What is "hard count"

n. (context American football English) When the quarterback attempts to draw the defense offside through a deceptive snap count sequence, sometimes accompanied by subtle body movements which simulate the initiation of the play

Hard count is one process for counting coins in a casino or bank. The hard count rooms are usually among the most secure places due to the large amounts of cash that can be on hand at any one time.

Typically, coins are not counted on a piece basis. Instead, they are separated by denomination into containers and weighed using large scales. Each scale is programmed so that it can automatically derive the value of the container's contents from its weight. An exception to this is in casinos, where high denomination casino tokens (for example, $25 and above) may be counted by hand.

The opposite of hard count is soft count in which banknotes are counted.

In gridiron football, the hard count is a strategy used by offenses. It is most frequently used to "convert" on fourth down with less than five yards to go. In this situation, the quarterback uses an irregular, accented (thus, the term "hard") cadence for the snap count in the hope that the defense will jump offside, giving the offense the five yards needed to convert the first down.

Also, if the defense jumps offside, but the offense begins their play, it is designated as a "free play" (as in, there are no negative consequences to the offense on the play, with the exception of penalties). The offense may choose to use the hard count throughout the game, in an attempt to confuse the defense, and get them to play more conservatively.

However, if the defense does not go offside, the offense will either call a time out or take a five-yard penalty for delay of game and punt the ball away. Also, the offense's own offensive line might react to the hard count, resulting in a false start.