Do Hi-Lo indices vary based on the number of decks being used? I would assume for the most part the indices do not change, since the index number is the count PER DECK (or TC), but please let me know if this is incorrect.
-- Thanks, Homer J.
of index numbers for every game and rules set. There is a set for 1 deck H17 no DAS and another set for 2 Deck H17 DAS and another for 2 Deck S17 DAS...and so on.
Generally, learning the 4 deck strategy for your most common rules set is good enough. Then learn the S17/H17 and DAS/NDAS variations.
for certain plays.
Most important: insurance
Others:13 vs 3, 12 vs 2,3,4,5,6 11vA, 10v10, 10vA, 9v7
15v9, 15 v A
doesn't make a whole lot of difference though
One important reason for changes is dealer draw. The more decks, larger pool of cards to draw from.
Indexes depend something on the composition of the hands ebing considered. This composition can produce a change based on the number of decks.
Insurance is the most important example. Since there is always an Ace up when we take Insurance, we adjust the index based on the number of decks. The Ace contributes about 2/N to the index, where N is the number of decks. Hence you can use the approximation
Index = 10/3 - 2/N
Note that for 6 decks, the index is 3.0. For 1 deck it is about 1.3
Other than Insurance, most of the other indexes change very little.
Thanks for the responses... Are you saying that if I use the 4-deck indices provided in Professional Blackjack for a 6-deck game, they should be acceptable for the most part? Are there any variations in basic strategy that undergo large enough changes in index number (when comparing 4 and 6 deck), and are used frequently enough, that I should remember them (other than insurance)?
-- Thanks, Homer J.
There is little cost in using the wrong set of indexes. The only thing I change based on the number of decks is the Insurance index.
Use 3.0 for 6 decks.
