Boy I will probably get blasted for that title but here goes. Most of the info given out so far is accurate. Except, when the count is a high positive, it is not only that you can receive the 10 cards (which may actually hurt your hand) but that if the dealer has 16 or less he MUST take a card and the 10 cards will bust him. It is good to read books on BJ and being an informed player is the only way to go. A great way to avoid reading lots of books is to go to the gift shop in almost any casino and pick up a card that tells you how to play Basic Strategy BJ. Follow the rules on the card and the house advantage should be well under 1%. The only cards that I have seen that don't appear to be completely accurate are those that come with the Win Cards promotions. A few years ago they had some minor rules differences that were not advantageous to the player. Believe me counting generally is not worth it today. With automatic shufflers, continuous shufflers, 50% penetration and close watching of bet spread you stand a very small chance of getting ahead by counting. It is very hard work and it seems like every time I increase my bet to take advantage of the high positive count the dealer, not me, gets the 20. (Remember that you and the dealer stand the same chance to get any first two cards). I end up with the 16 and then what do you do? LOSE. Learn how to play flawless Basic Strategy (like on the cards), enjoy lots of free drinks, interaction with others at the table and just have fun. As I have stated here before this is what I do most every trip. I sit at low minimum tables and play for a minimun of 10 hours per day. At the end of a 3 or 4 days trip I am ALWAYS plus or minus $200 total. And this includes drink tips, valet and most restaurant tips (I tip with chips). Have a great trip.