I have done well with Basic strategy

[shadroch]

Some simple ways to count.

1) count only the Aces and Fives. When the ratio is more Aces bet more,when it is more Fives,bet less. This in an ineffective method,but better than nothing.

2)Fred Renzey has another method that involves backcounting the first few hands of a shoe game. You can read it in Blackjack Bluebook 11.

3) There is a method called OPP and another called Golden Touch. Google them for more info.

 

[Sonny]

yeah,, I know there is no beating the math... I just hate counting cards, it is WORK!

Yeah, I sure as hell can’t argue with that. But it gets easier the more you practice. After a while it almost becomes instinctive. Your brain keeps the count without you even knowing it. It just feels like normal playing. But yeah, it does take a lot of work to get to that level.

is there any easier way to maybe keep a "casual count" vs. doing the +1, 0, -1 thing with every card???

There are simpler methods like Speed Count and the Ace/Ten count, but they aren’t really worth the trouble. The tiny advantage you get is swallowed up by the huge swings.

Good luck on your trip. Remember, just because you’re not counting cards doesn’t mean you can’t get an advantage. Vegas is still ripe with coupons, promotions, comps and other advantageous opportunities.

-Sonny-