Taking advantage of the card counter's edge in order to succeed in blackjack is one technique that every player should know. Strategy is the key in order to surpass the difficulty of the situation.
In general, it is simply sticking to the right basic strategy when playing blackjack. Just remember two things: when the true count is positive, the counter should increase his wager; if the true count is negative he should decrease it. This technique makes the player lose less money specifically if he is at the losing end against the dealer, and lets him win more when he's at the advantage. It is also possible for the player to lose more hands than what he wins, but since he is up for the profit it is worth the shot.
There are instances that the basic strategy in card counting are not applicable especially when the cards left in the shoe do not call for it. But there is still a way to figure things out by manipulating the basic strategy. Stock knowledge plus a little modification will do the trick. For instance, a player is dealt with a hard 16 and the dealer's up card is 10, the strategy dictates that the player should hit. However, if the card count ends up positive, the player is more likely to draw a higher card and if he hits then he's busted. The player's move is basically dictated by the card count unless he stands.
On the other hand, if the true total is negative, the player knows there's a high probability of drawing a low card. In this case the card counter could opt to hit even if the situation calls him to stand.
Card counting requires a player to focus on the action on the table, and not on the many distractions that the casino may deliberately employ. Casinos do have all sorts of distractions especially when they are aware that there are blackjack players who strategize on card counting. Casinos in general are noisy, but there are other things to watch out for. A player should not be distracted by the sights and sounds, alcohol, beautiful waitresses and all other aspects that could disrupt in his concentration.
If a player is in the casino just to enjoy the blackjack table, then it's fine to let his senses wander and get lost in the process. But for the more serious player, one ingredient to make all things possible is self discipline. Working on the basic blackjack strategy and card counting may only give a little edge above the house. Making the most out of it can be profitable for the player. So as an advice, drink and celebrate after the win, not during the game. A player needs to concentrate if he really wants to come out the winner.
