Many American blackjack players have at least heard of card counting. The practice has been featured in movies such as 21, and it is quite possibly the only legal method for players to earn money from a casino. The skills required of card counting include a keen eye, fast thinking, and playing normally.

Online casino games versions of American blackjack are convenient for several reasons. First, players can use blackjack strategy tables without having to hold up other players. Additionally, you have the entire Internet to use to learn other online blackjack strategy. Can players also have the resources at their fingertips to effectively card count online?

The short answer is no. Online casinos, although they do not have security cameras installed, have implemented means to prevent players from card counting on their online casino games, including American blackjack. This is accomplished by a random number generator shuffling the virtual deck after each deal. Because card counting relies on the structure of the deck, it is an impossible method to use.

However, live versions of American blackjack can be counted. This is because a real dealer is shuffling the cards. A real opportunity could exist here to count the cards much more easily than you could in a Vegas casino. However, live casinos aren’t stupid, and most will shuffle as frequently as possible. While you could technically count the cards, it would very likely not be lucrative.