If you’re a serious blackjack player looking to improve your game, you may have come across the Canfield Expert Count. This balanced card counting system was developed by Richard Canfield, a renowned blackjack player and author. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Canfield Expert Count and how it works. The Canfield Expert Count is a balanced counting system that assigns a point value to each card in the deck. It differs from other popular counting systems in a few ways.
What is the Canfield Expert Count?
The Canfield Expert Count is a balanced card counting system that assigns a point value to each card in a deck. The count is balanced because the sum of the point values for all the cards in the deck is zero. The point values assigned to each card are as follows:
- 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: +1
- 7, 8, 9: 0
- 10, J, Q, K, A: -1
Like other balanced counting systems, the Canfield Expert Count requires you to keep a running count of the cards as they are played. You start with a count of zero at the beginning of the game, and as each card is dealt, you add or subtract the appropriate point value. The resulting sum is the current count.
How does the Canfield Expert Count differ from other counting systems?
The Canfield Expert Count differs from other popular counting systems like the Hi-Lo and KO counts in a few ways. Firstly, it assigns a point value of +1 to all cards from 2 to 6, rather than just the 5 as in the Hi-Lo Count. This is because low cards are more advantageous for the player, as they increase the likelihood of dealer busts.
Secondly, the Canfield Expert Count has a neutral point value of 0 for 7, 8, and 9, whereas other systems assign a point value of -1 to these cards. This is because these cards have less of an impact on the overall outcome of the game.
Finally, the Canfield Expert Count assigns a point value of -1 to all face cards, including the Ace. In the Hi-Lo Count, the Ace has a point value of 0, while in the KO Count, it has a point value of +1. Canfield believed that by assigning a point value of -1 to the Ace, it would increase the player’s advantage over the house.
Advantages of the Canfield Expert Count
One advantage of the Canfield Expert Count is that it is a balanced counting system, meaning the sum of the point values for all the cards in the deck is zero. This makes it easier to keep track of the count and minimizes the risk of making counting mistakes.
Another advantage of the Canfield Expert Count is that it gives more weight to the low cards, which are more advantageous for the player. This can help increase the player’s advantage over the house.
Disadvantages of the Canfield Expert Count
One disadvantage of the Canfield Expert Count is that it is a more complex system compared to some other counting systems, such as the Hi-Lo Count or KO Count. This may make it more difficult for beginners to learn and use effectively.
Another disadvantage is that the Canfield Expert Count may not be as effective in games with multiple decks. This is because the count is based on a single deck, and as more decks are added, the count becomes less accurate. If you plan on playing in games with multiple decks, you may want to consider using a more advanced counting system.