Running Count vs. True Count
Counting cards gives you the "Running Count". But casinos use multiple decks to dilute your edge. The "True Count" adjusts for this.
The Running Count (RC)
This is the cumulative total you keep in your head. You start at 0 after the shuffle and add +1 or -1 for every card you see.
Example: After one round, you have seen three low cards (+3) and one high card (-1). Your Running Count is +2.
The True Count (TC)
A Running Count of +10 implies a huge advantage if there is only 1 deck remaining. But if there are 6 decks remaining, that +10 is diluted across many cards. To normalize this, we divide:
Why It Matters
You use the True Count to determine your bet size. A common strategy is to bet 1 unit at TC +1, and increase by 1 unit for each additional True Count point.
Practice Judging Decks
One of the hardest skills is estimating how many decks are left in the discard tray vs the shoe. Our practice tool automatically calculates this for you to help you learn the math first.