How important is counting two cards at a time?

Hey, beginner card counter here. I was wondering what everyone thought about how important it is to count two cards at a time to camouflage you're counting? I've been practicing for months, and I can count down a deck in close to 20 seconds when I count one at a time, in about 25 seconds when I count two at a time.

The problem is in real casino play. I can keep up with the dealer if I count one at a time, but if I try and do two at a time, I keep screwing it up. I was wondering of all the experienced counters, if everyone does two at a time? Should I just settle in to counting one at a time, or should I just grind away and practice harder. I don't seem to be making any progress in that area despite practice.

Everything gets much, much easier over time. At first just count 2 cards at a time as zero when you instantly recognize they cancel each other out and count other card pairs one card at a time when you don't instantly recognize they cancel each other out. That will give you a pretty good gain right there.

Thanks

learn to count two and three or four cards at a time. Stand behind the table (i.e., back counting) and after everybody has received their first two cards, you should be able to count the full table in no more than 2 or 3 seconds. For the most part, cards are counted in glances and groups. Your count is then updated by individual cards as players hit, but that doesn't happen that fast.

The old adage of "a good card counter can count down a deck in xx seconds" is not an effective measure of your counting ability. This saying came about before there were more effective practice tools available like Casino Verite BJ practice software. Buy it and use it.

It will take your game to a new level. You'll be counting cards, telling jokes, watching TV, ordering drinks and you'll still have the count...

I actually bought that software a few weeks ago, just started practicing with it.

If counting one card at a time is working for you continue to do so so long as your count is accurate. Good cards!

Thanks, I've been drilling with casino verite though, and much more proficient with counting 2 or 3 at a time.
Will see this weekend, have a casino trip...

Driving a car or getting out of bed. It becomes automatic with experience. It becomes like auto pilot. And unless your an idiot you will get faster and faster with time and little effort.

Good Cards, LWC

P/S I often wait till every card is on the felt before counting. Easier to do it all at one time. I will admit that it took me a long to learn and do it. Just relax and enjoy the ride. It will come natural in due time.

That's very encouraging. I played this weekend and I tried two at a time again but I kept losing the count and had to go back to one at a time. One at a time is becoming kiind of like you said though, feeling very natural. I'll keep practicing.

One at a time works! Take care and good cards!