KO vs. Hi-Lo

If anyone can help me out...I have two questions:

1) Which system do you recommend for a beginner counter: KO or Hi-Lo? What are the advantages of one system over the other?

2) I was reading about the KO system, and I saw something about KO Rookie, which said to use 2 bets, a low bet and a high bet, with the high bet being used when you hit the key count. I was wondering what the more elaborate version of the KO bet spread is. I play in a six-deck game, which means my Initial Running Count is -20 and the Key Count is -4. At what counts do I increase my bets? Assume that I use a 1-5 spread for the time being.

...thanks

I believe HiLo is a bit more powerful than KO, but it is also much more complicated compared to KO, because TC conversion and the indices.

I would suggest HiLo but it really is a thing of personal of preference.

KO and Hi-Lo are nearly identical in performance. Hi-lo usually sims out slightly better than KO, although in some game situations KO edges out Hi-Lo. In no case is the difference significant.

KO, with it's lack of a true count conversion, and reduced, rounded indice matrix is considerably easier to learn.

Hi-Lo has been around a lot longer, and there is much information available on it.

So, it is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people have no trouble with a true count conversion, or memorizing lots of index numbers. For them, Hi-Lo is probably the best. OTOH, if you find yourself struggling with a true count conversion, then KO is the count for you.

In KO, you normally start ramping your bet up once you get above the key count, reaching your max bet at slightly above the pivot point. However, you'd better spread more than 1-5 on a six deck shoe if you expect to make any money.

I use KO exclusivly. There is however an adjustment you should make. I have modified my IRC from -20 to -30 so I don't have to work with negative numbers. What you consider -4 for me is 14. When you finally get to +1 I am at 9. So I almost never had to deal with - to +. But, there is something you should know. John Auston (who is a very respected stat man who works with Don Schlesinger) indicated in a thread on RGE21 that at -4 it is only a coin flip, and the advantage starts in Ko 6 deck game at 0 to +1. Keep that in mind.
If you are starting out I stongly suggest you subscribe to BJ Forum which will give you access to rge21. I find in these free rooms you get alot of opinions,(some good, some not so good) in RGE you get the facts. When you get an opinion that is incorrect, Don steps up to the plate and corrects it. I'm just giving you advice that I wish someone would have given me sooner.
Regards
Hollywood