True Count
In card counting, the running count divided by the number of remaining decks, providing an accurate measure of current deck richness.
Detailed Explanation
The true count normalises a running count for the number of cards remaining in the shoe. A running count of +10 in a fresh 6-deck shoe (with approximately 5.5 decks remaining) yields a true count of only +1.8 — moderately positive. The same running count of +10 with only 1 deck remaining produces a true count of +10 — a dramatically favourable composition.
In Hi-Lo counting, a true count of +1 is approximately neutral; each additional point of true count adds roughly 0.5% to the player's edge. At a true count of +2, the player is approximately break-even against the house; at +3 or above, the player holds a theoretical edge. Betting proportional to the true count is the mechanism by which card counters generate long-run profit.
Calculating the true count at casino speed requires practice: the counter must divide the running count by the estimated remaining decks simultaneously while playing at normal game speed and engaging naturally with dealers.
Related Entries
Advantage Play
Card Counting
A blackjack technique that tracks the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the shoe to gain a mathematical edge.
Advantage Play
Penetration
The percentage of a blackjack shoe dealt before reshuffling, critical for card counting effectiveness.
Table Game Terms
Shoe
A plastic device used to hold and dispense multiple decks of playing cards at casino table games.