Common Card Counting Myths
Movies like 21 and Rain Man have created a false image of what card counting really is. Let's clear the air.
Myth 1: You Need a Photographic Memory
False. You don't memorize every card. You just keep a simple tally (+1, -1). If you can add and subtract by 1, you can count cards.
Myth 2: You Will Win Every Time
False. Card counting gives you a long-term advantage. In the short term, you can (and will) still have losing sessions. It requires a bankroll to weather the variance.
Myth 3: You Need to be a Math Genius
False. The math is incredibly simple. The hard part is acting natural and keeping the count while the casino is loud and distracting. That's why practice tools are essential.
Myth 4: It's Illegal
False. We cover this in depth in our main guide. It is not illegal to use your brain.
Myth 5: Casinos Have Made It Impossible
False. While casinos use 6-8 deck shoes and continuous shuffling machines (CSMs) on some tables, many tables still offer beatable conditions. The key is finding tables with good penetration (75%+ of the shoe dealt before shuffling). Card counting remains viable in 2026.