips for Filipino Players
Practice, Practice, Practice
Before risking a single peso, practice counting through a deck until you can do it in under 30 seconds with perfect accuracy. Use a timer and check your final count (which should be zero if you counted correctly through a complete deck).
I used to practice while riding the jeepney to work – it’s a great way to pass time during Manila traffic!
Start with Single Deck Games
While harder to find in the Philippines, single-deck games are easier for counting beginners. Okada Manila and Solaire sometimes offer them during off-peak hours.
Maintain Cover
Casinos don’t like card counters, even though the technique isn’t illegal. Don’t stare intensely at the cards, mutter counts under your breath, or drastically vary your bets from ₱500 to ₱10,000 in one shoe.
Act like you’re there to have fun. Chat with the dealer about the UAAP basketball games. Order a drink (though maybe stick to one San Mig Light to keep your mind sharp).
Use Basic Strategy as Your Foundation
Card counting is useless if you don’t know basic blackjack strategy. The count tells you when to bet more, but basic strategy tells you how to play your hand correctly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake I see at Filipino tables? Players who count correctly but don’t adjust their betting properly. What’s the point of knowing you have an advantage if you don’t capitalize on it?
Another classic blunder is losing track of the count when distracted. That pretty dealer or the free drinks can cost you more than you realize if they break your concentration.
Is Card Counting Worth It?
Card counting requires work. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. Even perfect counters only gain about a 1-1.5% advantage over the house.
For a recreational player visiting Resorts World or City of Dreams once a month, probably not worth the effort. But if you’re serious about blackjack and willing to put in the practice hours, it can transform a negative expectation game into a positive one.
I’ve seen dedicated players in Manila turn their blackjack hobby into a decent side income – not quit-your-job money, but enough to pay for nice dinners and weekend getaways to Boracay.
The Bottom Line
Card counting isn’t magic, it’s mathematics applied with discipline and patience. Start small, practice relentlessly, and remember that the goal isn’t to win every hand but to make mathematically sound decisions over time.
And hey, even if you never become the next MIT Blackjack Team member, understanding how counting works will make you a more informed player who appreciates the beautiful complexity behind this seemingly simple card game.
So shuffle up, count on, and may the odds be ever in your favor… at least when the true count is high!
