Alternative card counting

My home casino deals a $25-$300 single deck game with the following rules:

3:2 BJ, H17, DAS, no RSA, D9-11 only, approx 70% penetration (almost always two hands/shuffle never more), and all player cards dealt face up. Based on the Wizard's calculator, I come up with a HA of 0.165%.

I've dabbled with card counting in the past, but a desire to engage fellow players has caused me to have difficulty keeping an accurate count. I've been thinking about a simplified counting scheme for use with this game. I will start with a set bet within my comfort range, say $75, on the first hand and follow basic strategy (with obvious exceptions for missing cards). Based on the total number of cards dealt to the 5 player spots and the dealer in the first hand, I will then either leave my bet at $75 or increase or decrease my bet 3X on the second hand. My thinking is that there is a range X such that if more than high X cards came out in hand 1, there are almost certainly relatively more high cards left. Conversely, if less than low X cards came out, there are relatively more small cards left.

That would leave only one thing to have to track in that first hand (the number of cards dealt), which would free my mind to watch for cards that would change playing strategy as well as chat with the players around me. With the HA already low at .165%, I wouldn't really even need all that much certainty of the count in order to vary my bet based on the number of cards. If this range could accurately predict the count with 70% certainty, that would probably be sufficient.


I'm finding that given all the possibilities where high cards come out in a a high number hand (lots of 3-6 card, 24-26 count breaks) and low cards come out in a low number hand (lots of 2 card 12-21 counts standing), I lack the mathematical/C++ skill to find X. Can anyone help me with that?

My friend and I have talked about using a similar strategy (and even tested it out a little bit in November). The strategy would allow for socializing but with the added benefit of a somewhat better edge. I'm not as well versed in the technicalities as rdw4potus seems to be, but I would also appreciate any feedback from other members!

I can understand and appreciate what you're trying to do, but I can't recommend it. Based on how you're describing it, this game sounds wide open to be torn apart. If you simplify your counting you'll damage your advantage. Instead, I'd recommend some more research on you're part. First, look into the Knock out system. It's the simplest I've heard of, and may accomplish what you're wanting without hurting your edge. I don't know if this will mean anything to you, but here it is in a nutshell:

2:+1
3:+1
4:+1
5:+1
6:+1
7:+1
8:0
9:0
10:-1
A:-1

With a double deck you'll start at a running count of -4, then you don't have to figure a true count. I use hi-lo, so I'm not sure if the betting ramp I use fits with Knock Out. You'll have to research that for yourself. But, if you start at $25 instead of $75, you'll perfectly have room for a 12 unit betting ramp.

I know you're looking to keep it simple, but if you do your research, these odds could net you a pretty awesome advantage. I'd also recommend researching the Illustrious 18 to gain even more of an edge on the house. Problem is, you'll have to think. Hope this helps!

I have a program that allows you to practice counting with any number of rule and decks (it's a free demo version, but it more than gets the job done). I have to agree. There is no need to simplify your counting, even though if you're just looking for fun and to have a small edge, and not really beat the game into submission, you might as well. Hi-lo is easy enough with some practice. I suggest finding the casino verite blackjack demo, setting up the rules, adding 3 AI players, and ramping up the speed. It also keeps count with you, so you can check.

Also, with one deck, I suggest counting aces specifically, too. I'm not too well read on blackjack counting, but there are a lot of systems that do this. If you want a simplified version, be sure to make aces more than just -1, as you cannot gain an advantage if there are no aces in the deck.

If its a single deck game and your only going ot have two dealsout of it- why not just do a simple count of faces and aces which are readily seen (tens too if you perfer more tracking)- and if the first hand you see less then 10 used then the second hand delt will be 10/a heavy. considering a 70% cut from the deck you could adjust the number to if 7 or less are used = 10/a heavy deck. all it woudl take is a quick scan of the counter after that first hand and you dont have to worry about more details because your only going into two hands before reshuffle.

Quote: Malaru

If its a single deck game and your only going ot have two dealsout of it- why not just do a simple count of faces and aces which are readily seen (tens too if you perfer more tracking)- and if the first hand you see less then 10 used then the second hand delt will be 10/a heavy. considering a 70% cut from the deck you could adjust the number to if 7 or less are used = 10/a heavy deck. all it woudl take is a quick scan of the counter after that first hand and you dont have to worry about more details because your only going into two hands before reshuffle.

Heh... Single Deck... I read that I swear :-). Anyway, as to what I said earlier, I was thinking double deck for some reason. If you use the knock out on single deck there's no initial running count. Start at 0.

As to all of this, Malaru's right, there are a lot of way where you could boost your own advantage somewhat without having to think too hard. I think what I'm trying to say is that a skilled counter could tear this game apart. It seems a shame to give up on such an opportunity for the sake of conversation. Of course, I suppose that's the nature of an Advantage Player, we think only of edge.

I love counting on low deck tables because you don't have to wait for your edge. It's frustrating to have a running count of +12 or something, but have to divide it by 4 decks for a true count of a measly +3. If you get two hands out of a deck and the first hand swings heavily positive, you get a great edge. And, on the other side of that coin, if the deck swings negative, you suddenly have to go to the bathroom. And you only have to wait one hand to find out.

Also, I should mention, my earlier post only scratches the surface of Knock Out. If you really want to use it I'd strongly recommend some more research. But, If you already have some card counting knowledge, the above breakdown and knowing you don't need to worry about finding a true count should suffice to get you somewhere.