I am new to blakjack... only been playing 2 weeks. I know basic strategy without thinking about it, and I use the high-lo count. So far I only use two strategy variations: I insure at +3 or more, and I stand on 16 vs 10 on + counts. Other than that, I play basic strategy.
At the casino where I play, they have $5-$100 tables, and that's where I play. The rules are 8 decks, S17, DAS, DOA, no surrender. The penetration is not great; they cut off about 2 decks. There is absolutely NO HEAT. They don't care. I saw a guy who I think was counting, jumping his bets from $5 straight to $100... no one cares.
So, here is what I do: When the true count is +1 or below, I bet $5. At +2 I bet $25, at +3 I bet $50, and +4 I bet $75, and at +5 or above I bet $100. If the true count drops to -3 or below, I take a "bathroom break", or swing by the bar, or just take a quick lap around the casino. Although, I try not to abandon two consecutive shoes.
My questions are:
1. What is my EV?
2. What is my standard deviation?
3. How would these numbers change if I learned all the "illustrious 18" strategy variations?
4. How good is my betting ramp? If I change it, can I increase my EV without increasing my variance? Or, similarly, can I decrease my variance without taking an EV hit?
Thanks in advance for any help,
Keith
