The Old 16 vs. 10 Question...Again!!!

I apologize for asking this tired question again, but nobody ever seems to answer it! I've seen several newbies - including myself - try to get a definitive answer, and fail. I thought I had it figured out - if the count goes positive, Hit ; if it goes negative, Stand (index is zero). Is this the correct decision?

The reason I asked is that S. Wong wrote in BJ Secrets (Temporary Correction - pg. 63) that you need to take a Hit because the "running count (was reduced) to -1". Note: he had just given the strategy index as zero. So - unless this was an "oops" - I should Hit if the count is negative, right??????

Someone please put this over-worked question to rest. Thanks in advance. 49_

With more small cards remaining, you should hit. That would be the case if the count goes south (negative).

With more tens remaining (as in the case of a "plus" count"), you're more likely to bust, right? So, you stand when the count goes positive.

Stanford is correct. As far as I can see, there is no "oops".

Of course at 0 its a close call and the actual index is probably somewhere between 0 and +1 based on the fact that the compositional index for 10-6 vs 10 is +1 for shoes and +4 for single deck. Close calls, by definiton, means little cost for playing the hand either way so do whatever you want.

That said, an index of 0 does not mean stand at > than 0...it means at 0 and higher Stand.

is to find a store that allows you to split all 16s. Then there is no debate plus you have a monster edge!

You can generate indices based on rounding, truncation, or flooring.This can add to the confusion.

In most cases, 3 card 16s vs. 10s result in positive counts.

Stand on positive counts on 16 vs. 10. Remember to try to surrender 1st.

The EVs are very close. It doesn't cost you either way. A good cover play is to flip a coin to make the decision.

You can generate indices based on rounding, truncation, or flooring.This can add to the confusion.

Yes, let me add some additional variables:

You can generate different indexes depending on the decks or fractions in the TC divisor.

You can generate different indexes depending on the accuracy of deck estimation.

You can vary the accuracy of deck estimation by current penetration.

You can use tables of multipliers or divisors by depth instead of using a TC formula.

You can generate using different penetrations or even different indexes for different deck segments.

You can vary the level of risk aversion.

You can create indexes with compromises on rules.

You can create simplified indexes that group index numbers.

You can create default indexes with select composition-dependent hands removed.

You can create cover indexes.

Let me know any time you need any additional confusion:)

For more info on strategy creation see How to Create a BJ Strategy.

If you have a civilian that seems to vary his hit/stand decision based on the weather in China or something, watch what he does. If he hits and busts, then say "last time you hit and busted, I'm standing." Simply choose the playing decision for your current hand that would have been better for his _previous_ hand... That has worked well for me and even gives you the ability to play correctly on big bets here and there if you want...