Question for Ken Smith or any other card counter?

[PokerJunky]

I will be playing in a casino in Latin America. From what I remember:
- the play British rules.
- they take both bets if the dealer pulls a blackjack from the shoe.
- they burn the first 10 cards
- they cut approximately half the deck (I think the play 8 decks)
- the casino is run by a Spanish company (CIRSA) - my biggest worry is if they are regulated (i.e. removing 10s from the deck, so on and so forth)

I play Hi-Opt I and was wondering if some adjustments to my index chart, can the game still be beat?

(I understand the penetration is real lousy, but I remember reading Revere's book and in one of his stories he had mentioned that the burnt many cards up front and played half the deck and he still beat them. I understand Revere is a shady character, that's why I am trying to get other people's opinion.

[KenSmith]

Not with any reasonable bet spread. I assumed H17, DAS, ENHC. The edge off the top is -0.78%.

If you bet 1 unit in counts of 0 or less, and 20 units at +1 or higher, the game is still a loser. Of course, you can beat just about any game with a big enough spread, but the risk is horrible. Don't bother.

[PokerJunky]

Thanks for the reply. I kind of figured the game was beat, but I wanted someone to confirm it...

Thanks again!