Hey yall, I've been a reader of the site for awhile and a student of blackjack on and off for a couple of years, but this is my first post (hopefully more will come and perhaps someday I can contribute). I am an occasional casino player (I'm a student with little free time and less money), but mostly counting cards is a hobby simply because it gives me something to practice and it is something of a challenge. I've read a few books on the game and done some research and from what I've read I'm fairly satisfied with a level one system, and really want to have something I can use and enjoy with minimal fatigue and still maybe make a little profit. The heart of my issue is that I know two systems- I learned hi-lo several years ago when I first started learning to count but never practiced much and never really used it and I recently learned and started using K-O and have become pretty ok with it I think (I count down a deck in 20-25 seconds usually and I know the prefered index).
I've seen all of the math and know the two systems are mathematically quite even, but I'd love some input on which to choose from more experienced players. I have no real objections to expending a little extra effort to switch (this mostly an academic exercise after all) if its worth it. The unbalanced count idea feels strangely uncomfortable and I feel like I can't really backcount as effectively with it, but its super simple to keep up with and I'm already moderately versed in it. Hi-Lo adds the extra element of TC conversion (which I'm sure I could learn, but its something else to practice), but it seems clearer and perhaps better for backcounting if I can learn to be accurate with my TC estimations.
I suppose overall I'm satisfied with K-O so far, but I know there are many doubters out there who seem to know more than me. I would love some input about which route to take from some more experienced players. Thanks in advance to the help and dealing with my rambling first post!