Modern Blackjack nth Edition

Over the years, many have tried to resurrect Martingale betting (doubling the bet when you lose a hand). As we all know, Martingale betting fails, in Blackjack or in any endeavor involving betting. So, what if we use Martingale betting as cover? That is, we use Martingale at times when counting cards to try to look like a poor player, in an attempt to assuage the fears of the casino. The ideas vary, but usually involve either using a Martingale when the count is negative and correct betting when the count is positive, or using Martingale when the count is positive, and flat betting when the count is negative.

The below chart provides the SCOREs for various methods of betting. We start with optimal betting. That is, the correct Blackjack card counting bets, with a spread of 1-16. The next columns provide the SCOREs for betting one unit on negative counts, and Martingale on positive counts. Spreads of 1-16, 1-8, 2-16, and 2-8 are used. The final three columns provide the SCOREs for optimal betting at positive counts, and Martingale spreads of 1-16, 1-8, and 1-4 at negative counts.

As we can see, any use of Martingale seriously damages advantage. Positive Martingale destroys advantage.

I did not include it in the chart, as it is not Martingale, but Neg 1-2 spread would result in a SCORE of 24.3.