Advice Needed

#1
I used to count cards seriously, but do so only occasionally now. I don't want to memorize a ton of indices since I play so infrequently, so here's my situation: I play mostly 6 and 8 deck shoes. I want to use either REKO (no indices to memorize) or FELT with probably just the top 5-6 indices (Insurance, 16 v. 10, 15 v. 10, 12 v. 2, 12 v. 3, 10 v. 10). I have no trouble with level-2 counting or true count conversion. I no longer have simulation software or I'd do it myself, but what do you recommend? The other possibility would be the compromised FELT with the block changes at 0 and +6, so that's another possibility if that would outperform FELT with the limited precise indices. If I use REKO, I'll true count it for betting purposes but not for playing decisions. Thoughts?
 

KewlJ

Well-Known Member
#2
What count did you play when you counted "seriously"? I would recommend picking up that same count. Even if it has been years, it should come right back to you.

Despite a lot of 'noise' to the contrary, "what count you play is one of the least important decisions that you make". That is a bigplayer quote. If you have been away from the community for years, you might not know of bigplayer, but this quote is a good start to his valuable wisdom.

So pick a count that you re comfortable with (assuming you are not considering one of the subpar things like speed count of A-5) and move on to more important things like game selection, identifying casino comfort/tolerance levels and figuring how you want to go about getting the money down. That is what is going to get you the money, not worrying about differences in count.
 
#3
I paid my way through UNLV with the Zen count a long time ago. The FELT tags actually count a bit easier since the aces and tens are the same, and with its higher BC, I'm guessing it's slightly stronger with limited indices. Since I'm starting over after many years off, I figured that might be the way to go. That being said, your point about other factors being far more important is well taken, and for the little bit I plan to play now, the difference between counts won't amount to a hill of beans anyway. But you know how we card counters tend to be; we want to do it exactly right even when it doesn't make a bit of difference.:) Seriously, I wonder what percentage of card counters have OCD. It would be interesting to know.

As a side note, I've enjoyed reading through your posts over the years (I haven't played much, but I never lost interest!). I appreciate your honesty, and I get the feeling your approach to the game closely matches mine back in the day.
 
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Ryemo

Well-Known Member
#4
KewlJ said:
What count did you play when you counted "seriously"? I would recommend picking up that same count. Even if it has been years, it should come right back to you.

Despite a lot of 'noise' to the contrary, "what count you play is one of the least important decisions that you make". That is a bigplayer quote. If you have been away from the community for years, you might not know of bigplayer, but this quote is a good start to his valuable wisdom.

So pick a count that you re comfortable with (assuming you are not considering one of the subpar things like speed count of A-5) and move on to more important things like game selection, identifying casino comfort/tolerance levels and figuring how you want to go about getting the money down. That is what is going to get you the money, not worrying about differences in count.
Agree 100%
 
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