Counting speed?

Using the KO system I am able to count down a single deck in about 26 seconds, and about 21 when turning over two cards at a time (this is on a computer simulation). I practice about an hour a day and don't seem to be getting any quicker - if I try and count quicker my brain does not seem to trust itself and I will stop to confirm the count, which usually turns out to be correct. Will practice stop me from doing this and thus enable me to count quicker? Also, is my current rate quick enough to perform in actual casino play? (I have never actually counted before at a casino). I feel confident I can keep up one on one with the dealer but not so with other players at the table. Any advice? (how about hypnosis!)

The main reason for developing super fast speed is so that it can become second nature when you have distractions. Shoe games with lots of players and a fast dealer can be the biggest test for your speed. If they are too fast then just switch to the pitch game form of counting. Count your hand first, then the dealer's upcard, and then each player starting at first base as they are playing their hand. When playing shoe games I usually count each card as it comes out, but have switched to pitch style counting in some cases.

What also may cause problems is with change of pace. YOu may be able to handle a fast dealer no problem. But if you play at the table for an hour with a slower dealer, and then a fast dealer comes in as a replacement, it often takes a while to adjust to the new dealer's speed. If this happens you can again switch to the pitch style of counting.

26 seconds for one deck is marginally acceptable to get by in a casino.

You need some real world experience. Don't expect to make money. Treat it as a self-training session. If you have a local casino, go sit at bj table with the lowest minimum. Don't play the first few hands. Tell the dealer you havewn't made up your mind if you want to play - that you want to see if the table is hot. After a few hands you will be more comfortable with the flow of cards and the process. Start betting table minimum. Do not vary your bet with the count. Flat bet, keep the count, and play perfect basic strategy. You theoretical expected loss at a $2, $3 or $5 minimum table is very low.

Meanwhile continue to practice at home. It should improve gradually as you begin to instantly recognize two cards (one hi, one lo) that cancel each other out, allowing you to move very quickly to the next pair of cards during practice.

Flat minimum betting in real-life conditions enables you to count without the pressure of wondering whether you're perfectly right or not, minimum money is at risk, and it gets you used to real-life counting.

I've found that a program called Smartcards is excellent for card counting practice. It has different card distribution layouts pre-programmed and you can adjust the speed and the even the length of their appearance. I particularly like the "flash" style of counting which teaches you to recognise cards that momentarily appear.

I practice a little every day, and it gives me confidence knowing that I'm getting the count right all the time.

When I started learning how to count, I found that practicing with distractions made me faster. Try counting while on the telephone or with the tv or radio on. AT first, your count probably will not be accurate. Bu if you alternate with practicing with and without distractions, you will likely get faster (and more accurate)at doing both. At least I know I did.

21 Fan

P.S. Nice to be back here again. :)