The origins of card counting have been the subject of debate for several decades, with the first Ace counters spotted across Las Vegas casinos in the 1940s and 1950s. The first system for counting cards, that was mathematically proved to be effective, however, was the so-called Ten-Count System, which was presented by researcher and mathematician Edward Thorpe in his 1962 book Beat the Dealer.
Edward Thorpe, known today as the Father of card counting, was a professor of mathematics and finance, as well as a blackjack player and researcher. Using the computational power of some of the first computers, he developed successful models for card counting. Later, he applied his methods in casinos and managed to gain financially from them, although he claimed that his goals were purely scientific. Before him, there were only a few counters who managed to obtain advantage over the casino without cheating. Yet, there were no sophisticated systems for counting and his method for the tracking the cards on the table truly revolutionized the game of blackjack.
Following years of mixed success for advantage players in casinos, Thorpe’s book finally proved the somewhat mythical idea that it is possible to beat the house in its own game. With the help of a blackjack strategy and a specially designed system for counting the 10s in the deck, players were given the opportunity to shift the odds in their favor.
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The Ten Count System is certainly a method that should be mentioned and learned by all card counters but not because it is effective – simply because it helps players understand the fundamental idea of card counting and the importance of the 10-value cards in the deck. Clearly, it is irrelevant in multi-deck games with restrictions on Doubling, Resplitting of Aces, and other moder changes to the standard rules of the game. Overall, it is a good system to try but it should not be attempted in real-money play in casinos.