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Card Counting - The Ace-Five System

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The ace/five count is probably the simplest method of card counting around and has been used by many blackjack players to their advantage. It requires a lot of concentration and for it to be effective you should not leave the table mid-shoe. It’s based on the idea that the best thing a blackjack player can do is to remove all fives from the deck and leave all aces.

How Does the Ace/Five Count Work?

  1. Establish Bet Limits
    Before playing, determine your minimum and maximum bets. Your maximum bet needs to be at least 16x to 32x your minimum bet.
  2. Start Counting
    Before the cards are dealt, place your minimum bet and start with a count of 0.
  3. Add for Fives
    Whenever a 5 is dealt to you or any other player at the table, add 1 to the count.
  4. Subtract for Aces
    Whenever an Ace is dealt, subtract 1 from the count.
  5. Bet High on Positive Count
    When the count is 2 or above, double your last bet. Continue doubling as long as the count stays at 2 or above until you reach your maximum bet. Bet size is determined by the count, independent of previous wins or losses.
  6. Bet Minimum on Low Count
    When the count is 1 or less, bet the minimum and stick to it until the count returns to 2 or higher. The count can go negative.
  7. Play Optimal Strategy
    You must play optimal blackjack basic strategy at all times.

The Advantages of Using the Ace/Five Count

The ace/five count has advantages, but like all card counting techniques, it is not perfect. When used correctly along with optimal blackjack strategy, it reverses the house edge and gives the player a slight advantage over the casino. The key is its simplicity; however, watch for table limits—for example, starting with a $5 minimum bet requires high-limit tables to reach a 32x maximum successfully. You’ll also need a solid bankroll. Together, these enable a wider bet spread—the ratio between minimum and maximum bets—boosting your advantage. All told, the ace/five count can turn the odds in the player's favor, and since it’s so easy, many players give it a try.