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Edited by Kapil334 at 27-12-2023 06:33 AM
Maybe recently I had good luck, but yesterday and today, things changed. I got wiped out by three casinos in a row, all playing blackjack. Fortunately, the losses weren't too big, $250. I decided to take a break today and write this here, hoping it might be useful for everyone. In the words of a forum I often visit, let's call it 'accumulating some good luck.' Hopefully, this will help me turn things around and avoid continued bad luck.
Today, I'll talk about the counting system in blackjack. There are many different algorithms for card counting, and evaluating one comes down to three main factors: betting efficiency, playing efficiency, and insurance efficiency. Betting efficiency tells you when to bet big and when to bet small. Playing efficiency adjusts your basic strategy based on the count, telling you when to hit on 12 against 5, for example, and when to double on 10 against 10. Insurance efficiency guides you on when to take insurance.
Among these factors, betting efficiency and playing efficiency are the most important, but no counting method excels in both. They are somewhat conflicting since an increase in one often means a decrease in the other. This is primarily due to the presence of Aces. While an Ace is excellent for betting efficiency, as it increases your chances of hitting a blackjack, it's less advantageous when it comes to playing efficiency since it can lead to difficult decisions, like doubling down on 11 against an Ace. Therefore, your choice of counting method should align with the specific game rules.
In general, for 6-deck or 8-deck blackjack, betting efficiency takes precedence. This means focusing on when to bet big or small is more critical than how you play your hands. In 2-deck or 1-deck blackjack, playing efficiency becomes more crucial, and you should select a counting method that excels in that area. Taking practicality into account, I'll share the counting system I often use. In 6-deck games, I use the Hi-Lo count, excluding 7, with 10s and Aces counted as -1, and 2-6 counted as +1. Some methods swap 2 and 7, but the difference is minimal, and both 2 and 7 slightly favor the dealer, while 9 favors the player. So, the choice between them isn't too critical.
In 2-deck games, I modify this algorithm to include a side count for Aces. This means I have two counting systems in my head: one that considers Aces and another that doesn't. In the latter, 10s count as -1, and 3-6 count as +1. This non-Ace count determines my playing strategy. It may seem challenging, but it's manageable since Aces are relatively rare in these games, and I often use my fingers to help with counting.
Obviously, this approach is more demanding to master, but it's only necessary for 2-deck or 1-deck games, where the presence of Aces significantly affects your advantage. In 6-deck games, using Aces as a side count has less impact because Aces are more prevalent and less predictable.
If you're interested in blackjack, make sure to focus on how to play 2-deck or 1-deck games. A well-structured game with favorable rules can lead to substantial profits. When I started in the casino, I lost some money in 2-deck games due to poor penetration, and I realized it wasn't worth it. Now I'm looking for a good 2-deck game in Las Vegas. By using a side count for Aces and employing a 1-8 betting spread, it's almost a guaranteed win. The card trends in 2-deck games are easier to predict.
So, if you want to study blackjack, concentrate on how to play 2-deck or 1-deck games. When you encounter these favorable conditions, you'll make a profit. Finally, for occasional blackjack players who don't want to dive deep into counting or find it challenging, here's a simple counting method: the A-5 count. It's straightforward—just observe if Aces or 5s are appearing more frequently. If 5s are more common, consider slightly increasing your bets in the next round. If Aces have appeared a lot, bet less. The reason is simple: Aces are favorable for players, while 5s are advantageous for the dealer. If you apply a 1-2 betting spread, this straightforward method can at least help you break even in good games. However, it's very basic, so it's best suited for occasional players, those who don't want to learn counting, or those who struggle with it.
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Post time 29-9-2023 17:18:42
