There are two basic types of counts in blackjack: the face count and the hand count.
The face count is simply the number of cards that are face up in the player’s hand.
The hand count is the number of cards that are either in the player’s hand or on the table, including any face up cards. .
The advantage of using a face count is that it allows a player to see more information about their hand. This is especially important when playing low-ball or open-ended games, where a player may be able to gain an advantage by knowing what cards other players are holding.
The disadvantage of using a face count is that it can be difficult to keep track of how many cards are remaining in the deck. This can lead to mistakes when making bets, and can also make it difficult to defend against potential cheating by other players.
Overall, using a face count is generally more advantageous than using a hand count, but it is not always necessary.
