What is a true count in blackjack?
QUICK ANSWER
The true count is the running count divided by the number of decks remaining in the shoe. It normalizes the count for shoe size — a +6 running count means much more with 1 deck left than with 6 decks left. Bets and deviations are based on true count, not running count.
The formula
True Count = Running Count ÷ Decks Remaining
Why it matters
A running count of +6 with 6 decks left is only TC +1 — barely an edge. The same +6 with 1 deck left is TC +6 — a huge edge.
Estimating decks remaining
Look at the discard tray. If half the shoe is used from a 6-deck game, ~3 decks remain. Practice this — it''s the hardest part of counting.
Bet sizing rule of thumb
- TC 0 or less: minimum bet
- TC +1: 1–2 units
- TC +2: 2–4 units
- TC +3+: 4–8 units
Drill true count conversion at BJLeague True Count training.
TRY IT FREE
Practice blackjack at BJ League
500 free chips as a guest. Sign up for daily reloads, training drills, and a weekly leaderboard.