Weigh in on this

[tedloc]

If the count gets negative we lower our bet, Right? Do any of you change basic strategy, when it gets negative? Example... I have an 11, against the dealer 10 and the count is -4 in a two deck game. Both players to my right hit and get 10's making it -6. Should we still double or should we use the same philosophy that we use for betting.

 

[FrankieT]

just hit, the true count is -6 now so you would just hit and not double, every card you see adds to your count, so knowing what you know now you wouldn't double. I use the chart in the back of Blackwoods book which shows you should only hit with 11 vs 10 with a true count of -5 or lower. In blackjack knowledge is power

 

[double4more]

If you are counting cards, you are to deviate when the count calls for it. That means for both positive and negative counts.

 

[Canceler]

I'd love to see some negative indices for 6-deck KO. I know KO doesn't lend itself to that kind of thing, but a guy can dream, can't he?

 

[ScottH]

I'd love to see some negative indices for 6-deck KO. I know KO doesn't lend itself to that kind of thing, but a guy can dream, can't he?

I would think that for negative indexes you would have to do some sort of true count conversion. Because a running count of say, -10, doesnt really say much if you dont know how many decks have been played.

 

[E-town-guy]

Since your profit comes from big bets on positive counts varying your Basic Strategy at negative counts, when you should be avoiding play or betting the minimum, wouldn't affect your EV much.

 

[Sonny]

...varying your Basic Strategy at negative counts, when you should be avoiding play or betting the minimum, wouldn't affect your EV much.

That's true. Why worry about what you should do at a -10 count if you are going to Wong out long before that?

In general, negative indices do not add much to your EV (with the exception of a few of the Ill-18), but they can reduce your variance quite a bit if used properly. That can mean less variance, a lower ROR, and smaller bankroll requirements. It may even allow you to start using a higher unit size which will increase your EV greatly.

In general, however, there is only one negative index that you need to know: Wong Out!

-Sonny-