Level 3 counts

How much more advantage is really gained from a higher level counting system? Is it another whole percentage or two or more or less?

A level two count gets roughly two tenths of a percent increase in advantage. Going to a level 3 adds less than that to the advantage.

It depends on the game, spread, etc. but roughly:

Game X: Hi-Lo: .98% edge.
Same game RPC: 1.2% edge.
Same game Uston APC: 1.28% edge

If one count gets a 1% edge, while another gets 1.2%, don't downplay the differential.

The second permits a larger optimal bet for the same bankroll, and thus wins 20% more than does the first.

So, the difference can be appreciable. It's SCOREs that you want to compare, not percentage win rates.

Don

The increase in efficiency/return is worth it at a higher level, if, and only if, you are 100% as efficient in keeping count. No advantage is worth it if you are making even a few more errors.

Finding games that are worthwhile to play is also a deciding factor. Don says a 20% improvement should not be overlooked. That is true however just playing 20% more at the easier count brings in the same return. 12 minutes more per hour on average. Be easy on yourself.

I believe the sweet spot is a good level 2 ace reckoned count such as the RPC (lots of two card cancels), Zen (great count for any number of decks plus better insurance correlation), and also Mentor could be added to the list.

As Don mentioned, the extra %.2 edge adds up to real money over time. But to the original question, a level three count does add more edge and profit, but at a diminished rate.

Which system to use is the perpetual question beginning counters inquire about. When I started I used the RPC back in 1993. After taking intermittent breaks for college, work, the military, and then regrouping, I now use Hi-Lo. A big reason for this is that it is quick to teach others and there is a voluminous amount of Hi-Lo specific data in print.

I like Stanford's answer on pp. 213, 214 in Professional Blackjack;

"It does not matter much which counting system you use, as long as you are using something that compares high cards to low cards."

But if you are genetically predisposed with strong and quick math skills, there is good reason to use a two or three level count.

What scores should I be comparing?

... the entire SCORE chapter.

I'm sensing that you don't have the book.

Don