Card counting is the fundamental technique for analysing a string of tarot cards in the Opening of the Key spread, but there are times when it is not necessary or advisable to use in a tarot reading.
Sometimes when I spread out the string of cards for a client, before I can count, my eyes are drawn to several groups of cards – they do not have to be reversed, although this sometimes helps. It is as though the client sees one or more choices for their life, but they are unable or unwilling to do anything about. Sometimes a group of cards represent people or situations who are not connected to the other groups. This can of course be a good thing – you might to compartmentalise your life.
Compartmentalisation can be a good or a bad thing, but it does seem to block the flow of energy. It is as though there are blockages in each area that is represented by the group.
You could card count within that group of cards to see where the energy is going, or not going – maybe there is an uncounted card which is the origin of the problem.
My experience is that I spend some time talking to the client about what they may not want to do with their life. Perhaps there is a better alternative that they are unwilling to see or acknowledge. At some point this energy seems to clear, and I can either card the entire string, or usually better, I will reshuffle the cards to see the new opportunities, and then the card counting works again.