Card counting is a technique that is illegal when playing most casino games. This is necessitated by the fact that it increases the player’s chances of winning while affecting the house edge in favour of the player. When caught counting cards at most gambling establishments, you are thrown out or suspended. However, this isn’t the case with poker as the answer to ‘can you count cards in poker’ is a convincing yes.
It’s not clear when counting cards was first discovered but what’s definite is that the technique was popularised in gambling-themed films such as 21. Though the technique is quite popular in blackjack, it also applies to poker with great benefits for the player.
Understanding What Card Counting is All About
Card counting entails deciphering and keeping track of the number of cards that have been used (dealt) and the cards that still remain on the deck. Card counting is not a definite technique. This is necessitated by the fact that some cards are not known by the player that is, hole cards held by competing players.
Despite the fact that the hole cards held by competing players aren’t known, players can still try and deduce the cards left on the deck by checking the cards they hold, the cards which are publicly displayed (community cards), and assuming the hold cards others hold by way of psychologically evaluating the expressions of competing players. Always keep in mind that poker is a game that requires a bit of psychology.
Advantages of Card Counting in Poker
Card counting is advantageous to all players who have mastered the technique. This is necessitated by the fact that at all times during gameplay, players will know exactly the cards that competing players don’t have as part of their whole cards. Remember, in poker, multiple players can’t have the same card.
Just to put the above into perspective, having an Ace (Hearts) and King (Shrubs) while the community cards are Jack (Hearts), 9 (Hearts), 6 (Hearts), 5 (Spades), and 3 (Shrubs) means there is no way any competing player will have the Ace-high flush as you hold the Ace (Hearts). Using the technique in such a way means you are blocking competing players from completing certain (often more valuable) hands. It’s against this background that card counting in poker is often regarded as the blockers’ effect.
Since card counting in poker is a technique that you employ against fellow competing players rather than the house (as is the case with blackjack), it is allowed at casinos and it is recommended to use to gain an advantage during the gaming session.
When Best to Count Cards in Poker
Poker is a game that’s played in successive rounds. However, this does not mean you should employ the technique on any of these rounds. While you may try to count cards on the pre-flop, it’s recommended to employ the technique on the flop and turn betting rounds.
When you use the technique at this juncture, you have one or more betting rounds to try and improve your hand applying the results of your card counting exercise. Never attempt to count cards on the river as you do not have any betting rounds left to improve your hand.
