Counting Cards

P

Portugal1

Member
hi, i was wondering which counting system would be best for a blackjack table with 4 decks

i am also very new to counting cards
 
Any system will work, but two of the easiest to use are HiLo, KO. That is where most people get started.

-Sonny-
 
books for those systems -

Sonny recommended two very good and simple starter systems that you can use to 1. gain an advantage at blackjack and 2. learn what you need to know beyong just the point values of the cards (risk of ruin, betting methods, etc) without getting frustrated at the difficulty of the count system.

HiLo is a balanced count (total of the running count is 0 at the end of a deck, and during a shoe you need to divide your running count by # decks remaining to get the "true" count). The book describing this count system in detail is Stanford Wong's "Professional Blackjack".

KO (Knock Out Blackjack) is an unbalanced count (running count at the end of a deck is not equal to 0, and you don't need to do any division by # decks remaining to get any type of true count). The book describing this system is "Knock Out Blackjack" by Olaf Vancura and Ken Fuchs.

rukus
 
An unbalanced system can be just as powerful as a balanced system but it will be a bit easier. A balanced system will make it easier to use more advanced techniques though. If you just want to learn how to count cards then I would suggest an unbalanced system, but if you plan on getting serious about beating the game then you should think about using a balanced system. Also, you should probably avoid systems that use an ace side count.

-Sonny-
 
Portugal1 said:
k , thanks alot

ill start practicing
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don't make the mistake that most people who come here asking for advice do... make sure to buy the recommended books for the systems you're interested in. Not only will "KO blackjack" teach you the KO system, it will also give you a great introduction to lots of other things you will need to know - like a firm foundation in basic strategy, like bankroll requirements, like cover play, etc.... spending $15 on a book is a worthwhile investment, don't just rely on what you read on message boards, thinking you're going to save a buck or two.
 
i was wondering why there is true count, and at what point in a game should i wong in,

for example should i join in at +8?
 
Portugal1 said:
i was wondering why there is true count, and at what point in a game should i wong in,

for example should i join in at +8?
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It depends on your bankroll and your desired RoR. However, I've heard people say that +2 TC is standard. You can bump it to +3 to reduce RoR and increase EV, but you'll be playing less hands per hour. If I'm off track here someone fix me. I'm still learning.
 
Win Rate Calculator

Portugal1 said:
i was also wondering how much do you guys usually make an hour?

also
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Here's a link to a win rate calculator:

(Dead link: http://www.bjstats.com/bjbr.asp)

I'm new, too, and learned a lot just by playing with this calculator.

What I learned:

8D games suck
A bigger Bank Roll is better
The Illustrious 18 + Fab 4 adds significantly to your expected value

Good luck.

BJinNJ :cool:
 
Portugal1 said:
i was also wondering how much do you guys usually make an hour?

also
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Double your minimum bet per hour is a simple way to look at it, but it can vary ALOT based on how you bet, and how many spots you play, and how many people are at the table with you on average.

i make ~35/hour

BJinNJ said:
Here's a link to a win rate calculator:

8D games suck

BJinNJ :cool:
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yo if your in nj you gotta make the best fo them, just be savy about them and squeez them for every ounce of ev they have.
 
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Ferretnparrot said:
yo if your in nj you gotta make the best fo them, just be savy about them and squeez them for every ounce of ev they have.
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AC or CT are closest. Any decent 6D games in AC? The difference between
6D and 8D is significant.
My folks retired to AZ, so trips out west are possible, once I learn some ropes.
I also spent time in Biloxi, before casinos were built. Good to see the Gulf
Coast from time to time, too. Hurricanes suck, though. Hope they're
recovering steadily.

BJinNJ :cool:
 
BJinNJ said:
AC or CT are closest. Any decent 6D games in AC? The difference between
6D and 8D is significant.
My folks retired to AZ, so trips out west are possible, once I learn some ropes.
I also spent time in Biloxi, before casinos were built. Good to see the Gulf
Coast from time to time, too. Hurricanes suck, though. Hope they're
recovering steadily.

BJinNJ :cool:
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borgata has best 6D game in town.. min's are typically $15 and up, though $25 is often the norm, even on random night grave shifts.
 
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