KO must be modified if you're serious about playing
Blackjack with a positive expectation. The problem
with KO lies in the fact that your advantage is still
questionable when the running count's (RC) equal or
greater than the key count (KC).
The rules we're playing with:
- 8 deck shoe
- DOA
- DAS
- LS
- 75% penetration
Initial running count (IRC), KC, and pivot point (PP):
- IRC = 0
- KC = +22
- PP = +32
Using KO's unbalanced count, the final RC for one deck
will be +4. Multiply that by 8 decks and you'll have
+32. Give 75% penetration and the average final RC of
that 8 deck shoe will be +24.
Now imagine you're playing through a shoe that's 95%
complete. The RC's at +22. Do you raise your bet?
According to the book, yes. However, my answer is no.
On average, those last few hands dealt will have more
low cards than high cards so there's absolutely no
advantage. Basically you have to understand that the
RC will always progressively get higher and higher as
more cards get dealt out from the shoe.
My technique and strategy:
Never play through an 8 deck shoe because quite simply
it's hazardous to your bankroll. The only way to play
is by Wonging in at RC +22 when half of the shoe has
yet to be dealt. The average RC of a half completed 8
deck shoe with 75% penetration is +12. By Wonging in
at +22 you're definitely playing with an advantage.
Bail once the count dips below +22 or when the other
half of the shoe starts being dealt. The other half
of the shoe should only be played if the RC's at +34.
I realize the strategy could be tweeked and made more
efficient but that'd ruin it's simplicity.
