Basic Strategy

[MGM_Grand]

Hello all- new here/..

-Quick question regarding BS and counting methods in general.
I started learning the ropes a couple of weeks ago, and was just wondering if someone could redirect me from learning the current system that I am.

I'm referring to a book titled 'The Counting Game' [An Accountant Reveals How To Win At Blackjack'], by Alan Berg.

His methods seem quite advanced, as it's not a simple Hi-Lo system, rather different values of up to +/- 3 that are assigned to different cards. I've stuck with the book for the time being as it's well written I feel, though I did wonder if anyone had any immediate bad views on this book or particular method.

Also, coming back to my initial topic of BS, the book does have a BS table included, but it doesn't feature hands that make up 5 [2, 3], 6 [2, 4] or 7 [3, 4].

I initially thought to assume that [A, 4], [A, 5] and [A, 6] would represent these hands, but then thought surely this wouldn't be the case as the Ace must have a bearing somewhere which would obviously be inaccurate if the hands didn't feature them.


Appreciate any tips in advance!


Thanks

 

[EasyRhino]

I'm not familiar with that book. So I recommend following up with a known-good book like Blackjack Bluebook or Blackbelt in Blackjack. And I wouldn't recommend trying to learn an advance count from the scratch.

Hard 5,6,7 aren't listed on most basic strategy charts because the answer is always "hit".

Soft totals and pairs might get special treatment, though.

 

[MGM_Grand]

Thanks,

One more thing. Does a particular counting system affect the way you should play in terms of deviations etc...

For instance, I'm currently learning the following system:
2 & 8 = +1
3,4,6,7 = +2
5 = +3
9 = -1
10/J/Q/K = -3
A = 0


But, if I decide to start learning deviation rules from a book that also teaches counting using the HI-LO system, will my strategy become flawed?

 

[callipygian]

will my strategy become flawed?

Yes. Each system will have its own set of indices.

I strongly recommend you start with a simple system like Hi-Lo. Once you have gotten the hang of things, graduate to a level 3 count then.

You the equivalent of a 16-year-old who's looking into NASCAR racing before he's gotten his learner's permit.

 

[johndoe]

It should also be pointed out that relatively few experienced counters use such advanced systems; most just use hi-lo. With perfect play the earning difference is minuscule, and an advanced count is highly subject to errors, which get expensive.

I would recommend dumping this count system and stick to the well known books.

 

[cardcounter0]

For instance, I'm currently learning the following system:
2 & 8 = +1
3,4,6,7 = +2
5 = +3
9 = -1
10/J/Q/K = -3
A = 0

This count system is absolutely terrible. I don't even want to start listing all the reasons.

 

[FLASH1296]

CardCounterO is correct

No, you are not stuck with that book.
That book is no place for a novice to start.

Buy: Blackbelt in Blackjack"

http://product.half.ebay.com/Blackbelt-in-Blackjack_W0QQprZ30782081QQtgZinfo

You actually asked what to do with hands like 3.2, 4,5, etc,
Were you kidding?
Think about it.
You do not have a hand yet.
It is like having one card.
You just hit and proceed.
You had no options anyway.
What were you thinking about ?
Doubling Down on a hard 5 ?

 

[Simpau]

The counting game was a good read, but it's more like a book of blackjack tales. If I recall the system he uses is RPC. There is very little detail on the system or how it is used. You are better with BBIBJ as suggested or Fred Renzeys BlackJack Bluebook II, they will guide you step by step rather than jumping in at the deep end.

 

[nuvi]

Basic strategy can be difficult to memorize if you are just staring at a chart. If you are unsure about 5, 6, and 7, it's probably worth checking out http://www.hitorsplit.com. The site has a basic strategy game and trainer. And you can even customize the hands you are dealt. That way you don't have to sit through all of the hands that you know inside out, just to be tested occasionally on the difficult ones.

-nuvi
www.hitorsplit.com