Hi-Lo Card Counting Practice

Master the Hi-Lo counting system with timed practice drills

Formula:Hi-Lo: 2-6 = +1, 7-9 = 0, 10-A = -1
Hi-Lo Card Values
2
+1
3
+1
4
+1
5
+1
6
+1
7
0
8
0
9
0
10
-1
J
-1
Q
-1
K
-1
A
-1

Practice Settings

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Quick Answer

Key concepts at a glance

Hi-Lo counting assigns +1 to cards 2-6, 0 to 7-9, and -1 to 10-A. Practice by running through decks until you can count an entire deck in under 30 seconds with no errors. Speed and accuracy are both essential. Start slow, focus on accuracy, then gradually increase speed. The goal is automatic recognition without conscious calculation.

Practice Tips

Improve your counting speed

  • Hi-Lo values: 2-6 = +1, 7-9 = 0, 10-A = -1
  • A full deck should count to exactly 0
  • Target speed: Single deck in under 25 seconds
  • Practice canceling pairs (e.g., 5 and King = 0)
  • Count cards in groups of 2-3 for faster processing
  • Use peripheral vision to track multiple cards
  • Practice with distractions to simulate casino environment

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Hi-Lo practice

How fast should I be able to count?

Professional counters can run through a single deck in 15-25 seconds. For casino play, you need to track cards at game speed (~60-100 cards/minute) while also playing your hands, maintaining cover, and appearing natural. Start with accuracy, then build speed.

Why is the Hi-Lo system so popular?

Hi-Lo offers the best balance of simplicity and accuracy. It is a "balanced" system (deck counts to 0) which makes true count conversion straightforward. More complex systems like Wong Halves offer marginal accuracy gains but are much harder to use under casino conditions.

How should I practice at home?

Start by flipping through a deck one card at a time, announcing the running count after each card. Progress to two cards at a time (practicing cancellation), then full hands. Use a timer to track progress. Practice until you can do a deck in under 25 seconds with 100% accuracy.

What are common counting mistakes?

Common errors: miscounting face cards (all are -1), forgetting Aces (-1), losing track during distractions, and rushing before achieving accuracy. Many beginners also struggle with maintaining the count while making playing decisions.

Should I count every card or use cancellation?

Use cancellation for speed. When you see a 5 (+1) and a King (-1), they cancel to 0 - no count change needed. Group cards mentally and only track the net change. This is much faster than counting each card individually.