Frequently asked questions

Is the software really free?

Yes. The Easy Red 7 and Uston SS counts are free to use with no ads. A one-time $14.99 registration unlocks 21 additional preset strategies and unlimited custom counts.

Can you count cards in online blackjack?

Yes — especially at live-dealer online blackjack tables where cards are dealt from a physical shoe. Our desktop card counting software and online counter both track the running and true count in real time so you know when the deck favors you. Always review each casino's terms of service.

Which platforms are supported?

Version 3.1.4 runs on Windows 10/11, macOS 10.14+, and Linux (AppImage). The browser-based online counter works on any device with no install.

I get an error opening the app on a Mac — what do I do?

macOS blocks apps from unidentified developers by default. Right after it fails to open, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll down to the security section, and click "Open Anyway" next to the Blackjack Card Counter message. You only need to do this once.

Windows Defender says the download is a trojan / virus — what's going on?

As of v3.1.4 our Windows build is code-signed, so this should be rare. If you still see it: this is a false positive, not real malware. If it's been quarantined, open Windows Security → Protection history, find the entry, and click "Restore." If it was deleted, add an exclusion first (Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings → Add or remove exclusions) before re-downloading, so it isn't removed again. Let us know if you keep seeing it and we'll report it to Microsoft.

Chrome says the download is dangerous and blocks it — what do I do?

This is Chrome's own Google Safe Browsing check — separate from Windows Defender, and unaffected by our code signing since it's Google's own reputation system, not Microsoft's. It flags brand-new files with no download history yet. To get it anyway: open chrome://downloads, find the blocked entry, click the ⋮ menu next to it, and choose "Keep dangerous file." This clears up on its own as more people download the signed build without incident, usually within a couple of weeks of a release.

I see "Windows protected your PC" with a "Don't run" button — is the app unsafe?

No — this is Windows SmartScreen's app reputation check, separate from Defender's antivirus scan (which the signed file already passes cleanly). SmartScreen builds trust for a signed publisher gradually, based on how many people have run it without incident, and a fresh release hasn't built that up yet. Click "More info," then "Run anyway." This fades on its own within a couple of weeks of each release as more people run it.

How does card counting give me an edge?

When the shoe holds more high cards (10, J, Q, K, A) than low cards, the odds shift toward the player. The software tracks the running count in real time so you know exactly when to raise your bets.

What's the difference between Easy Red 7 and Uston SS?

Easy Red 7 is an unbalanced system that's simpler to learn — great for beginners. Uston SS is a balanced system that's more demanding but yields a sharper edge for experienced counters.

Can I add my own counting system?

Yes. With registration you can define custom card values and add unlimited counting systems alongside the 21 built-in presets.

Is counting cards legal?

Card counting is a mental skill, not cheating, and is legal in most jurisdictions. Individual casinos set their own house rules — always review the terms of any site you play on.

How can I register?

Click here for registration information.

What if I have a second computer or need to reinstall?

You will need to purchase another license key. We will give you 50% off a second copy of the program.

What is the house edge in blackjack?

In a normal multi-deck blackjack game, the house edge is roughly 0.50% — or half a percent. It doesn't seem like much, but in the long run it's almost impossible to beat the house without counting cards. This program allows you to get almost a 1% edge over the house when used properly.

How is the Running Count determined?

The Running Count is determined by a number of factors. First, if the card counting strategy is balanced, the Running Count starts at 0. If unbalanced (like Easy Red 7), the Running Count starts at: Number of Decks × −2.

How is the True Count determined?

How is the Take Insurance recommendation determined?

Take Insurance is determined by the number of Tens versus non-Tens dealt, where Tens = −2 and Ace through Nine = +1. When the Running Count ≥ (4 × Decks Used + 1), then Take Insurance shows YES.

What is the best card counting method to use online?

Try the Revere APC for betting. If the true count is above +2, bet more. Live casino with 50% deck penetration is difficult to defeat — you will need to experiment. Unfortunately, there is really no way around the 50% penetration issue with live online casinos as this is pretty much standard.