Can You Still Count Cards in Online Blackjack? Here’s the Truth

Card counting. The legendary strategy that turns the odds in your favor. Does it still work at virtual blackjack tables?

I’ve tried card counting, tweaking my bets, and watching for patterns. Some things work, but a lot of the old tricks don’t.

I’ll break it all down below.

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How Card Counting Works (And Why It Used to Be So Powerful)

Card counting looks pretty simple (at least, in theory). You track high and low cards to know when the deck favors you.

The classic Hi-Lo system assigns:

• +1 to 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 6s (bad for the player)
• 0 to 7s, 8s, and 9s (neutral)
• -1 to 10s, face cards, and Aces (good for the player)

If the count is high, it means a lot of small cards have been played, leaving a deck stacked with high cards. Perfect for bigger bets! If the count is low or negative, small bets are safer.

In land-based casinos, this worked because dealers didn’t reshuffle every hand. You could track the count over multiple rounds and adjust your bets when the odds were in your favor. That’s why pros like the MIT Blackjack Team made millions using this strategy.

Does Card Counting Work in Online Blackjack?

1. RNG Blackjack – No Chance

Most online blackjack games use Random Number Generators (RNGs) instead of real cards. Each hand is completely independent. The game shuffles the “deck” every time a hand is played. So even if you count cards, it resets immediately.

Bottom line: Card counting in RNG blackjack is a waste of time. Move on.

2. Live Dealer Blackjack – A Slim Shot

Live dealer blackjack is the closest thing to real casino blackjack. There’s an actual dealer, a real deck, and no RNG. This means, in theory, card counting should work, right?

Well… not so fast.

Casinos know all about card counters, and they’ve made changes to stop it:

• Early Shuffling: Most live dealer games reshuffle when about 50%–75% of the shoe is played. In a real casino, you might get up to 80% or more before a shuffle. That last 10–20% matters.
• Continuous Shuffling Machines: Some tables use automatic shufflers that mix the cards frequently, killing any chance of counting.
• Limited Max Bets: Even if you find a good shoe, some sites cap bet increases, so you can’t take full advantage.

That said, some casinos have live blackjack games that deal deeper into the shoe (75%+). If you can find one, you might get a slight edge. But it won’t be like in the movies.

If you’re looking to practice your gambling skills before trying these strategies, there are many slots to play for fun that can help you build your gambling confidence and understand how online casino games work.

Why Counting Online is Harder Than in a Casino

1. No Team Play

In Vegas, teams worked together. One person tracked the count, another placed bets, and the “Big Player” swooped in when the count was hot. Online, you’re on your own.

2. Faster Game Speed

Live blackjack moves fast. In a real casino, you might get 50–60 hands per hour. Online? Easily 100+. Less time means less opportunity to count accurately.

3. Smart Casino Tracking

Online casinos track your bets. If you suddenly increase your wager when the deck is stacked, you might get flagged. If they suspect you’re counting, they might ban or limit your account. Unlike a land-based casino, where they need proof, online casinos can just shut you down.

4. Fewer “Weak” Dealers

In land-based casinos, some dealers unintentionally make it easier to count. Maybe they deal deep into the shoe, or they don’t shuffle often. Online? Everything is standardized. No lucky mistakes here.

Can You Still Get an Edge? (Yes, But It’s Not Easy)

If you’re dead set on trying, here’s what I recommend:

1. Find a Deep Dealing Live Blackjack Table

Look for live dealer games that deal at least 75% of the shoe before reshuffling. Avoid auto-shuffling tables.

2. Test the Casino’s Shuffling Rules

Some casinos reshuffle at different points. Play small bets and track how many hands go by before a reshuffle.

3. Keep Your Bet Increases Subtle

If you suddenly jump from $5 to $100 bets, you’ll get flagged. Increase gradually to avoid suspicion.

4. Mix in Other Strategies

Since counting alone won’t work perfectly. Combine it with other approaches:

• Shuffle tracking: Watch for when the shoe is fresh.
• Seat selection: Sit at a table where you can see more hands before a shuffle.
• Choosing the best blackjack variants: Look for games with favorable rules (e.g., 3:2 payouts, fewer decks, double after split). These small edges add up.

5. Play at Multiple Casinos

Don’t get too comfortable at one site. Casinos track players, so spreading your action around can help keep you under the radar.

Final Verdict: Should You Even Bother?

So, can you count cards online? In standard online blackjack—no chance. In live dealer blackjack? It’s possible, but casinos have made it way harder. 

Me? I’d rather play games where I know I can win. Blackjack is still beatable—but card counting alone won’t get you there. Choose the right game. Play smart. Then, let the casual players chase the Hollywood dream!