Red Zen Count

If you’re on the prowl for a card counting system to use when playing
blackjack, the Red 7 system is one that you might want to consider. Many folks
like using this particular card counting system since it’s rather simple to
learn and put into practice. In addition, the Red 7 system is developed in such
a way that users don’t have to use division as many other systems require.

• VIVA ZEN RED 12COUNT – CB Wholesale.
• The Zen Count assigns each card the following values: 2, 3, 7 – Count +1; 4, 5, 6 – Count +2; 8, 9 – Count 0; 10, J, Q, K, A – Count -2; This is a balanced system. So when you practice counting through an entire deck of cards your count should end at 0. Notice that aces are included, too, so there’s no need to.

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Red 7 system.
We’ll start things off with an explanation of the basic fundamentals of the
system. Then, we’ll move into sections focused on how you can actually count
cards and size your wagers. You’ll also find information on how you can avoid
getting caught using it and how you can practice the system at home. Finally,
we’ll close things out with a section of frequently asked questions and
additional blackjack resources.

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Below, we’ve included some jump links you can use if you’re looking for
specific details on this page. Just click on the topic you’re interested in
learning about, and you’ll head right there. However, those of you looking to
absorb the most amount of detail possible about the Red 7 system of blackjack
card counting should read this page from start to finish.

Understanding the Basics of the Red 7 System

Before we get too deep into the Red 7 system and how you can use it to get a
leg up on the casino, we wanted to ensure that we get you up to speed on the
basics of how the system functions. Below, we’ve included pertinent details
about this card counting system. Be sure not to skim over this section as all of
the information below is vital to understanding how the Red 7 system functions.

Running Count

The most important concept of the Red 7 system is the idea of a running
count. As you count cards while playing the game, you’ll need to keep a running
count in your head. In the next section, we’ll give you specific details on
exactly how you do it. At a high level, each card that you’ll see will have an
assigned value with it. It’s up to you to know that card’s value and then add it
to the running calculation of all previsions cards.

The running count is pertinent to the Red 7 system since its value is what
will determine how you’ll bet your hands. When used properly, the system will
aid you in knowing when to bet more or less based upon the cards still left in
the playing deck.

Starting Count

If you’ve studied card counting systems previously, then you’re probably
aware that the majority of them out there have you use a starting count of zero
whenever you’re kicking off a counting session. However, some systems, including
the Red 7 and K-O ones, require players to adjust their starting count based on
the number of decks being used in the game. Below, we’ve included a quick chart
to help you visualize what starting count you should use depending on how many
decks are used in the game you’re playing.

• One deck = Starting count of -2
• Two decks = Starting count of -4
• Four decks = Starting count of -8
• Six decks = Starting count of -12
• Eight decks = Starting count of -16

Red Zen Countertop

A simple rule of thumb is that you should multiply the number of decks in
play by two and then make it negative.

If you are at a table with six decks of cards in use, you’ll multiply that by two and add a negative sign,
giving you a starting count of -12. With the use of this adjustable starting
count, the Red 7 system doesn’t require players to calculate a true count in
addition to the running count.

True Count

Since the Red 7 system of blackjack card counting is an unbalanced system
using adjustable starting counts, one of the best parts about it is that you
don’t have to run a true count concurrently with your running count. Those of
you that are familiar with different types of blackjack card counting systems
may already be familiar to the idea of a true count. However, other readers may
not be.

If you’ve not studied card counting systems a ton yet, you should know that
many of them out there require players to do division to convert their running
count into a true count. The goal of a true count in these systems is to account
for the number of decks in play. Without this step, some of the other systems
out there would give players a false sense of where they actually stand with
their count. To calculate a true count with these systems, you just divide the
current running count by the number of decks still believed to be in play.

While not overly tricky, converting to a true count is an extra step that is
required for many other systems. Luckily, the Red 7 system doesn’t need you to
take this step, so it saves you time and headache!

Implications

The primary purpose of the Red 7 system is to help you identify when you
should be betting more or less money on your hands of blackjack. Using the
system’s running count, you’ll have guidance on how much you should wager. We’ll
go into more detail on exactly how much you should wager in a later section.

Here’s how the running count works: If your running count is high, that
implies that you have a good chance of getting blackjack and the larger
associated payout. However, if your running count is negative or low, the system
is informing you that you have a small chance of getting a blackjack. In
general, the higher your running count, the more you should wager on your hand.
Alternatively, you’ll want to bet as little as possible when your count is low
or negative.

Counting Cards With the Red 7 System

If you feel comfortable with the basics of the system described above, we now
want to move you into a section that discusses how you’ll actually count cards
using Red 7. For each card in the deck, the Red 7 system has an associated value
tied to it. The chart below showcases these values. You’ll want to study this
chart and memorize these values as they are an integral part of how the system
functions.

• Determine your starting count based on the number of decks in
  play. See our guidance in the section
• When you see an A, K, Q, J, or 10: Subtract 1 from your
  running count
• When you see a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or red 7: Add 1 to your
  running count
• When you see a black 7, 8, or 9: Do nothing (worth 0)

If you’re playing at a table with a single deck of cards, you’ll
start your running count with a -2 based on our guidance in the section above.
Then, if the dealer deals a queen, you’ll take the value of that card (-1) and
add it to your running count. This will bring your new running count total to a
-3. Then, if a red 7 is dealt next, you’ll add a +1 to your count, thus bringing
your running count to -2. You’ll continue this running count until the deck is
shuffled. Then, you’ll begin the process all over again.

For those of you paying attention, you’ll notice the red 7 portion in the
chart above. The system gets its name from the fact that red 7s are tracked
separately from black ones. Due to this, it creates an unbalanced card counting
system that doesn’t require the use of a true count conversion.

How to Size Your Bets Using the Red 7 System

Now that you’ve got a good grip of the basics of the Red 7 system and how you
can use it to count cards let’s focus on how you’ll use the system to size your
bets. In general, the lower your count, the less you’ll want to bet. Conversely,
if you have a very high count, you’ll want to bet more as you have a higher
possibility of getting blackjack.

One way to use the Red 7 system to size your bets is to use your running
count as a betting multiplier.

If your running count is +4, you
could bet 4x the table minimum. If you were playing at a $10 minimum table,
you’d bet $40 on your next hand if your running count is +4. Using this
strategy, you’d bet the table minimum if your count is +1, 0, or negative.

Another way to size your bets using this system is to create tiered buckets.

You might develop a strategy that says if your running count is
between a +2 and +3, you’ll bet 2x the minimum table wager. By going this route,
your bets won’t be as aggressive as the option discussed above. Ultimately, you
can determine what betting strategy works best for you and your individual
needs.

How to Practice the Red 7 System

Up next, we wanted to bring you this section focused on how you can begin
practicing the Red 7 system at home. Below, we’ve got a step-by-step guide on
things you can start doing now to put what you’ve learned above in practice. By
following these tips below, you’ll be counting cards in no time!

To get things started, your first step of practicing the Red 7 system is to
learn how to count a deck. Above, we’ve covered the details on the cards you
need to track with this system and their associated values. Your goal with this
step is to count all 52 cards and keep the running total in your head. Just deal
yourself one card at a time, think of its value, and add it to your running
count. Repeat until you’ve gone through the entire deck.

Record Your Times

After you’ve tried counting a deck using the Red 7 system a few times, it’s a
good idea to record your time doing it. By doing this, you’ll set yourself an
initial benchmark that you should work to improve on. Simply set a stopwatch on
your phone and see how long it takes you to count the entire deck. After jotting
that time down, keep practicing with a goal of cutting your initial time in
half.

Learn to Count in Pairs

If you’re starting to feel like a pro counting a deck and you see your times
decrease, it’s time to move on to this next step. For this round, you’re going
to begin counting cards in pairs as opposed to singles. By using this method,
you’ll learn to count even faster overall.

Here’s how it works. Instead of dealing just one card at a time, deal
yourself two. Then, add up the associated values of those cards together and add
that total to your running count. Continue this two-card process more times
until you’ve run through the entire deck. You should also time yourself with
this exercise to help track your progress as you improve your card counting
skills.

Try Distracting Yourself

After you’ve got the counting of a deck down in both singles and pairs,
there’s another step you should take to practice your Red 7 system mastery. Up
until now, you’ve probably been counting in a relatively quiet space.
Unfortunately, counting cards in a real casino is nothing like doing it in a
calm home.

For this step of practice, you’ll want to cause distractions for yourself.
It’s as simple as turning on the radio or television in the background. Your
goal should be to have things going on in the background that might cause you to
lose focus. By practicing in this environment, you’ll be less likely to become
distracted in a real-life casino.

Use a Friend

One of your final steps of practice involves the use of a friend. Grab a
buddy that you trust to be honest with you. Then, ask them to observe as you
count a deck of cards closely. While you do it, have them see if you’re giving
off any potential tells.

Some of the things they should look out for are furrowed brows, odd hand
movements, or mouthing your count. If they see anything that seems weird, make
sure they tell you about it. Then, your goal will be to eliminate those
potential tells so that casino staff members won’t be able to catch on to them
and flag you as a possible card counter.

Test Your Counting Skills in a Casino

For this next step of Red 7 system practice, we want you to head to a local
casino. While there, your goal is to count cards at real blackjack tables while
others play the game. Simply stand back from the table and use the system to
create a running count. Your goal with this practice step is to ensure that you
can effectively count cards at a real blackjack casino table. Repeat this step
until you’re confident that you’re able to keep up with the speed of the game.

Begin with Low Stakes

After you’ve run through all of your suggested steps above and you feel like
you’re ready, it’s time to use your Red 7 system skills at a real-money
blackjack table. We’d suggest you kick things off at a low stakes table. It’s a
good idea to cut your teeth on a low stakes table so you can calm any nerves and
iron out any kinks that you might have in your system implementation. Then, when
you’re ready to advance to higher stakes, you can proceed with your level of
comfort.

Tips to Avoid Getting Caught

Up next, we wanted to give you some tips on how you can avoid getting caught
counting cards. While it’s not illegal for you to use card counting systems like
the Red 7, casinos are not fans of clients using them since it can increase the
casino’s possibility of losing money. If detected, you might be asked to leave
the table or the casino. To decrease the likelihood of this happening, be sure
to read and follow our tips below.

• Play at different casinos.

  If possible, we’d always
  suggest that you play at different casinos as much as possible. However,
  that’s not an option for many folks that may only have one casino within
  driving distance of their home. But, if you do have the opportunity, mix up
  which casinos you play at so that the employees at each one have a smaller
  chance of flagging you as a potential card counter.

• Play with different dealers.

  Something else you should
  do is play with different dealers as much as possible. If you end up playing
  with one dealer for too long, it can allow them to pick up on potential body
  tells that you might be putting off. By playing with different dealers
  regularly, you’ll be less likely to get caught counting cards.

• Play at different times.

  Unfortunately, many folks are left
  with only a single casino option close to their home. If you fall into that
  bucket, it’s a brilliant idea to play at different times of the day.

If you only ever play in the mid-afternoon, you’re exposing
yourself to many of the same casino employees on a regular basis. Doing this
can allow them to catch on to your card counting patterns.

However, if you
come at different times of the day, you’re more likely to work with
different casino employees, thus lowering the chance of you being flagged as
a potential card counter.

• Don’t sit at one table too long.

  Another way to keep
  casino employees from being able to establish your card counting ways is to
  ensure that you don’t play at one table for too long. Our general guidance
  is that you should change tables once or twice every hour.

• See if you’re being watched more than usual.

  In any
  real casino, you’re always being watched. Between the many cameras and pit
  staff, eyes are always on you. However, if you’re suspected of being a card
  counter, you’ll often find eyes on you more often than average. Should you
  ever feel like this is the case, we’d suggest you take a break and consider
  coming back some other time. Otherwise, you might end up being escorted out
  of the casino you’re playing at.

• Tip your dealers.

  Something else that can help you
  avoid detection as a card counter is occasionally tipping your dealers.
  Serious card counters that are closely watching their profit margins are
  known for not tipping at all. So you don’t potentially fall into this
  bucket, make sure you toss your dealers an occasional tip.

• Don’t give tips to your tablemates.

  If you’re counting
  cards correctly using the Red 7 system, you’re going to have some great
  insight into how you should bet based on your running count. However, it’s
  essential that you keep this information to yourself. While it might be
  tempting to share your system insights with your fellow tablemates, doing so
  can get you flagged as a potential card counter. Instead, keep the tips to
  yourself and make sure you execute the system as correctly as possible.

• Don’t drink too much.

  If you’re going to use the Red 7
  system to count cards at a casino, it’s a good idea to limit the amount of
  alcohol you consume. While it’s okay to have a small amount of alcohol, we’d
  suggest you take it lightly. Alcohol can impact your decision-making
  abilities and your ability to concentrate. Both of these skills are vital
  when counting cards while playing blackjack.

• Don’t concentrate too hard.

  Another good thing to keep
  in mind while counting cards with the Red 7 system is to not think too hard.
  Don’t get us wrong; you’ll have to think some. However, what’s important
  here is that you don’t overthink. If you do, you might end up making
  gestures like a furrowed brow that the dealer can use to identify you as a
  potential card counter. Use our suggested practice steps above to make sure
  you don’t have any tells when counting cards.

• Keep your bet spread small.

  Our last tip for you to
  help fly under the radar when counting cards using the Red 7 system is for
  you to keep your bet spread small. Here, we’re suggesting that you don’t
  increase your bets by any more than 5x the table minimum. Even if your
  running count from the system has a higher recommended bet multiplier, it’s
  a good idea set a cap and stick to it so you are not flagged as a potential
  card counter.

Additional Blackjack Resources

If you’ve never visited our website before, one of the things that you should
know is that we offer tons of gambling-related guides and reviews. Specific to
blackjack, we’ve developed an entire collection of goodness. Below, we’ve
included links to some of our more popular blackjack-related pages. If you’re
looking to expand your knowledge of the game, don’t miss out on these links
below.

Best Online Casinos for Blackjack

If you’re not already playing blackjack online, you might consider checking
out the link below. Here, we’ll give you our list of the top online casinos for
playing blackjack, and we’ll also talk you through some of the top reasons why
you might want to play online. By playing online, you’ll be able to enjoy some
substantial bonuses and the convenience of playing from your phone or tablet. If
you’re interested in learning more, simply click the link below.

Blackjack Strategy for Beginners

For those of you that are new to playing blackjack, you’re getting a bit
ahead of yourself by learning about card counting systems at this point. Before
you head down this rabbit hole, it’s a good idea to make sure you know all of
the basics of the game first. Below, we’ve included a link to our blackjack
beginners’ guide. On this page, we’ll get you up to speed on all of the things
you need to know to play the game. Once you’ve got a good understanding of the
game’s fundamentals, you can then dive deeper into more advanced strategies like
counting cards.

Main Blackjack Card Counting Hub

If you’re looking to learn about more card counting systems than just the Red
7 one, we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a link for our main blackjack
card counting page. It’s here that you can gain more knowledge about card
counting in general as well as get some overviews of other available systems for
counting cards. To learn more, click the link below.

Red Zen Counters

Frequently Asked Questions

After checking out everything above, there’s a chance that some of you still
have some questions about the Red 7 system at this point. If you’re one of them,
don’t miss our collection of FAQs below. Here, you’ll find some of the questions
that we hear from our readers most often about this blackjack card counting
system.

Is it easy to learn the Red 7 System?

If you’ve skipped ahead to this FAQ section without reading the majority of the information above, be sure to circle back up and review all of the details provided. By using this page and all of our tips and tricks provided, we’re confident that most individuals can quickly learn how to understand and begin to implement the Red 7 system of blackjack card counting. With a little bit of time studying and practicing, you’ll be ready to start using this system in a relatively short amount of time.

Am I breaking the law if I use the Red 7 System of counting cards?

No. Counting cards using the Red 7 system or any other system for counting cards while playing blackjack is not illegal anywhere around the globe. This is true as long as you are doing the counting with your mind. However, if you end up using some form of device, like a small computer, to aid you with counting, you’re cheating and potentially breaking the law depending on where you play the game. To avoid any legal troubles, be sure only to implement the Red 7 system with your brain and nothing else.

Red Zen Counter Stools

It’s worth noting that while counting cards isn’t illegal, casinos don’t like it when patrons use systems to do it. Because counting cards can give players a leg up on the casino, it’s not uncommon to hear of casinos asking players to leave if they suspect they are counting cards. To avoid this situation, be sure to check out our section above about how you can avoid getting caught while using the Red 7 system.

Will I make money using the Red 7 System?

When using the Red 7 system, it’s possible that you might make money while playing blackjack. However, it’s vital for you to understand that you are not guaranteed to make money. When used properly, the Red 7 system of blackjack card counting can help you increase your chances of winning.

Does the Red 7 System work for online blackjack?

Depending on the type of online blackjack you plan on playing, you may be able to use the Red 7 system of blackjack card counting. For starters, if you play a traditional online form of blackjack, you won’t be able to use this system or any other one. This is because most traditional blackjack games automatically reshuffle the deck after every hand. Unfortunately, this kills the ability for trends to be established with a card counting system.

However, if you’re planning to play a live dealer format of blackjack, you might be able to use the Red 7 system. In many cases, live dealer formats allow you to easily see all of the cards on the table as well as the shoe. Unless the table is using a continuous shuffling machine, you should be able to implement the Red 7 system while playing online. Just remember to start your count over each time that the cards are shuffled

Is this the card counting system that I should use?

The Red 7 system is an excellent one that many individuals use to count cards while playing blackjack. However, it’s not necessarily the best fit for all individuals. The good news is that there are lots of different card counting systems out there. To learn about others, check out the link to our card counting hub page above. Here, you can view details on many other popular available systems. As you investigate your options, look for a system that’s easy for you to learn and implement without too many struggles.

Conclusion

We hope this page has helped you learn everything you wanted to and more
about the Red 7 system of blackjack card counting. If you’ve never visited our
website before, don’t miss out on all of the other great gambling-related
resources that we have to offer. Here, we’ve developed countless guides like
this one, online casino reviews, and so much more. Simply use the main website
menu to navigate and see everything you can use to help improve your gambling
knowledge and skills. Thanks for reading, and best of luck with all your future
Red 7 system card counting attempts!

Top Blackjack Sites Online

The Zen Count system of card counting is a unique creation by Arnold Snyder. Originally published in 1983, Blackbelt in Blackjack outlines Snyder's Zen Count method, as well as other information about card counting and methods. Snyder's advancement in card counting and prowess at the game led to his being one of the seven original players elected to the Blackjack Hall of Fame by fellow professional players.

Snyder has been the editor of Blackjack Forum, a quarterly blackjack trade journal, since 1981. In addition to Blackbelt in Blackjack, Snyder has also published The Blackjack Shuffle Tracker's Cookbook, The Blackjack Formula, The Poker Tournament Formula, The Poker Tournament Formula 2, How To Bet Internet Casinos and Poker Rooms, Big Book of Blackjack, and The Over/Under Report. When Ontario put blackjack team manager Tommy Hyland on trial, Snyder's testimony was influential in preserving the right to play team Blackjack in U.S. and Canadian casinos.

A balanced system, when the Zen Count system is used properly it leads to a count of 0 after an entire deck has been counted. Like most multi-level systems, it can be difficult for novice players to keep track of the running and make conversions to the true count in a timely manner. For the more experienced players, however, this system can be incredibly accurate.

How Zen Count Works

Zen Count card counting uses more than the traditional +1 and -1 values you'll find in other systems, like the Hi-Lo or Knockout methods. In addition to those values, it also includes values or +2 and -2, weighted to provide a greater advantage to the player. The values are distributed as follows:

To practice the Zen count, first grab a deck of cards and simply state the value of each card as you flip them over. This will help familiarize you with the card values, drilling them into your memory. Once the values are securely in your mind, you can start practicing the running count. The running count starts at 0, and increases or decreases based on each card played. Here's an example:

1st card is a 10, so the count is -2.
2nd card is a 4, so the count becomes 0.
3rd card is a 2, so the count becomes 1.

Once you've managed to maintain a running count in your head using a single deck, you can start training to calculate the true count for multiple deck games. The true count is determined by dividing the running count by the number of decks left to be dealt. So a running count of 12 in a six-deck game, with three decks left in the shoe, would yield a true count of 4.

With the Ace included in the count, the Zen Count gives similar playing tendencies to the Hi-Lo system, but many believe it to be more accurate, making it perfect for more advanced blackjack players. As with any system, the idea is to bet larger amounts when the count is higher. There's even a betting scheme for the Zen Count system, based on betting between 1 and 10 units.

In fact, betting can increase up to 10 units with a true count of +10. This is, perhaps, one of the widest betting spreads seen in card-counting methods.

Books About the Zen Count Method

The greatest resource for the Zen Count system would be the book in which it first appeared ­ Blackbelt in Blackjack by Arnold Snyder. Another great book by Snyder is The Big Book of Blackjack, which covers many aspects of blackjack, in addition to card counting.

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