Next Move

[dpmonk2003]

Best next step

Hi, I just got into blackjack about 2 months ago but have practiced a lot. I am using the High-low count and now easily able to count at a casino. However I just finished learning the Illustrious 18, and am not sure what I want to do next. I feel like learning a new count and am definiltey considering the High Opt 2 but not sure if it is worth it. ( I play mostly 6 deck games and I hear this count is more valuable in 1 or 2 deck games.) The other thing I am contemplating on learning instead/before is shuffle tracking. Not sure which would be a good next step so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[mdlbj]

Well its hard to say. Do you know if you are making mistakes? Is your bet spread correct? Have you been able to talk your way out of heat? On average, what is your EV for a given session? Do you meet that? Can you do your TC conversion with 1/4 deck delt? Are you making the right calls with the count with I18 and fab4? Is your bank roll large enough to account for the mistakes you will make with a more difficult level 2 count? Have you been comped during a deal and have been thankful for it and keep the count?

Being able to count at a table is the easy part. If you have the confidence level and skill to allow you to move to a more difficult counting system, then by all means do so.

[Sonny]

Mdlbj makes some very good points. I would suggest that you stick with HiLo for a while. The Hi-Opt II requires an ace side count which really isn’t worth the effort, especially for shoe games. You will also not be able to shuffle track with it (at least not easily, and shuffle tracking is hard enough as it is). Changing systems will probably not increase your EV very much, but even a simplified shuffle tracking techniques can be a great help.

The next step for you is probably to study optimal betting techniques and betting strategies. Sometimes a small change in your betting strategy can increase your EV tremendously without any other effort. It’s also a good way to manage your exposure to risk.

-Sonny-

[dpmonk2003]

Originally Posted by Sonny

Mdlbj makes some very good points. I would suggest that you stick with HiLo for a while. The Hi-Opt II requires an ace side count which really isn’t worth the effort, especially for shoe games. You will also not be able to shuffle track with it (at least not easily, and shuffle tracking is hard enough as it is). Changing systems will probably not increase your EV very much, but even a simplified shuffle tracking techniques can be a great help.

The next step for you is probably to study optimal betting techniques and betting strategies. Sometimes a small change in your betting strategy can increase your EV tremendously without any other effort. It’s also a good way to manage your exposure to risk.

-Sonny-

thanks for the tip. What exactly do you mean by optimal betting techniques, and betting strategies. Not exactly sure what your talking about, but I am assuming just betting according to what the count dictates? If so I do already do that.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by dpmonk2003

What exactly do you mean by optimal betting techniques, and betting strategies.

There are a lot of elements that go into creating a betting strategy. Betting with the count is just the first step. The next step is calculating how much of your bankroll to bet at each count, how to increment your bet ramp, when to hit your max bet, when to play two hands, when to enter/leave a game, how to camouflage your bets, etc. In some cases an optimal 1:8 spread will be better than a “textbook” 1:12 spread, especially if you add some of the techniques listed above. Your betting strategy will mostly depend on your playing strategy, the size of your bankroll and your chosen ROR.

-Sonny-

[dpmonk2003]

Originally Posted by Sonny

There are a lot of elements that go into creating a betting strategy. Betting with the count is just the first step. The next step is calculating how much of your bankroll to bet at each count, how to increment your bet ramp, when to hit your max bet, when to play two hands, when to enter/leave a game, how to camouflage your bets, etc. In some cases an optimal 1:8 spread will be better than a “textbook” 1:12 spread, especially if you add some of the techniques listed above. Your betting strategy will mostly depend on your playing strategy, the size of your bankroll and your chosen ROR.

-Sonny-

yah i have about a 4k bank roll. I am using a betting strategy from 1-8 units with a 5 dollar minimum bet.

[Cass]

Originally Posted by dpmonk2003

yah i have about a 4k bank roll. I am using a betting strategy from 1-8 units with a 5 dollar minimum bet.

Just stick with hi-lo. unless it is so painfully easy for you then move on to Zen count or mentor count

[zengrifter]

Originally Posted by dpmonk2003

I feel like learning a new count and am definiltey considering the High Opt 2 but not sure if it is worth it.

Definetly NOT worth it! zg