Part I: Games & Gaming · Card Games — Baccarat & Blackjack

Wonging / Back Counting

Blackjack

An advantage play technique named after blackjack expert Stanford Wong, where a player stands behind the table and counts cards without wagering, only entering the game when the count becomes favorable. This minimizes losses during negative counts and maximizes wins during positive counts. Wonging is not illegal but is grounds for removal from the property.

In practice

Also called “back counting” or “table hopping.” Surveillance should train staff to identify Wongers — typically individuals who watch tables intently, jump in at high counts, and leave quickly when counts drop. Some casinos prohibit mid-shoe entry to counter this technique.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.