Blackjack Card Counting – Learn the REKO System

Understanding the Basics of the REKO System

To kick things off, we need to provide you with a basic understanding of the
core bits of the REKO system. Below, we’ll introduce you to these critical
components of the system so you can understand how the system works to help you
count cards when playing blackjack.

Running Count

The central premise of the REKO system is the running count. It’s this
running count that will help you decide how you’ll size your bets when it’s your
turn. In short, the running count is how you track the probability of you
getting blackjack on your next hand. If your count is high, it means you have a
high chance of getting a blackjack. Alternatively, a low count means you’re not
likely to get blackjack.

In the next section, we’ll provide you with a chart that showcases the values
you’ll need to memorize. Each card in the deck has a value you’ll assign to the
card as it comes out. You’ll then continue to add the values up to one another
as you see them. It’s this process that creates your running count. We’ll go
into more detail about how you’ll go about doing this in the following section.

Starting Value

Because the REKO system of blackjack card counting is an unbalanced system,
we have to adjust our starting count. While many other systems have a starting
count of 0, the REKO system has you change your starting count based on the
number of decks being used by the casino. The good news is, since you’re
changing your starting count, you won’t have to deal with the pesky division
associated with converting to a true count as many other systems require. We’ll
discuss more on that later.

In short, the more decks in play, the lower your starting count will be when
using the REKO system. Below, we’ve added in a graphic that showcases the
starting counts tied to different amounts of decks in use.

• 1 deck = Starting count of -1
• 2 decks = Starting count of -5
• 6 decks = Staring count of -20
• 8 decks = Starting count of -27

Once you determine how many decks are being used at the table, you’ll then
make your starting count the value shown above. From there, you’ll continue to
execute the REKO system according to the other steps we’ve included on this
page.

True Count

One of the things we like most about the REKO system is that it doesn’t
require users to convert their running count into a true count. Many other card
counting systems do need this step to help account for the number of decks in
play. The problem with calculating a true count is that it needs division, which
is often difficult for folks to do in their head. Luckily, since the REKO system
accounts for the number of decks in play by adjusting the starting count,
there’s no need to worry about a true count with this system.

Implications

The goal of the REKO card counting system is to help you sort out how much to
bet. When your count is high, the system is telling you that you have a high
chance of getting a blackjack on the next hand. Since getting blackjack has a
higher payout than simply winning a hand, you’ll want to bet more to maximize
your value.

Alternatively, when your count is negative or low, it means you’re less
likely to get a blackjack. In these cases, you’ll want to bet as little as
possible. Often, you’ll stick to just betting the table minimum. To learn more,
check out the section below about how to size your bets.

Counting Cards With the REKO System

Up next, we wanted to build on the principles we covered above to help you
learn how to count cards using the REKO system. You’ll want to study the chart
below and get familiar with it. This chart showcases the card values you’ll need
to know and track to operate the REKO system of card counting.

• Adjust your starting count based on the guidance provided in the
  section above
• When you see an A, K, Q, J, or 1: Subtract 1 from your
  running count
• When you see an 8 or 9: Do nothing (worth 0)
• When you see a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7: Add 1 to your
  running count

Don’t forget to adjust your starting count based on the number of decks in
play. The more decks in use, the lower your starting count will be. Check out
the section above if you need a refresher on how to adjust the starting count to
account for the decks in use.

Let’s say you’re playing at a table using just a single deck of cards. In
that case, your starting count is a -1. Then, if the first card out of the deck
is a king, you’ll subtract 1 from your running count, bringing your new total to
-2. If the next card out of the deck is a five, you’d then add 1 back, meaning
your new total is -1. You’ll repeat this process the entire time you’re playing
blackjack.

As a reminder, you don’t need to use a true count with the REKO system.
Instead, your running count is what you’ll use to help you adjust your bets.
We’ll give you some pointers on this in the next section below.

There’s one last tip for you when it comes to the REKO card counting system.
You’ll need to reset your starting count each time the deck is shuffled. Because
a shuffle creates new patterns, you’ll start over with your starting count again
to account for the number of decks in use.

How to Size Your Bets Using the REKO System

Now that you know how to use the REKO system to count cards while playing
blackjack, we wanted to give you tips on how you can size your bets. After all,
the goal of this card counting system and others is to help give you a leg up on
the casino. By following the guidelines below, you can make sure you’re getting
the most out of using the system.

The most straightforward way to size your bets when using the REKO system is
to use your running count as a simple multiplier. Let’s say your current running
count was +3 when it’s your turn to bet. Here, you’d bet 3x the table minimum.
But if your count is negative or +1, you’ll only bet the table minimum.

If you’d like to try another method for sizing your bets, you can create
buckets for your betting strategy.

As you play blackjack using the REKO card counting system, you can try out
different ways to size your bets and find the one that works best for you. While
you test out new things, don’t forget the core idea of betting more when your
count is high and vice versa. By following this general guidance, you’ll have
the best chance of walking away from the table with a profit.

How to Practice the REKO System

In this section, we’re going to provide you with practical guidance on how
you can begin practicing the REKO system. Since card counting takes some
practice, you’ll want to invest the time in doing it so you can smoothly
implement it when playing real money blackjack. Just follow the steps below, and
you’ll be ready to count cards with the REKO system in no time at all.

Count a Full Deck of Cards

Your first practice step in card counting is learning how to count a deck of
cards. Simply deal yourself one card at a time. Then, take its value from the
chart above and add it to your running count. Repeat this process for the
remaining 51 cards in the deck.

Time Yourself

Once you’ve run through an entire deck once or twice, try timing yourself. By
doing this, you’ll be able to track your progress. Your goal should be to cut
the time it takes you initially to do it in half. Keep practicing until you feel
like you’re making some good progress in reducing your time counting a deck
using the REKO card counting system.

Learn to Count in Pairs

Once you are happy with your performance counting a deck one card at a time,
you’ll want to move on to counting cards in pairs. By counting two cards at
once, you’ll end up being able to count cards at a faster pace, so you’re more
efficient when doing it.

To practice, start by dealing two cards to yourself instead of one. Then, add
up the impact of those two cards summed together and add that amount to your
running total. You’ll repeat this process over and over again until you finish
counting all of the cards in the deck. Don’t forget to time yourself, so you can
measure your success as you get faster at computing pairs with the REKO system.

Distract Yourself

Once you feel like you’ve got the hang of counting a deck in pairs, the next
step is to try distracting yourself as you count. Since casinos are very
distracting places with lots of lights, noises, smells, and people, you’ll want
to simulate some distractions to get used to ignoring them as you execute the
REKO system.

To get things rolling, try turning on your radio and turning up the volume.
Then, try executing your counting. You can even time yourself to gauge the
impact of the distractions. If you’d like a more significant challenge, you can
also turn on the television at the same time and then repeat the process. Your
goal should be to reduce the amount of time it takes you to count a deck even
with the distractions.

Use a Friend

Up next, you’ll need to recruit a friend you trust to help you with this next
step of practicing the REKO system. Once you find a friend to help, you’ll have
them closely observe you as you count cards. Ask them to see if they notice
anything odd that you may be doing while you’re counting a deck. Some of the
things they can keep an eye out for are if you’re furrowing your brow or
mouthing words. If your friend notices anything that seems off, have them report
it to you so you can work to stop doing it in the future.

Head to a Casino

For this next round of practice, you’ll want to head to one of your local
casinos. Here, you’ll be watching other folks play blackjack. However, you’ll be
counting as if you are seated at the table yourself. The goal of this round of
practice is to help you practice counting cards in a true casino setting. Just
stand back a couple of feet from the table and begin your counts. Continue
practicing this until you feel like you can keep up with the counts despite the
speed of the dealer and all of the casino distractions going on around you.

Practice at a Low Stakes Table

After you’ve run through all of our suggested practice steps above, we urge
you to begin playing blackjack for real money at low stakes tables. Since you’ll
be new to counting cards at a real table, it’s vital that you allow yourself the
chance to work out the kinks without it costing you too much. If you were to
dive right into a higher stakes table, things could get costly if you make too
many mistakes. Once you feel like you’ve ironed out all of the kinks in playing
for real money, feel free to graduate yourself up to higher stakes tables
according to your comfort level.

Tips to Avoid Getting Caught

Now that you know how to use and practice the REKO system, we wanted to
provide you with our top ten tips on how you can avoid getting caught. Since
casinos don’t like card counters, you’ll need to work hard to fly under the
radar, so they don’t suspect you of counting cards. Check out our tips below and
keep these in mind when you’re at a casino, so you don’t get caught by the
staff.

Additional Blackjack Resources

While you’re on this page, we wanted to introduce you to a few other
blackjack related resources we can provide you. Below, you’ll get a small taste
for some of the added value we can bring to your blackjack game. Check these
resources out now to elevate your blackjack knowledge and skills.

Main Blackjack Card Counting Hub

If you’re just beginning your journey with blackjack card counting, it’s
worth checking out the link below. On this page, we’ll give you more insight
into blackjack card counting. In addition, we’ll also introduce you to other
popular card counting variants you might want to consider other than the REKO
system.

Best Online Casinos for Blackjack

If you’re interested in playing blackjack online, then don’t miss the link
below. The link will take you to our page that’s got the best online casinos for
blackjack. We’ll provide you with our list of top picks along with lots of other
helpful information about playing blackjack online.

Blackjack Strategy for Beginners

Counting cards is just one of many different strategies you can use when
playing blackjack. But if you’re new to blackjack as a whole, you’ll want to
learn some other strategies first before trying to count cards. Below, you’ll
find a link to our blackjack strategy guide for beginners where you can get all
of the details you need to know to help take your blackjack game to all new
levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finally, we didn’t want to wrap things up without providing you with some
frequently asked questions about the REKO system. If you’re still looking for
some answers, don’t miss out on the questions below that readers have submitted
to us. You can click on one of the questions if you’d like to see the answer
that’s associated with it.

Conclusion

We appreciate you stopping by to check out our page about the REKO card
counting system. Hopefully, you’ve found all of the details you were searching
for about the system. For those of you that are new to our website, don’t miss
out on the other helpful gambling guides we have to offer. What you’ve seen here
today is just a scratch on the surface of everything we have developed over the
years. Use the main menu to get a feel for other ways we can help you learn more
knowledge and skills to improve your gambling skills. Thanks for reading, and
good luck with your future use of the REKO system.