Card counting in blackjack is one of those things that sounds way cooler in theory than it actually is in practice. On paper, it’s a strategy that can give you a small edge over the casino, but in reality, it’s a lot more complicated than just keeping track of the cards. Here’s the thing: card counting isn’t about memorizing every card that’s been dealt—it's about tracking the ratio of high cards to low cards left in the deck. If the deck has more high cards (like 10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces), you have a better chance of winning, so you increase your bets. If the deck is loaded with low cards, you back off. Now, the upside is that it works, but it's not some magic trick that guarantees wins. The advantage you get from counting cards is actually pretty small—usually around 1-2%. So, it’s not like you’re suddenly going to become a millionaire overnight. Plus, casinos hate card counters. If they catch you, they’ll either kick you out or even ban you. And it's not like they need a special genius to spot you—they have surveillance, they can see patterns in your betting behavior, and they’re trained to spot the signs. If you're serious about counting cards, it’s a huge commitment. You have to be super discreet, have excellent concentration, and practice a lot. Plus, it's not like you're gonna walk in, count a few cards, and leave with a huge payout. A lot of successful card counters spend hours at a table, and even then, they need to have their bankroll management on point to handle the inevitable ups and downs. In the end, is it worth it? Well, if you're dedicated and willing to put in the time to practice, it can give you an edge, but don't expect it to be a shortcut to easy money. It’s also important to consider the risk: you could get banned, and you’re constantly walking a fine line between winning and losing. If you're just looking for fun, it might be better to leave the card counting to the pros and just enjoy the game.