Zen??

Hi,

I am new to this forum. I have reviewed many of the posts and find them very informative. Thanks to all you that post. I do however have some questions. I am playing in an 8D game, S17, 75% Penetration. I know this is the least favorable game, but it is all that is available in my area. After reviewing many of the posts, it seems Zen would be the best for this type of game. Do you agree with this assessment? Also, when I go to Vegas I tend to play double deck, and from what I've read, Zen is a good compromise so would work well for both. Until now I have used simple hi/lo, and although the outcome has been decent, I have found it to be a tad un-reliable on the 8deck game.
If you don't think Zen is the right way to go, what else would you suggest?

Another question regarding Zen

I have some other questions regarding Zen. I have read about the 2 different versions where you divide by number of decks remaining versus number of 1/4 decks remaining. However, I have not been able to find the different values for the cards depending on which version you use. Are the values the same?:
Strategy

A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T
-1 1 1 2 2 2 1 0 0 -2


Also, using Zen, do you start the shoe with a 0 count? Would I ramp up my bets just as I normally do with hi/lo? Is there anything else I would need to know about Zen before trying it out at the Casino?

Thanks

Ugh. 8 deck games suck, and 75% pen is pretty average for an 8 decker.

Forgot to mention

I forgot to mention I usually Wong in and out when using hi/lo and plan to do the same with Zen...and yes, I know 8 deck sucks

Original Method

For the original method, are the values given to each card the same?

Thanks

Yep.
Nope.
You'll have to adjust your betting ramp differently with Zen.
In Hilo,every TC increment worth roughly +.5%
However,Zen worth about +.33%

P.D.

you have gotten answers to all your questions. but one important thing to note is that your indices will vary depending on which TC method you choose (1/4Ds remaining or whole decks remaining).

original zen

So with the original zen your true count is a normal conv. not a true edge? So then the indices of course would be based on the true count and not the true edge?

I'm a little confused as there seems to be a few ways to use/play the zen count/s

SKA - Here are the 1DTC indices -
http://www.blackjackforumonline.com/content/Zen_Count_Indices.htm

You don't need them all. See ZGI for which ones. zg

Stick with Hi-Lo. Focus on perfect play, sizing your bet accurately for your BR, and spotting the best pen. After that being able to back count two tables at a time and learning a few more index plays will help.