Which system should I be learning?

[Deathclutch]

Alright, here's my situation at my local casino.

6 Deck, LS, DAS, Can split 4 times, can split aces but only get one card. I'm estimating around 80% penetration (If I'm even thinking of the right thing). I've already been studying up on the high low system and have got the basics down. I started reading the free online book about reko and began wondering which system should I be learning to maximize my effectiveness? I'm not only asking about these two systems but any recommendations of any systems and any recommendations on books to learn it would be appreciated. I'm totally new so there won't be a huge problem switching systems. I've already ordered Fundementals of Blackjack. Thank you guys for the help!

 

[duanedibley]

Since you are reading QFIT's free book, you should go ahead and learn the FELT count!

What is your bankroll and what are the limits of the game?

 

[Deathclutch]

I'm still saving up for my bankroll but plan on having about $5000 when I start playing. The limits are $3 - $500. Also if these rules are too much a disadvantage there are casinos an hour or so away but I won't be able to get nearly as much playing time and then of course gas eating into profits. Thanks for your recommendation, I'll definately check it out.

 

[Deathclutch]

Also just so I know why would you recommend that particular system?

 

[duanedibley]

Those limits and rules are good. If you like please PM me the name/location of the casino.

Can you double on any two cards, or just 9,10, and 11?

A 5k bankroll should be sufficient for this game. Take a look at the betting ramps for 6D S17 in the chapter on betting in QFIT's book and just halve each bet - since they are for a 10k bankroll.

Your expected win-rate should be around $15/hr.

 

[duanedibley]

Also just so I know why would you recommend that particular system?

Well for all the reasons mentioned in the book. Namely it is easy to learn, it is very good for shoe games, and it is significantly more powerful than Hi-Lo/KO.

 

[Deathclutch]

Those limits and rules are good. If like please PM me the name/location of the casino.

Can you double on any two cards, or just 9,10, and 11?

A 5k bankroll should be sufficient for this game. Take a look at the betting ramps for 6D S17 in the chapter on betting in QFIT's book and just halve each bet - since they are for a 10k bankroll.

Your expected win-rate should be around $15/hr.

You can double on any two cards and check your pm's.

 

[duanedibley]

You can double on any two cards and check your pm's.

OK, you basically have the best 6-deck rules that one can realistically find these days. House edge is 0.26%, and with a minimum bet of $3 this is an excellent game for your bankroll. In fact it is pretty hard to find a game like this with a min. of $10. So don't wear it out!

 

[Deathclutch]

OK, you basically have the best 6-deck rules that one can realistically find these days. House edge is 0.26%, and with a minimum bet of $3 this is an excellent game for your bankroll. In fact it is pretty hard to find a game like this with a min. of $10. So don't wear it out!

Wow that's great news to hear. I'm new to all this so I had no idea if I would be playing a bad game or not. Thanks for all the help.

 

[tripsix]

Great Game choose your count carefully. . .

Based on your unique skill sets. Here is a link to help you choose. Keep in mind ubalanced counts miss out on some opportunities early in the shoe.

http://www.qfit.com/blackjack-strategy.htm

Never base your decision on one opinion. Not even mine! :laugh:

 

[Deathclutch]

Based on your unique skill sets. Here is a link to help you choose. Keep in mind ubalanced counts miss out on some opportunities early in the shoe.

http://www.qfit.com/blackjack-strategy.htm

Never base your decision on one opinion. Not even mine! :laugh:

I am thinking about getting blackjack bluebook II because the idea of the KISS system sounds nice since you can learn all the way from level I to level III. I noticed that the KISS system is not on the link you just provided me. Is it a highly regarded system or is it something I should avoid?

 

[QFIT]

I am thinking about getting blackjack bluebook II because the idea of the KISS system sounds nice since you can learn all the way from level I to level III. I noticed that the KISS system is not on the link you just provided me. Is it a highly regarded system or is it something I should avoid?

The major problem with suit-aware systems, that is systems where you must take into account the color of the card in addition to the pip value, is that counting cards by pairs is quite difficult. And counting cards by pairs, IMHO, is critical.

 

[Deathclutch]

The major problem with suit-aware systems, that is systems where you must take into account the color of the card in addition to the pip value, is that counting cards by pairs is quite difficult. And counting cards by pairs, IMHO, is critical.

Hmm, I did not know that. Thank you for letting me know that. I never realized jumping into something like this would lead to so many decisions to make

 

[boneuphtoner]

Hmm, I did not know that. Thank you for letting me know that. I never realized jumping into something like this would lead to so many decisions to make

I wouldn't sweat over it too much. I think Fred Renzey's KISS counts are about as nicely packaged of a complete unbalanced system that I've ever seen. He presents the information very clearly, and has convenient IRCs, betting ramps, and indices. In fact I think the Bluebook is one of the best books out there for starting advantage players and beyond. Fred has presented this information in such a clear, easy to understand format. If anything, Fred downplays the real strength of KISS III, which in my canned CVCX sims, easily beats HiLo in shoe games.

But after having tried the KISS counts, I do agree with Norm 100%. I thought KISS was more difficult for me than KO because you have to separate the red and black 2's and count them differently. Which slowed me down relative to KO. But that is my experience. Give it a shot, and if you can get your speed up, go with it, knowing that you are using one of the most powerful unbalanced level 1 systems that is out there!

 

[Renzey]

Keep in mind ubalanced counts miss out on some opportunities early in the shoe.

Due to its "+4 true" pivot, KO specifically misses quite a few opportunities early in the shoe. Due to their "+2 true" pivots, Red 7, KISS and UBZII for the most part, do not.

 

[QFIT]

Don't know why you would think that. But, in any case, all that matters is overall performance.

 

[Deathclutch]

I went ahead and got Arnold Snyder's Blackbelt in Blackjack and also Fred's book Blackjack Bluebook II. The KISS count seems very simple and nice being unbalanced so I think that's the one I'm going to try out for a bit and see how well it goes. You guys have been a big help in helping me figure this out. Maybe when I'm more experienced I'll try hopping up to a Level II system.

 

[Grisly Dreams]

FELT is a good count. If you are going to spend a lot of time counting cards, go ahead and learn it. But a level two count involves significantly higher maintenance than a level one count. I was halfway through upgrading to FELT from Hi-Lo (I had gotten to the point where I could count through a double deck in about 1:20) and just said "screw it." There was no way I was ever going to play often enough for me to stay in the groove of level two counting. Unless I were actually to play several times a week, it would not be worth it.