8 decks -> what system? also a general question

[thedon]

The only game I have available to me is an 8 deck game. Then it appears that once there are 2 decks left in the shoe, there is a re-shuffle, and back up to 8 decks we go.

Currently I use the hi-lo count. I have no problems counting and keeping up with the fast paced play. However I have a few questions:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of switching from hi-lo to an unbalanced system? Would an unbalanced system be better in my case because of so many decks?

What does the fact that 2 decks are being cut-off (is that the right term?) mean to me?

And finally, I find that I am doing a lot of standing and watching tables for even an entire shoe waiting for a good enough count... This is a lot of standing and seems to me to be a little weird if I'm just standing for so long watching the same table and never playing, but is this normal?

Thank you

[21forme]

Welcome to the world of 8 decks! 2 decks cut off means it's a decent 8 deck game (relatively speaking) but not great. I sometimes see 1 deck cut off.

Hi Lo is fine. No need to switch. Only about 20% of the shoes will go positive.
You will be standing around a lot waiting for the opportunity. It sure beats play-all.

[RJT]

If you are using Hi/Lo and there's enough tables, when the TC reaches -1 find a new table. At this point it's unlikely that that shoe will become positive.

RJT.