By keeping a count a skilled player can place higher bets when the number of high cards in the pack is high and favourable to the player...
Nearly all blackjack strategy is based on the number of high cards in the pack. Blackjack strategy is based on this simple fact.
Drawing odds of any card are 4 out f a 52 card deck. The exception however is cards with a value of 10 which include, 10, jack, Queen, King. The odds of drawing a card with a value of 10 are 16 out of a 52 card deck.
This equates to a 30.8% chance of receiving an advantages card for a player.
To add to this advantage, the dealer is handicapped and has to draw up to 17, even if they have 16, which means a good chance of going bust. The player on the other hand can 'split', 'double down' and decide when to 'stick' or 'hit'
Applying Strategy
With a basic knowledge of the odds involved in a card being dealt, a good player will know how to take advantage of this by following a set of fixed rules based on these odds. For instance, if the dealer draws 15 and you have 15 as well, don't be tempted to 'hit' there is a good chance that the dealer will 'bust'. Let the dealer draw and take the risk of going 'bust'. Remember, use this knowledge to your advantage! This is just one example but there is a set standard of moves to make based on this fact that the dealer has to reach 17. Whilst chance will always play a part, if you stick to these rules,statistically, in the long run you should come out on top
Counting Cards
By far the most common card counting technique is known as the high low system. Simply put, it gives values to every low card and high card that has been dealt and then estimates the number of high cards left in the pack. A -1 is given to every high card dealt and a +1 for every low card dealt. By keeping a count a skilled player can place higher bets when the number of high cards in the pack is high and favourable to the player and lower their bet when there are less high cards. Whilst most people can learn this technique it takes years of dedication to truly master it. . Counting cards is based on the number of high cards left in the pack which are advantages to the player