Ac/Dc counting headaches?

[blackchipjim]

I wondering how many counters out there use different counting systems for different games. I have had to learn a balanced count for one game and a unbalanced for the other. My brain is telling me to use one for both because the switch is too confusing and errors may be occuring too frequently. I use Tko and started using Hi-lo for another game but the difference may be too great. Does anyone switch back and forth between other systems and how do you keep yourself straight in the process. blackchipjim

 

[rukus]

i use 2

i use AO2 on pitch games and Zen on shoe games.
fortunately the indices and betting ramps that i use are basically identical between both systems, so theres no confusion there. additionally, both are TCs. all i do is retrain my brain to work with one count or the other for about a week before i swtich from one game type to the other (ie block out the 9 or the Ace depending on the system).

i imagine your predicament is a little harder since one of your strategies is balanced/TC and one uses unblanaced counts. not sure how your indices vary between the two systems but i hope TKO is similar to HiLo for your sake. retraining your eye to estimate discards should only take a day or two, depending on the resolution you estimate to.

 

[21forme]

I use KO for BJ and HiLO for Sp21. I thought it would be tough to go back and forth, but it isn't. Once in a while I catch myself counting a 7 in Sp21, and I just back it out.

 

[blackchipjim]

switcharoo

I think I too tired on the second go round of sp21 my brain was fried. I got my butt kicked and didn't make any friends at the table either. I think I may have to practice hi-lo alot more before trying it live. The indices for the two are quite different in my oppinion so I'll try again at a later date. I might end up just switching to hi/lo for ease of use and accuracy and then I'll just have to remember strategy indices for the games not both. blackchipjim

 

[zengrifter]

Switching counts for different games is a serious waste of brain-energy.
Much better to stick with one and use the extra brain power for more important things. zg

 

[Automatic Monkey]

Switching counts for different games is a serious waste of brain-energy.
Much better to stick with one and use the extra brain power for more important things. zg

It depends. On a typical trip I'll use 4 different counts for BJ and its derivatives plus special counts for sidebets, when applicable. Switching counts is not a problem but if it's not something I've been using all the time for a long time, I have to go and study indices before switching games.

It used to be fun Wonging around a mixed pit, playing SP21 and BJ as if I didn't even notice which was which, but stores are too crowded for that now. Everybody crammed into one pit like animals in a pen.

 

[zengrifter]

It depends. On a typical trip I'll use 4 different counts for BJ and its derivatives plus special counts for sidebets, when applicable. Switching counts is not a problem but if it's not something I've been using all the time for a long time, I have to go and study indices before switching games.

You are a wild man. I wouldn't even try to do THAT! z:laugh:g

 

[blackjack avenger]

Ability & Variables

If it's easy for one to use multiple counts; as it appears to be for some, then fine.

If you are playing radically different games a significant period of time, ex. Spanish & regular bj, then different counts may be worth the effort.

Switching counts to play regular bj DD or shoe may not be worth the effort unless you can do it easily. One can just learn a strong multi level count that will be effective in DD up to 8 deck. Throw in additional indicies for the one count vs learning 2 sets of indices may also prove more effective.

Not much SD worth playing. If you can play it frequently then using a count specializing in SD play may be worth it.

I personally use halves for the following reasons:
I have limited exposure to pitch games, when I do have the opportunity, Halves can carry me through. Especially, since I have added additional indices and I am willing to use a very aggressive betting ramp.
I play mostly shoes and Halves is very high BC which is what you want for shoes.:joker::whip:

good cards

 

[zengrifter]

Halves can carry me through. Especially, since I have added additional indices and I am willing to use a very aggressive betting ramp.
I play mostly shoes and Halves is very high BC which is what you want for shoes.:joker::whip:

And if you ever stumble upon some super dream 1D game Halves will fare just fine. zg

 

[kewljason]

I have long since admired (and been envious) of players like our AutoMonk that can switch counts so easily and even customize counts on the fly. My feeble brain won't allow me to do so. I have switched counts twice in my career, going from a level one to a level two and then back to a level one, 18 months later. Each time I switched it took me months to re-train my brain to the point that I was back to auto pilot. At that point I decided that for me it was best to only use one count, and have stuck with it ever since, although at times I do add a side count for certain games and/or situation.