How to handle negative indices with Red7

[Cat_in_awe]

I'm using Red7 and have a collection of positive and negative indexes I'm using. (For 2-deck, the running count starts at -4 and I increase my bet at 0). I've grouped the positive indexes into two groups, 0 and 2, and that's the running count where I use those.

My question is about the negative indexes (again, two groups). Should I use those at -5 and -7 and use basic strategy between -4 and -1? Or kick in the negative indexes at -1 and -3, (or something else)?

I'm not doing any true count adjustments, just using the simple Red7 running count for all decisions.

 

[Homeschool]

You must be using Advanced Red 7 because standard Red 7 has no negative indicies. I've only been able to make minimal use of Snyder's confusing ass chart so I really am not familiar with most of them and don't have the book right off hand. The counts that have not reached the point of justifying index play changes would mean just using BS.

BTW, I remember reading somewhere that you should start ramping your bet up at -1, but can't remember where.

Homeschool

 

[Renzey]

BTW, I remember reading somewhere that you should start ramping your bet up at -1, but can't remember where.

That is right! Arnold conservatively has you wait until the TC reaches +2 (which always occurs at an RC of zero) before you increase your bets. But more yield can be gotten by beginning to ramp up at -1 RC. At that point, depending upon your current depth in the double deck, the TC will be +1.5 very early and +0.5 very late. That skimpy TC of +0.5 is with 70 cards in the discard tray, and is somewhat enhanced by the "floating advantage". Not many DD games get that deep anyway. If you're shaky about betting extra units into a TC of less than +1, then wait 'till zero RC when you're deep in the double deck.

With 6 decks, a Red 7 RC of -1 will be equal to a TC of between +1.8 and +1.3, the +1.3 coming late in the shoe with the floating advantage going for it.