How Hi-Lo Card Values Work
The Hi-Lo system is simple: assign each card a value of +1, 0, or -1. As cards are dealt, add these values to maintain a "running count."
Low Cards (2-6)
These cards help the dealer. When they're gone, the deck favors the player.
Neutral (7-9)
These cards don't affect the count. Ignore them.
High Cards (10-A)
These cards help the player. More of these remaining = player advantage.
Example:
Dealer deals: 3, 8, K, 5
Count: +1 + 0 -1 +1 = +1
Running Count vs True Count
Running Count
The simple total of all card values dealt so far. Start at 0 and add/subtract as cards are played.
Running count tells you the current state, but doesn't account for how many cards remain.
True Count
Running count divided by decks remaining. This gives your actual advantage per deck.
True Count = Running Count ÷ Decks Remaining
Why True Count Matters
If you have a running count of +6 but there are only 2 decks left, your true count is +3. That's a huge player advantage! Bet accordingly.
Want to Practice Without Doing the Math?
Our calculator tracks the running count AND true count automatically as you input cards. Perfect for mastering Hi-Lo!
Try the Card Counting App Free →Practice Example: Counting Through a Hand
Let's walk through a sample hand. We'll start with a running count of +2 from previous hands, and assume 4 decks remain.
Hand Setup:
Running count: +2 | Decks remaining: 4 | True count: +2÷4 = +0.5
Cards Dealt:
Player gets: 7 (0), 9 (0) — Player total: 16
Dealer gets: 4 (+1), 10 (-1) — Dealer shows 4
Running count: +2 + 0 + 0 +1 -1 = +2
True count: +2÷4 = +0.5
Decision:
Basic strategy says hit 16 vs dealer 4. With true count +0.5, this is still correct.
Player hits and gets: 8 (0) — Running count: +2 + 0 = +2
Why Hi-Lo is the Best System for Beginners
✅ Advantages
- • Simple: Only three values to remember
- • Balanced: Starts and ends at 0
- • Proven: Used by MIT teams and pros
- • Effective: Close to theoretical maximum
❌ Limitations
- • Requires true count conversion
- • Less precise than level 2 systems
- • Needs practice to count accurately
Hi-Lo vs Other Systems
Hi-Lo
Level 1, Balanced
~95% efficiency
Hi-Opt II
Level 2, Unbalanced
~98% efficiency
Omega II
Level 2, Balanced
~97% efficiency
Practice Hi-Lo with Our Calculator
Skip the math and see your Hi-Lo count in real-time. Our tool tracks the true count automatically.
Try the Hi-Lo Calculator →Free demo available. Practice counting with real odds calculation.