Card Counting
April 28th, 2010 at 7:23:34 AM
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I've got a few questions for any experienced card counters out there (Wizard I'm looking at you) -
1) Can you describe the KO counting method? I understand it's just the Hi-Lo count with 7's included, but how does one adjust for the extra +4 in each deck. What would be the initial count to start with for 1,2,4, and 8 deck BJ? Are the index numbers the same as for the Hi-Lo system? Is this system substantially less powerful than the Hi-Lo?
2) What are things to avoid while counting to avoid heat? Is there a maximum spread that should be used (5x seems to be pretty popular)? Would a pit boss really care if someone was counting at a low minimum (say $5 or $10) table while keeping their spread reasonable?
3) Are there any particular Vegas casinos where one is more likely to be backed off of?
Thanks in advance for any help.
1) Can you describe the KO counting method? I understand it's just the Hi-Lo count with 7's included, but how does one adjust for the extra +4 in each deck. What would be the initial count to start with for 1,2,4, and 8 deck BJ? Are the index numbers the same as for the Hi-Lo system? Is this system substantially less powerful than the Hi-Lo?
2) What are things to avoid while counting to avoid heat? Is there a maximum spread that should be used (5x seems to be pretty popular)? Would a pit boss really care if someone was counting at a low minimum (say $5 or $10) table while keeping their spread reasonable?
3) Are there any particular Vegas casinos where one is more likely to be backed off of?
Thanks in advance for any help.
May 1st, 2010 at 9:59:35 AM
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I can't answer all of your questions, but I think I can help a little. I don't know the theory behind it, but somehow unbalancing the count by adding in 7's makes it so you don't have to figure a true count. You have to use something called an initial running count (IRC) to compensate for the extra + cards. Ignore it in single deck (start at a count of 0) but for every deck in the shoe over 1, subtract four from the IRC. In other words, in a double deck start off the top of the deck at a count of -4, 6 deck shoe start at a count of -20, etc.
I can't speak to what betting ramp to use with KO, but I've been recommended a 12 unit betting ramp in the past. I'm a Hi-Lo counter too. Obviously, a 12 unit betting ramp is a tad more obvious. Keeping to the $5 tables would be the best way to go with that strategy.
Quoting Hollywood Dave, every time you stray from counting strategy you improve your cover, but you give up your advantage. I'd keep to low tables, vary times and areas of the casino you play in, and go balls out not trying to hide at all. But then again, I'm cheap and don't want to give up any advantage :-)
And, on a side, if you don't know it, look up the Illustrious 18. Just another way to improve your edge slightly. Hope this helps!
I can't speak to what betting ramp to use with KO, but I've been recommended a 12 unit betting ramp in the past. I'm a Hi-Lo counter too. Obviously, a 12 unit betting ramp is a tad more obvious. Keeping to the $5 tables would be the best way to go with that strategy.
Quoting Hollywood Dave, every time you stray from counting strategy you improve your cover, but you give up your advantage. I'd keep to low tables, vary times and areas of the casino you play in, and go balls out not trying to hide at all. But then again, I'm cheap and don't want to give up any advantage :-)
And, on a side, if you don't know it, look up the Illustrious 18. Just another way to improve your edge slightly. Hope this helps!
