A higher count tells you that more low-value cards have been dealt, so you can expect more face cards to be dealt in upcoming hands, and vice versa. The basic principle is simple enough, just count and use the count to adjust your behavior. But like anything else, mastering the art of card counting takes a lot of practice. Every time a card is layed down on the table, you add its value to maintain what is called a running count. You always want to start counting at the beginning of a shoe, starting with 0. The 4 is a low card. The 8 is worth 0, so the count stays at plus 1. The 5 is worth 1, so the count goes to plus 2. Another low card 3 brings us to plus 3. Under the ' adjust rules ' menu you may select the rules of the game, deck penetration, table limits, as well as several card counting strategies. You may also enter your own strategy. The game will keep a running and true count according to the strategy you choose.