Right now I am practicing the Zen count, and I can count down a deck in 30 seconds, one card at a time. Should I practice counting two cards at a time? I know some cards will cancel out and give a count of 0, however, some cards will create a two card total of 4, 3 and -3 and -4. Is it necessary to practice counting two cards at a time for a level two counting system?
newbiecounter, Yes you should learn to count the cards in groups of two or more. Not only is it a little easier, due to the cancelling effect, it's also the way you'll want to count in a casino. In a game where the cards are dealt face down you'll find it much easier to count the players cards when they are turned over both at the same time. For games dealt face up you can just give a quick glance to all the hands once the dealer has finished dealing.
You will actually be doubling the amount of work you have to do if you choose to just count one at a time. Believe me you'll get to the point where when just looking at a certain combination causes the total to pop into your head automatically. You'll also be much faster. Good luck and hit 'em hard, The Side
there is no doubt you should practice two cards at a time. Just adding on to what sidewinder had to say...it helps your camoflage when you can keep talking or look away from the table when the dealer deals out the first card to everyone. Once he deals the second it only takes a glance and you know the rc. I hit AC when i was at your spot (one deck in 30 sec/1 card) and i struggled! Once I practiced 2 and 3 cards at a time it got easy as pie.
Good Luck!
When the dealer turns over a B.J. the cards are swept up quickly, so anything you can do to speed up your calculations is essential for accurate play.
For practice, deal the cards out as if playing at a full table with each spot getting two cards. Scan the cards then sweep them up. Count the swept cards to see how accurate you were. Just keep plugging away until you feel ready to attack the casinos. Improvement comes quickly and its a lot cheaper than learning at the real tables
Frenchman
