Do you know perfect basic strategy? If you are using the Hi-Lo system, can you convert to true count? Do you know how to vary your bet correctly? If you know how to count the values of the cards but don't know these three essential things, YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO COUNT CARDS; YOU SIMPLY KNOW HOW IT IS DONE.
On the other hand, the original book on card counting is pretty good. It's called "Beat the Dealer" and it is by Edward Thorpe. Another good book I recommend would be "Knock Out Blackjack" by Olaf Vancura and Ken Fuchs. The KO system is very easy to learn and doesn't require any conversions.
The reason I wanted to ask you the questions in the first paragraph is because a lot of people these days (after watching the movie 21) claim they can count cards. They know that low cards (2-6) have a value of +1 and high cards (10-A) have a value of -1 and 7, 8 and 9 are neutral. That's all they know. No basic strategy. No true count conversion. No bet variation strategy.
Personally, I don't count cards because more and more casinos are using Continuous Shuffling Machines which eliminates the fact why card counting works - the game has a past. With a CSM, the game has NO PAST.
If you want any help with basic strategy or other card counting related issues, please feel free to contact me.
Cheers,
Shanku