Counting cards + hand values

I'm new to blackjack & want to learn to count with hi-lo. Please don't laugh, but I can't even get started with counting, because it takes all I have just to keep up with the value of each hand let alone try to keep a running count.

Do I just need tons of more practice before even considering counting?

Should I get to the point where I Instantly know hand values before moving up?

Any suggestions

Thanks in advance

Emphatic yes, all questions.

As the old adage goes... Practice makes perfect. First you want to learn basic strategy to the point where it is automatic, by doing this you will be able to recognize your hand value instantly. What I found that worked for me was downloading an app on my phone and just playing as many hands as possible as much as possible... After doing this then I began practicing counting. The same app allowed me to practice counting because it kept the count and I could verify if I was keeping it right... Definately get to the point where you recognize values instantly with no effort and know the correct basic strategy play before even beginning counting...

One thing that beginners forget (or don't realize) when learning to do this... is that despite the game's speed in the casino, it is still CONTROLLED by the player.

What I mean is, when it's your turn to play your hand the game's essentially STOPPED while everyone waits for you to make your play. I'm sure everyone who's played this game more than a couple dozen times has already seen a table with a player who just sits there and hems and haws and ponders for a while... even up to a minute sometimes, LOL... before playing their hand.

This can be extremely annoying to the other players, and the dealer too, and there's a subtle psychological pressure in the casino environment for everyone to GO FAST GO FAST GO FAST. And of course it's to a card counter's benefit to play FAST because the more hands per hour we can play, the faster we make money.

But, you don't HAVE to go fast.

You can take your own sweet time "thinking" before you play your hand... and there isn't anything anyone can do about it, to "force" you to speed up. Anyone who doesn't like it is free to find another game... LOL

This post might make me a few enemies around here as, again, counters don't LIKE it when a game is too slow. But for beginner advice, this is just simple truth.

Anyway, as other replies above noted, after playing several thousand hands and learning basic strategy COLD you don't actually have to "add up" your cards any more. You'll just "see" the hand and know what it is, and know what to do. It just takes practice.

But, again, IF you wanted to just go SLOW and keep the count... then "act dumb" when it's time to play your hand to only then "see" what you have, to decide on hit stand double or split (maybe all the while looking at a printed basic strategy card)... there's really nothing to keep you from going as SLOW as you need to.

-DBJT

On my new tablet, I downloaded Gsn casino. Its just a fake for fun casino. Thats how I practice. Its great.Uses a 5 deck shoe. Sometimes I play with huge spreads in my fake bets just to see the kind of edge I can get. 10 units for a negative count, up tp 5k on greater counts. Its fun but a casino will never let you get away with that kind of spread. I also practice video poker. One game I downloaded, it lets you know strategy mistakes. Great for practice. I'm a low roller in reality, just play a little and bet 5 on negative and 10 on a positive count.

I just bought 2 new decks of cards and a box of chips. That's how I learned. That's how I practice.

I mostly end up ahead. Never lost the entire 1000. The best result was 200 after 3 shoes.
The true count was +8 with 1 deck left when I lost 175.
I then bet 225 on a +6 and caught a blackjack.
I really should flat bet and see if I can stay above water.

Talk about lucky.

After you get basic strategy down cold, explore using a simple count like red 7 or even the ever popular speed count just to get used to counting in a casino setting I heard of a very famous lawyer uses the speed count ,cant recall where I heard that though. Also if you can find a game with side bets it also slows the game down .I finally broke down and bought casino verite which is great and well worth the money. don't give up , have fun and good luck.

Quote: wroberson

I just bought 2 new decks of cards and a box of chips. That's how I learned. That's how I practice.

I mostly end up ahead. Never lost the entire 1000. The best result was 200 after 3 shoes.
The true count was +8 with 1 deck left when I lost 175.
I then bet 225 on a +6 and caught a blackjack.
I really should flat bet and see if I can stay above water.

Talk about lucky.

Curious why you think this is relevant ...