Of the books on counting I've read, some count sevens as +1, some as 0. Which is it? Thanks so much in advance.
As far as level one counts, Hi/lo and Hi Opt I don't counts 7's. KO, Uston adv. +/- and Silver Fox, among others, count the 7's as +1. I can't think of any level 2 counts that don't count the 7's. Counting the 7's is better for playing efficiency, but isn't necessary. Hi/Lo and Hi Opt I are both very good counts. Hi/Lo is the most popular system there is, it's basically the industry standard, and it doesn't count 7's. It depends on what kind of games you'll be going against. Assuming you're using a level one count, if you're playing shoes, you don't need a high playing efficiency. A high BC is what you're after. Against hand held games(single, double deck) is where the higher PE comes in useful. If you're gonna be using a level two count, then it's not an issue, becuase the system will be counting 7's regardless.
MC
What count systems do you use? (to misfitcounter)
Thanks for the quick response! That does help me out as I will be playing out of 6-deck shoes.
My first system was KO. I wanted to stay simple but add the better accuracy of a balanced count, so I decided on Hi/Lo. I'm of the opinion that "Simplicity is Power", so I stick with a level one count. I think simple and powerful is the best way to go. And for the vast majority of people, a level two system with an Ace side count, like Hi Opt II is not simple.
M
