My question concerns the best bet spreads for a multi-decker with wonging out at a true count of -1. It is my understanding that when playing all counts, the bet spread at a shoe game must be a minimum of 1-12 and preferably 1-16 or, some have even said, as high as 1-20. Given a large enough bankroll, this strategy is not a problem, but with even moderate bankroll constraints a spread of 1-20 at a $10 or $15 game becomes unthinkable.
An alternate strategy, backcounting until a positive count has been reached before playing, has its own share of problems, including being ineffective in crowded conditions, drawing scrutiny from casino staff, and often demanding very long periods of waiting before a positive count is reached.
The middle ground between these two tactics is playing at a zero count but not at any negative counts, in order that one may play off the top. Using this strategy, the bet spread need not be as high as for play all. However, just how high does it need to be? Will 1-4 suffice, as it does for single deck games, or does wonging out not produce that much advantage, and the spread must be higher?
N.B. The playing conditions at my casino of choice, Foxwoods, are as follows: S17, DAS, DOA, S4, late surrender, penetration uncertain (somewhere between 75% and 85%). Under those rules, the off the top house advantage is 0.357%. The question, however, may also be generalized to any multi-deck game.
An alternate strategy, backcounting until a positive count has been reached before playing, has its own share of problems, including being ineffective in crowded conditions, drawing scrutiny from casino staff, and often demanding very long periods of waiting before a positive count is reached.
The middle ground between these two tactics is playing at a zero count but not at any negative counts, in order that one may play off the top. Using this strategy, the bet spread need not be as high as for play all. However, just how high does it need to be? Will 1-4 suffice, as it does for single deck games, or does wonging out not produce that much advantage, and the spread must be higher?
N.B. The playing conditions at my casino of choice, Foxwoods, are as follows: S17, DAS, DOA, S4, late surrender, penetration uncertain (somewhere between 75% and 85%). Under those rules, the off the top house advantage is 0.357%. The question, however, may also be generalized to any multi-deck game.
