How counting works
Counting tracks which cards have left the shoe. When many low cards are gone, the remaining shoe is rich in 10s and aces, which favours the player, and a counter raises their bets at those moments.
RNG blackjack: no chance
Standard online blackjack uses a random number generator and reshuffles the virtual shoe after every hand. There is nothing to track, so counting gives no advantage at all.
Live dealer tables
Live games use real cards, but most shoes are reshuffled long before the end, often around halfway, and some tables use continuous shuffling machines. Bet limits and table pace also make the small edge counting can create very hard to use in practice.
What actually helps
Play basic strategy perfectly, choose tables with good rules, such as blackjack paying 3 to 2 and the dealer standing on soft 17, and avoid side bets and insurance. That brings the house edge down to around 0.5%, though it never removes it.
Practice basic strategy in the free game
FAQ
Is card counting illegal?
Counting in your head isn't illegal in most places, but casinos can restrict or close the accounts of players they suspect of counting.
What's the best way to improve online?
Learn basic strategy, pick good table rules and skip insurance and side bets.
Related guides
Strategy and maths reduce the house edge, but never remove it. 18+, play responsibly.