K-O: Wonging in

Assuming a non-existent bankroll (i.e. playing with very little money and with no intention of realising a profit because the goal is to get some casino practice), at what point should I enter a shoe game?

I understand that the point at which the player first has the advantage is the key count. However, this might not always be the case as the accuracy of the KC varies according to where the player is in the game (earlier in the shoe more profitable whilst towards the end of the shoe it might be negative). Can anyone give me more accurate guidelines as to when the KC is advantageous?

On the other hand, the pivot point is the most accurate value irrespective of location, so it seems the best point to enter a game. Would you agree?

The key count is more than accurate enough for you especially if you are only trying to get practice in the casino. Your advantage at the key count will vary slightly depending on the conditions such as number of decks, penetration and rules.

If you used the pivot point to wong in, you probably won't play that many hands because you will be waiting longer for the count to get higher to enter the game.

You can find out more accurately the advantage at the key count by buying a BJ simulation program like CVCX. Reading the book "The Color of Blackjack" would also be a good idea.

Yes, I use the PP to wong in because then if the count drops during subsequent hands it might still not drop below the KC, or the cut card is usually reached. I don't want to play in non-advantageous counts because as I mentioned I don't have the bankroll to vary bets and sustain variance.

The way I play now does look off because I back count a lot and the count rarely remains at or above the KC, so I end up not playing at all. I think if I entered at the KC and left whenever the count lessened it would look very strange, especially since there's usually only one table playing.

As you said yourself there is a problem with the key count in KO. Early in the shoe it is too conservative and towards the end you might even be in negative terrytory.
For your case, I think the RedSeven-count would be best. Starting at
-12 and betting as soon as it gets to 0 or better would ensure you an advantage of at least 0.5% every time you bet.

Francis Salmon