Some Help?

I'm a starting-up card counter and Player living in the Phil. area. I spent months studying material by Richard Harvey ("BJ the Smart Way" and "Cutting Edge Blackjack") which basically doesn't emphasize factoring the count into your betting parameters. It seems clear to me though, that this is not the "typical method"!

It seems that this is a very busy message board with a lot of experienced (and helpful) players. I'm hopeful some questions can be answered.

1) If I'm willing to put in some time to learn/practice it, what count system is recommended for my use as a future player? (I'm currently using and practicing a system which counts 2-6 +1 7-9 0 and 10-A -1, but I don't know what the system is "called")

2) I plan to buy Stanford Wong's "bible" of blackjack, but realize that it was written some time ago. Still tried and true? Still the same basic system that you (successful players)use?

3) I assume I'm quite limited in that I'll be playing a lot of my games in AC where the best I can do is a 6 deck game. Can I still plan on success with practice or am I wasting my time ( and hopes...)

4) I'm not sure I'm comfortable yet with the table-hopping that I think they call "Wonging" ( in order to never bet with a negative count) and if so, is there a negative (true) count figure at which I should DEFINITELY leave the table? ( And what if this occurs in just the first few deals out of the shoe?)

Many questions for a new arrival, I know. Any sound advice would be greatly appreciated !!!

ps I'm also planning to purchase "The Hot Shoe" and join "Green Chip" before too long. (perhaps when I have more to contribute!)

Thanks Again,

Rookie

You're very first act should be to join GreenChip. Period. Seriously.

It will be the best purchase [read:VALUE] that your money can buy RIGHT NOW! When you need the most help. Don't worry about what you can contribute, as you will see once you join GC that GC and it's members, will be able to do more for you, then you for it, or them [us]. At least initially. Me, you'll probably be able to help, oh.....in a few hours or so, as I really need the help. :)

Once you join, then read all archives, everything you can....it will be hours, and days worth. From that, you can ask the same questions, and recieve a host of valuable responses.

That's it.

cheers
bfb

1) If I'm willing to put in some time to learn/practice it, what count system is recommended for my use as a future player? (I'm currently using and practicing a system which counts 2-6 +1 7-9 0 and 10-A -1, but I don't know what the system is "called")

This system is called Hi-Lo and is more than adequate for most situations. It is well worth your effort to learn. An alternative would be KO, which is easier because you don't have to make a true count conversion.

2) I plan to buy Stanford Wong's "bible" of blackjack, but realize that it was written some time ago. Still tried and true? Still the same basic system that you (successful players)use?

It is still true and a good reference. It uses the HiLo and (advanced) halves counts. HiLo is the standard against which all other systems are measured.

3) I assume I'm quite limited in that I'll be playing a lot of my games in AC where the best I can do is a 6 deck game. Can I still plan on success with practice or am I wasting my time ( and hopes...)

4) I'm not sure I'm comfortable yet with the table-hopping that I think they call "Wonging" ( in order to never bet with a negative count) and if so, is there a negative (true) count figure at which I should DEFINITELY leave the table? ( And what if this occurs in just the first few deals out of the shoe?)

If you are going to play shoes (which I recommend you do), you are going to have to wong. Otherwise you are wasting your time. I would recommend reading Blackjack Attack for techniques on this.

In any case, a good start is to read through GameMaster BJ School: http://bj21.com/gamemaster/gamemasterclassicsindex.shtml

If your first act should be to join Green Chip, your second act should be to immediately throw out the Richard Harvey books. You are not wasting anything, the money was wasted when you bought them.

Start first by collecting and reading books by Schlessinger, Wong, and Snyder. That will take awhile. If limited to playing 6D, consider the KO count in which case you will need the book Knock Out Blackjack by Vancura/Fuchs.

Good luck.

I used high/low for a long time and switched to halves based on Wong's suggestion that it gives you more betting opportunities. I play 6 deck shoes and usually fairly crowded conditions. It's easy to get distracted and to get fatigued with halves. Would KO be better? How much weaker is it than Halves. Gracias!

> Would KO be better? How much weaker is it than Halves.

Is KO better? Yes, if you can't play Halves without distractions and fatigue.

How much weaker is it? Again, none, if you can't play Halves without distractions and fatique.

Halves is a level 3 system for crying out loud. KO, about as easy as it gets (which makes it a terrific count sytem for many). If both were played properly, Halves takes KO downtown every time. A man has to know his own limitations; learn and play the system you can play well and win with.

BTW -you knew HiLo for a long time -a ton of money has been won with that old thing!