New - Couple of Questions

#1
Hey guys. I'm new to this thing, just getting started. I have a couple questions to throw at ya'll.

I'm learning to count Spanish 21 as well as BJ. In fact, I've just finished reading the primary book on the topic, by Katarina Walker. When published, the game was apparently easier to count, mainly because of less heat. Is this still the case, or have casinos caught on and started watching SP21 more?

Second, the count recommended for the game is essentially Hi-Lo, but with the 10's removed, the count starts negative and proceed up with play. Way too difficult. I'm working on my own system, and I have two ideas, but I need input. One is to simply count the 2's as zero. Real simple. 3 through 6 equals one in the running, and face cards and aces are M one. 2 has the lowest EOR of 2-6 in SP21; I believe offhand it is .29, significantly lower than the next lowest.

My other idea is to actually count 8's instead of 10's as negatives. Believe it or not, 8's have a higher(lower?) EOR than 9's. 8's are around -.17 I think, 9's are more like -.04. Pardon me if I got the positives and negatives flipped in there; I know low cards in the deck hurt you and high ones help. This count seems more effective, but it's confusing since 8's are high and 9's neutral.

Thoughts? Input on SP21 vs BJ? I am learning the BJ game as well, but it seems like there's more of an opportunity with SP21. Also, any advice on hopping back and forth without making mental errors?
 

FLASH1296

Well-Known Member
#2
"I'm learning to count Spanish 21 as well as BJ. In fact, I've just finished reading the primary book on the topic, by Katarina Walker.
When published, the game was apparently easier to count, mainly because of less heat. Is this still the case, or have casinos caught on and started watching SP21 more?"


I have been backed off three (3) times playing Sp21 for modest stakes, although it is true that Span21 is FAR less sweaty than regular BJ.

The best count to use is the Secret Monkey Count (re: our noted poster: Automatic Monkey) Just one change needed. Count the Aces as −2
You now have a balanced count. Add +4 to Katarina's Indices and you will be using good indices.

RE: E.O.R. That all depends on the rules. I play only the S17 game where the value of the Ace is enhanced, etc. Where do you play ?
 

FLASH1296

Well-Known Member
#3
Sp21 S17 E.O.R.

  • A: -0.16%
  • T: -0.06%
  • 9: -0.02%
  • 8: -0.03%
  • 7: 0.01%
  • 6: 0.07%
  • 5: 0.12%
  • 4: 0.1%
  • 3: 0.07%
  • 2: 0.05%
 
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caramel6

Well-Known Member
#4
Basic strategy question

Could you please help? I know that there are doublings that less and more risky.
So my question is: how important is to double 10 against 8 or 9, 11 against 8,9?

Also splitting 6 -x against 2 ? Thanks in advance,regards,
 

FLASH1296

Well-Known Member
#5
S17 Span21: Kat' Walker Indices adjusted to a balanced count

"how important is to double 10 against 8 or 9, 11 against 8,9?

Also splitting 6 -x against 2"


66 vs. 2 is not profitable to split at less than +2

Doubling TEN vs. 8 requires an index of ZERO, so that is not ordinarily a profitable double.

Doubling TEN vs. 9 requires an index of +2, so that is not ordinarily a profitable double.

Doubling ELEVEN vs. 9 requires an index of −1 so that is ordinarily a profitable double.

Doubling ELEVEN vs. 8 requires an index of −2, so that is ordinarily a profitable double.
 
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caramel6

Well-Known Member
#6
FLASH1296 said:
S17 Span21: Kat' Walker Indices adjusted to a balanced count

"how important is to double 10 against 8 or 9, 11 against 8,9?

Also splitting 6 -x against 2"


66 vs. 2 is not profitable to split at less than +2

Doubling TEN vs. 8 requires an index of ZERO, so that is not ordinarily a profitable double.

Doubling TEN vs. 9 requires an index of +2, so that is not ordinarily a profitable double.

Doubling ELEVEN vs. 9 requires an index of −1 so that is ordinarily a profitable double.

Doubling ELEVEN vs. 8 requires an index of −2, so that is ordinarily a profitable double.
thanks a lot, what about doubling 10 against 7, 11 against 7? should be ordinarily, isn,t it?

My rules are: dealer stays on soft 17, 6 or 8 decks,no peek card, insurance against ace.
 

FLASH1296

Well-Known Member
#7
" … what about doubling 10 against 7, 11 against 7? should be ordinarily, isn,t it?

My rules are: dealer stays on soft 17, 6 or 8 decks,no peek card, insurance against ace."

Are you playing Australian ?

Insurance you'll need to exceed a true Count of +12

re: the above doubles. YES
 

caramel6

Well-Known Member
#8
thanks a lot for your help, much appreciated, could you kindly enlighten me on a most risky splittings? Also soft doublings against 4,5,6?

Seems that better do it against 5 and 6 , but not against 4 or 3?
 
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