Blackjack Card Counter
Tap the cards, read the count live
Set your table’s deck count, then tap each card as it is dealt — yours, other players’ and the dealer’s. The counter reads the Hi-Lo count live.
Tap each dealt card
Running count
0
True count
0
Decks remaining
6
Cards seen: 0/312
Estimated edge
-0.5%
Suggested bet: minimum
Should you hit? Basic-strategy advice
Correct play
Stand
⚡ Count deviation (TC >= 0) — Basic strategy would: Hit
Basic strategy: multi-deck, dealer stands on soft 17. Deviations below adjust the play when the true count justifies it.
⚠️ For online live-dealer play and practice at home. Using any counting device at a land-based casino is prohibited and illegal in many jurisdictions.
How it works
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Live mode: set the deck count, then tap each card as it hits the table.
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The Hi-Lo running count, true count and estimated edge update automatically.
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A strategy panel tells you to hit, stand, double or split — and adjusts with the count; Trainer mode drills your speed.
About this tool
Card counting isn’t about memorizing every card — it’s a simple running tally. In Hi-Lo, cards 2–6 count +1, 7–9 count 0, and tens through aces count −1. Instead of tracking it in your head, this tool lets you tap each card as it’s dealt and does the Hi-Lo maths for you: running count, true count (adjusted for decks remaining) and your estimated edge, live.
The strategy panel answers the other live question — hit, stand, double or split — for any hand against any dealer upcard. It starts from perfect basic strategy but genuinely fluctuates with the true count: when the count crosses a key threshold it applies the most valuable Hi-Lo deviations (the “Illustrious 18”, e.g. standing on 16 vs 10 at TC ≥ 0, or taking insurance at TC ≥ +3) and flags the change. Read our card counting guide for the theory and the honest limits of the technique, especially online where continuous shuffling neutralizes it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Hi-Lo counting system?
The most-used card counting method: cards 2–6 count +1, 7–9 count 0, and 10 through ace count −1. You keep one running total; a high positive count means the shoe favors the player.
Does the trainer simulate a real shoe?
It deals independent random cards, which is ideal for drilling value recall and speed. Once you count a full 52-card deck to exactly zero in under 30 seconds, you are ready for shoe-based practice.
What accuracy should I aim for?
95%+ on your count checks before increasing the dealing speed. Speed without accuracy is worthless at a real table — one dropped card corrupts the whole count.
Is card counting illegal?
Counting in your head is legal everywhere. Land-based casinos may still refuse your action or ban you from blackjack, and counting devices or software are illegal in many places. Online, continuous shuffling makes counting ineffective.
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Open toolThis tool is for entertainment and education. It does not predict outcomes and cannot beat the house edge. 18+ — play responsibly.