I looked but

The index for stay on 16 w/o ls is 0 but does that mean if the running count is 1 to stand? Or if the true count is one stand? If the index is 2 do you deviate from bs at 3 or in between 2 and 3? I seriously tried to find out myself.

For most indices, if the TC is equal to or greater than the stated index in the literature, you alter basic strategy.

The content of your post makes no sense. Stand on 16 versus dealer's what? Ten? Nine? Ace?

The index for 16 v. 9 = 5, and 16 v. 10 = 0. This is for Hi-Lo.

So in that case you would stand when the running count is 0. I read different accounts online so that's why I am confused.

> I seriously tried to find out myself.

You sound a little gun shy! :)

Unless you are using an unbalanced count (KO, etc) anytime you see a reference to an index number to deviate from basic strategy it will always be referring to the TC .. never the RC. In a balanced count system, like HiLo, the RC is useless .. except for it's use in deriving the TC.

Good luck.

You "read different accounts online so that's why" you need to buy Wong's Professional Blackjack and read it. Many of your questions will be answered in that text. Don't rely on the courtesy of others to reprint this information on the web or spoon feed it to you on the boards. The book is only $19.95 and worth every penny.

-Shaggy

It's pretty dangerous to apply Bravo's rule (alter BS when count exceeds index). For example, if the index is -5, you always do BS when the count exceeds the index.

The rule is, "do positive action" when the true count equals or exceeds the index. The confusing thing is "stand" is a positive action, in this case. You take insurance, split, surrender, double down, or stand when the TC > index. There are a few exceptions to this known as "reverse indices," such as 8-8 vs. T and 8-8 vs. 9, but you shouldn't be worrying about those at this point.

You should learn to "floor" your TC. That means you always round it down to the next lowest whole number. +2.89 becomes +2, -2.89 becomes -3.

So with hard 16 vs. 10, for any positive TC (and if the RC is positive, so is the TC, like bp said), you stand unless you have a pair of 8's, in which case you split.

ETF

"For most indices..." If you'll re-read my post you will see that. I did not state that was the case for all incices, for that particular reason and I didn't want to take the time to look them all up. If Mr. Lee wishes to know those "reverse" indices he should go look them up himself.

You're statement may literally be true for "most indices," but just barely. I'm not just talking about reverse indices. There are many, many times when "alter basic if TC > index" is just plain wrong. For example, the index for doubling 10 vs. 8 is -4 (hi-lo, shoe game). When TC > -4 you don't "alter basic strategy," you double. Doubling is basic strategy. This is not an example of a reverse index.

Sorry, I don't know where you heard this rule, but it's misguided and dangerous.

ETF

I don't have a cc now so I have to get someone to order it for me. Wongs book, blackbelt in Blackjack 3rd editon, Blackjack attack, and Blackjack Zone. I won't go to the casino for at least a month and will study, study, study online and I will read the books. Are there any free counting games online since I don't have a cc and won't for a while?