number: Stand (or double or split) at a count per deck equal to or greater than the number, hit (or do not split) at a count per deck less than the number.
An examples in an H17 game would be:
Hard 15 vs A surrender at 0
When I play the first hand of a six deck shoe say I am dealt 87 and the dealer shows an A. I have a running count of -1. Technically the count is now below 0, however the count per deck is still closest to 0. Should I surrender or hit in this situation?
I realize the actual value of either play is probably very close and with a smallish bet on the first hand of the shoe it probably isn't the factor that will determine your success, however I wonder about this every time it comes up.
Thanks to anyone who can offer advice,
TJ.