2 Questions for Stanford Wong

Hi Stanford

1. Under these conditions, (6 deck shoe game AC) In using the KO system, at what point in the count would you go from one hand to two? ( Naturally, I would have a higher bet out at this point)

2. In Blackjack Attack, Mr. Schlesinger indicates regardless of how much better the count is getting, he will not increase his bet after a losing hand. Do you agree with this? And do you agree with not decreasing your bet after a winning hand, regardless if the count got worse?

Thank you for your time

SW doesn't usually answer questions of this nature on the free pages. I suggest a membership to BJ21 so you can ask on the green chip pages.

SW's area of expertise isn't the KO system, but according to most experts if you're heads up it's better to play 1 spot, if not heads up it's better to play 2 spots in all positive counts and cut back to 1 hand in negative counts (and let the other players eat the bad cards.) Some players like to play 2 spots in neutral counts to eat up moderately negative ev rounds quickly and then consolidate to 1 spot (when heads up) to conserve cards in high counts.

Regarding Don's book, not raising or lowering bets has to do with a cover strategy in which Don is fully aware of the costs...it has nothing to do with EV. Don has simply made the decision to get more EV through maximizing hours played (without getting backed off)rather than through maximizing EV though slash & burn play style. There are opponents and proponents of both techniques.`

I don't know what SW would say, but I start spreading to two hands in six-deckers when I reach the key count or better. I will mix up my bets a little and don't spead to two hands every time at the key count, but I will pop them out soon once the key count is reached and will always have two hands on the table by the time the pivot is reached.

Don's style of betting is one that is used by a lot of players, but there are many good players who don't subscribe to his method of betting. There is a cost to Don's style and he is well aware of it, but proponents of that style of betting will say that it is better to lose some EV and gain longevity.