[Poker Technique] What is Counting?

“Counting” is a technique used in blackjack and casinos. It is sometimes prohibited because it increases the player’s win rate, making the operator less profitable.

By applying counting to poker, you can increase your win rate.

In this article, we will introduce everything from the basic knowledge of poker counting to key points on how to do it.

We also introduce practice methods for implementing counting in poker, so please use them as a reference.

If you want to review the rules of poker, please refer to “What is Texas Hold’em? Basic Rules and Strategies Explained Simply!”

What is the “Counting” You Often Hear About in Poker?

“Counting” means memorizing all the cards that have appeared on the table, predicting what cards are left in the deck, and calculating the probability of certain cards being turned over and what hands can likely be made.

You can increase your winning probability and proceed with the game advantageously.

This technique is used more often in blackjack than in poker.

Poker Card Counting is Required for Every Hand

Card counting is often used in blackjack, but in the case of poker, counting is required for every hand, unlike in blackjack.

This is because in poker, the deck is normally shuffled for every game.

Therefore, in poker, you cannot do things like “accumulating counting results to make it easier to win.”

However, the fact that counting is required every time is not simply a disadvantage; rather, it can be taken as a merit.

This is because there is no need to memorize the results and contents of every single past game.

For example, in blackjack, if you make a mistake in card counting, it adversely affects not only that game but also subsequent games.

However, in poker, since every player needs to perform counting anew each time, the risk of failure can be considered low.

If You Can Count, You Might Even Beat Strong Players

If you become able to count appropriately, the possibility of winning even against advanced players emerges.

Poker is, of course, a game where you can become stronger by acquiring skills and knowledge, but on the other hand, no matter how strong you become, elements of luck are involved to a certain extent.

No matter how clever a player is, they cannot control which cards come into their hand.

Therefore, if you can rationally judge whether to fight when a hand that looks like it could form a strong rank comes to you, it is entirely possible to defeat an advanced player.

Let’s master card counting and ensure we can seize the chance to beat advanced players.

In the next section, we explain the tips, points, and precautions when counting in poker.

Points for Counting in Poker

When counting in poker, keep the following three points in mind!

Know the 2x/4x Rule

By multiplying the number of cards (outs) remaining that are necessary to form a hand by the number of times cards can be turned over later <1 time (Turn): ✖️2 / 2 times (Flop): ✖️4>, you can derive the “approximate percentage“ of that card appearing.

*The Turn is the betting round when 4 cards on the board are revealed.

*The Flop is the betting round when 3 cards on the board are revealed.

This is called the “2x/4x Rule.”

For example, suppose that including the cards on the board, you “have 4 ♥ (Hearts) cards.”

The number of cards needed to complete a flush is “1 more,” and the calculation at this time is as follows:

Since the number of remaining ♥ cards is 13 – 4 = 9, the probability of completing a ♥ flush is:

●In the case of the Turn, the number of cards that can be drawn later is 1, so “9 ✖️ 2 = 18,” which is approximately 18%.
● In the case of the Flop, the number of cards that can be drawn later is 1, so “9 ✖️ 4 = 36,” which is approximately 36%.

This is how it works.

This topic is also explained in detail in the following article about odds and outs, so please check it.

A Technique Based on the Premise of Memorizing Cards

Counting requires the ability to memorize the cards appearing on the table.

However, if you are not used to it, you won’t be able to remember them.

Furthermore, in poker, since it is not a duel against a dealer, you cannot see the opponent’s cards completely. (Counting is primarily performed in blackjack.)

There are many uncertain elements, but it is a necessary task to obtain prize money.

Practice is Important

In order to count in an actual casino, it is important to experience various patterns while practicing beforehand.

In poker, victory or defeat is determined by the hole cards the opponent holds and the probability of being able to draw the cards you need.

By getting used to it while practicing and reaching the stage where you can execute it without being conscious of it, you will be able to count at a casino without being found out by other players.

Actual games have a unique atmosphere that cannot be experienced in practice, so experience on the field is also absolutely necessary! For those who want to practice while actually playing, KKPoker is recommended as it has many beginners and ultra-low stake tables like 0.02.

By joining through our site, you can get registration bonuses and VIP cards that make play advantageous.

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Precautions When Counting in Poker

When counting in poker, you need to be careful of the following three things.

If you don’t know them, there is a possibility you will face irreversible pain, so be sure to pay close attention!

Counting is a Technique for Advanced Players

Counting is a difficult technique that requires quick mental processing and poker playing experience.

Even advanced players can fail, and it takes time to master.

It is important to have the feeling of “getting used to playing poker and wanting to take on new challenges!”
However, because counting also has suitability, let’s be prepared for the fact that it takes time to master it thoroughly!

Calculate the Probability of the Opponent Completing a Hand Too

When using counting, it’s not the case that you only need to calculate for your own hand.

Sometimes you must also think, “The opponent’s hand might be completed…”

For example, suppose you have the 2 of Diamonds, and the 4, 5, and 6 of Diamonds are on the board.

Here, if the 3 of Diamonds comes, a “Straight Flush” is completed, and usually the probability of winning is high.

However, what if there is someone among the opponents who holds the 7 of Diamonds?

In that case, it will be a battle between Straight Flushes, and because the opponent’s number is stronger, your prize money will be taken away at the final step.

In this way, depending on the hole cards you have and the cards on the board, there is a possibility of losing, so caution is necessary in counting.

There are Also Casinos Where it is Prohibited

Among casinos, there are some that prohibit counting.

In a casino that prohibits it, if counting is found out by the dealer or the casino side, you will be banned from entering, so play while keeping that in mind!

If you are not found out, there is no problem.

[Summary] What is the “Counting” You Often Hear About in Poker?

The points I wanted to convey in this article are as follows.

● Counting is a technique for calculating the remaining number of cards and thinking about the probability of being able to form your own hand.

● The following three points are key for counting!

□ Know the 2x/4x Rule
→ A rule for calculating the probability of the card you want coming to your hand for each betting round.
*For the Turn: (Remaining number of cards you want) ✖️ 2 (%)
*For the Flop: (Remaining number of cards you want) ✖️ 4 (%)
□ A Technique Based on the Premise of Memorizing Cards
→ Counting is a technique that requires memory. It is not recommended for those who are not confident in their memory.
□ Let’s Practice
→ To execute it well in an actual game, prior practice is necessary. No matter how strong a person is at calculation, they can be overwhelmed by the unique atmosphere of a real game, so make as much preparation as possible.

● The following three points are precautions for counting!

□ Counting is a “Technique for Advanced Players”
→ We cannot recommend using counting for poker beginners. First, reading the opponent’s gaze and habits is more important, so it is better to “remember it as a plus-alpha element.”
□ Depending on the hand, consider the possibility of the opponent’s hand being completed
→ Poker is a game where even if the probability of your hand completing is high through counting, you will lose if the opponent has a hand or number strength higher than that. Don’t forget to predict the opponent’s cards from their betting style, etc.
□ Counting is a “Prohibited Act Depending on the Casino”
→ Among casinos, there are some that prohibit counting. If the act is found out by the casino side or the dealer, you will be banned from entering immediately, so use caution. In Oncaji, it’s OK because they can’t tell you are counting.

Counting in poker is not something that determines victory or defeat, but rather one of the materials for judging whether you can win.

When you “get used to poker and want to challenge something new,” it might be good to try incorporating it into your play.

When practicing counting, KKPoker, which has low-stake tables, is recommended!