Blackjack counting systems are among the most popular card strategies. After all, it makes sense. All card players want to have an edge in the casino.
Recently we have already looked at one of the simplest counting systems (the Hi-Lo system). But there are many other solutions and systems. Some are directly based on Hi-Lo. And Red Seven, which we will talk about today, is one of them.
Blackjack strategy suitable for beginners
The principle behind the system is very similar to other simple systems often used by professionals in casinospil. It is based on counting so-called high cards (10 and above) and low cards (9 and below). Red Seven uses the following point values:
- Cards with values from 2 to 6 have a value of 1
- Cards with a value of 8 and 9 have a value of 0
- Cards with values from 10 to Ace have a value of -1
You may have noticed that we didn't mention seven. This is what sets Red Seven apart from the rest. This system is one of the few that distinguishes between colors. Red sevens have a value of 1 (as junior cards), while black sevens have a value of -1 (as senior cards).
This is how you eliminate the imbalance in Red Seven
More experienced players have probably already noticed that Red Seven is a so-called "unbalanced" system. It is characterized by the fact that if you add up all the cards in the deck, you can't get 0.
But it can be easily balanced. When you start the game, just count not from 0, but with a number equal to the total number of decks in the game multiplied by minus two. That is, if there is only one deck in the game, you start with -2. If two decks are used, you start with -4, and with three it becomes -6 and so on.
Playing with the Red Seven system
How you actually use the numbers to score the game is up to you. As with other counting strategies, there are a few rules to follow and higher amounts correspond to a better situation for you - meaning you should increase your bet. On the other hand, it is the dealer who benefits from low amounts and since the advantage and your chances of winning are then lower, you should not make such a bet.
However, you should still enjoy being able to play with the system even if it is simple at first. Later we will introduce you to more complex systems.
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