The Hi-Lo Counting System: Your Guide to Beating Blackjack

Learn the most famous card counting system. Our guide and training tools will help you master the Hi-Lo count, from running count to true count, and gain a real edge.

Average Edge

97%

Playing Efficiency

10K+

Trained Players

Hi-Lo Training Drills

Drills specifically designed to master every aspect of the Hi-Lo system.

True Count Conversion

Practice running-to-true count conversion until it's second nature.

Realistic Simulation

Practice the Hi-Lo system in a hyper-realistic casino environment.

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How the Hi-Lo Counting System Works

The Hi-Lo counting system is the most widely used card counting strategy, famous for its perfect balance between ease of use and power. It's the system featured in movies and is the foundation for most professional players. By mastering the Hi-Lo, you can effectively track the composition of the deck and gain a significant, measurable advantage over the casino.

Step 1: Assign Card Values (Tags)

The core of the Hi-Lo system is assigning a point value to every card. This is simple and intuitive:

Cards 2-6: These are low cards, good for the player. They get a value of +1.
Cards 7-9: These are neutral cards. They get a value of 0.
Cards 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace: These are high cards, bad for the player. They get a value of -1.

Step 2: Keep a Running Count

As each card is dealt, you will add or subtract its value from your mental count. This is called the running count. You start at 0 after a shuffle. For example, if the first cards dealt are a 5 (+1), a King (-1), and an 8 (0), your running count is 0.

Step 3: Calculate the True Count

The running count is useful, but its value depends on how many decks are left to be played. A running count of +5 is much more powerful with one deck remaining than with six. To get a standardized value, you must calculate the true count.

The formula is: True Count = Running Count / Decks Remaining

Estimating the number of decks remaining is a skill in itself. Our training platform has specific drills to help you master this crucial part of the Hi-Lo system.

Step 4: Vary Your Bets

This is where you make your money. The true count tells you when the advantage has shifted in your favor.

When the true count is low (0 or negative), the casino has the edge. Bet the table minimum.
When the true count is high (e.g., +2 or higher), you have the edge. You should increase your bet size significantly.

The Hi-Lo counting system is a proven, winning strategy. With dedication and the right training tools from BlackJackTrainerPRO, you can master this system and become a true advantage player.

Train the Hi-Lo System

Premium

AI Trainer

Our AI challenges you with realistic game scenarios to test your Hi-Lo skills.

Premium

Real-Time Analytics

Get instant feedback on your running count, true count, and betting accuracy.

Hi-Lo Drills

Targeted exercises for counting speed, accuracy, and true count conversion.

Virtual Reality

Immersive experiences in virtual casinos to prepare you for real situations without risk.

Strategy Deviations

Learn when to deviate from basic strategy based on the true count (e.g., Illustrious 18).

Stealth Training

Learn to count without attracting attention, a key skill for any advantage player.

PDF & Export Reports

Download detailed reports of your sessions in PDF or CSV for advanced analysis and offline review.

Decision Training

Improve the speed and accuracy of your decisions with targeted drills and immediate feedback.

Who Is This Platform For?

BlackJackTrainerPro is built for anyone serious about mastering the Hi-Lo counting system. Our tools provide everything you need to go from beginner to pro.

Aspiring Advantage Players

Want to maximize your mathematical edge? BlackJackTrainerPro offers advanced tools to optimize every aspect of your game, from card counting to bankroll management, with real-time statistical feedback.

Experts in Hi-Lo, KO, Zen & Other Systems

Full support for major counting systems (Hi-Lo, KO, Zen, Omega II, Wong Halves, etc.), with dedicated simulations and real-time feedback on counting errors and strategic deviations.

Professionals & Card Counting Teams

Ideal for those preparing for live casino sessions: performance analysis, detailed reports, data export, hand review tools, and team collaboration features.

Data-Driven Players

For those who want to track every bit of progress: advanced dashboard, custom metrics (edge, EV, variance, error rate, true count accuracy), CSV export, and historical performance comparison.