1st casino trip using K-O?

[Mimosine]

First off, there has been so much useful advice I've read on here over the past month - it's been a great resource and really got me excited about playing BJ. Thanks to many of you for that.

I've only played 6D games and I've got BS down cold for the exact rules that I usually play. After plowing through "KO blackjack" in one day I know what I need to do to actually try counting live. Briefly looking over the KO-preferred plays, I know that I could adopt at least 4, maybe more of the recommended plays when the count is good (INS, 16s, doubles, maybe surrenders).

I'm probably going to max bet with 3 or 4 units (i know advantage is pretty close to 0 with this, but I don't want to get emotionally overwhelmed with the count if I don't do so well on some bigger bets). I also haven't played 1-2 deck games and think the play will be too unfamiliar/fast to me.

On your first trip to attempt counting, how many units did YOU start with, and how many units did you max bet at? Any other thoughts (other than practice practice practice counting My bankroll is limitted now, but I'm willing to start trying it live when I've practiced enough, irrespective of bankroll as this is mostly for entertainment and mental stimulation

thanks in advance.

 

[ScottH]

First off, there has been so much useful advice I've read on here over the past month - it's been a great resource and really got me excited about playing BJ. Thanks to many of you for that.

I've only played 6D games and I've got BS down cold for the exact rules that I usually play. After plowing through "KO blackjack" in one day I know what I need to do to actually try counting live. Briefly looking over the KO-preferred plays, I know that I could adopt at least 4, maybe more of the recommended plays when the count is good (INS, 16s, doubles, maybe surrenders).

I'm probably going to max bet with 3 or 4 units (i know advantage is pretty close to 0 with this, but I don't want to get emotionally overwhelmed with the count if I don't do so well on some bigger bets). I also haven't played 1-2 deck games and think the play will be too unfamiliar/fast to me.

On your first trip to attempt counting, how many units did YOU start with, and how many units did you max bet at? Any other thoughts (other than practice practice practice counting My bankroll is limitted now, but I'm willing to start trying it live when I've practiced enough, irrespective of bankroll as this is mostly for entertainment and mental stimulation

thanks in advance.

You want to practice in a casino with a small spread so you don't have to handle keeping the count and potentially losing big bets when you're new to the casino environment.

I have a better idea then to go in now. You are excited about practicing KO, but are afraid to spread fully in a casino. There is a good solution. Buy the KO software. You can practice playing KO with any rules, it will also let you know when you make a playing error or betting error. You can set it up to have indexes too, so when the count changes you change your plays. It's a good way to practice before going into the casino. Also, you can change the speed of the dealing. Start out with a slow speed and just make sure you are counting correctly and making the right plays. Then increase the speed to make sure you can keep up in the casino. Once you can get 100% accuracy with a good speed, then you can add in the extra distraction of playing in a casino environment.

I just think it's better to have the mechanical aspects of your system down cold before going into the casino. Otherwise you'll be losing the count anytime you raise your bet or split your hand a couple times, etc. The more prepared you are the easier the transition into the casino will be. Get the software, it's well worth the money.

You can know the book inside and out and can count down a deck in 15 seconds, but putting those skills into practice is not easy at first, especially in a casino. That's why the software is a great resource. If you already have it, ignore me and just keep using it!

 

[Mimosine]

I just think it's better to have the mechanical aspects of your system down cold before going into the casino. Otherwise you'll be losing the count anytime you raise your bet or split your hand a couple times, etc. The more prepared you are the easier the transition into the casino will be. Get the software, it's well worth the money.

You can know the book inside and out and can count down a deck in 15 seconds, but putting those skills into practice is not easy at first, especially in a casino. That's why the software is a great resource. If you already have it, ignore me and just keep using it!

is "QFIT"/Casino Vérité the software you're referring to?

 

[ScottH]

is "QFIT"/Casino Vérité the software you're referring to?

No. There is a program specifically for the KO counting system. I wonder if anyone can give you a link to it? I could try look around for it later if noone does.

You can use CV for practice on KO, but there is a cheaper program specifically for KO, which is what I used.

 

[21forme]

My first live counting trip (with KO, too) I followed the book to the letter. Did a 1:10 spread with 6D. Lost count during one or two shoes, so just bet 1 unit until the next shoe started.

 

[EasyRhino]

My first trip, using KO vs similar rules, I was spreading $5-$25, with $500 in my pocket. (in hindsight, this is woefully insufficient for a total bankroll, but fine for an evening). And as you already mentioned, a small spread is breakeven at best. (I wonged a lot).

As for indices, I'm a big fan of this:
http://www.qfit.com/REKOStrategy.htm

I've got one running count for insurance, one for all other plays, and they're only one apart from each other.

However, I didn't start off with any play variations (well, maybe insurance, can't remember)

 

[CSUF_gambler]

No. There is a program specifically for the KO counting system. I wonder if anyone can give you a link to it? I could try look around for it later if noone does.

You can use CV for practice on KO, but there is a cheaper program specifically for KO, which is what I used.

link please

 

[supercoolmancool]

http://www.koblackjack.com (Archive copy)

 

[blackchipjim]

KO software

The book mentions 678 software by sticksoft but some of senior members here recommend other.I use 678 software for now and will probably acquire casino verite at a later date. I did practice alot before I used it in the casino and made some mistakes when I did use it. I am a recreational player so wins and losses are not earth changing events for me. I started with 40 bucks and dig into my pocket like others when the count warrants or bad beats. Good luck in the casinos and learn to relax when counting you make alot less mistakes. blackchipjim