sam: ko software

[sam]

Anyone have information on the quality and value of the software available from the KO website? Thanks.

[Parker]

> Anyone have information on the quality and
> value of the software available from the KO
> website? Thanks.

The KO Blackjack program is a version of Burdickosoft Blackjack (www.burdicksoft.com) set up for KO. It will do the job. I have heard some reports of support e-mails not being responded to.

It compares to Casino Verite (even the "lite" version) about like a Ford Escort compares to a fully loaded Mercedes-Benz. Both will get you where you want to go, but the Mercedes provides a lot more options.

But don't take my word for it. Check out the screenshots at the respective websites. Both programs offer free downloadable trial versions - download them and see for yourself.

[sam]

Thanks Parker.

Sam

> The KO Blackjack program is a version of
> Burdickosoft Blackjack (www.burdicksoft.com)
> set up for KO. It will do the job. I have
> heard some reports of support e-mails not
> being responded to.

> It compares to Casino Verite (even the
> "lite" version) about like a Ford
> Escort compares to a fully loaded
> Mercedes-Benz. Both will get you where you
> want to go, but the Mercedes provides a lot
> more options.

> But don't take my word for it. Check out the
> screenshots at the respective websites. Both
> programs offer free downloadable trial
> versions - download them and see for
> yourself.

[JOHN HUSTLER]

> Anyone have information on the quality and
> value of the software available from the KO
> website? Thanks.

I got the ko software. Its ok but I would still get one of the top notch programs like SBA or Casino Verite.

[Alan]

I learnt to play KO using Casino Verite software and Smartcards. This was my first introduction to card counting (apart from books and counting down the pack at my dining room table). The beauty of using these software packages is their flexibility for practice. You can tailor the drills specifically for your level of speed and skill. They also enabled me change counting systems later (UBZII) with no additional outlay for software. I was also able to run sims to arrive at optimal betting strategies, assess risk of ruin and arrive at a satisfactory compromise for win rate. All these factors enabled me to learn quickly and to play with confidence not only in my own abilities but also with wisdom regarding betting levels. By trusting in the projections that the simulations produced, I was able to play through losing streaks without being completely discouraged or demoralised. I can't underestimate the importance of this last factor, because once you stop playing because you've been losing for a (long) while, then you also stop winning!

If you plan to be playing blackjack for a while, invest in the above software. I've been playing for over 3 years now and I still use these software packages to test my accuracy and build more speed.

If you can't properly test your ability and know for a fact that you are playing accurately, you will probably not have the confidence to stay with it during the losing streaks and you may even stop putting the big bets out when the count is up too.

[Sam]

Thanks for the comments, guys. Alan, you hit the problems I've been having dead on. I'm not playing as I read and study some more and prepare to buy Casino Verite and learn to use it. I am in the casino regularly though watching play and practicing my count. I will play again when I can match those qualities that Ian Anderson says a successful player must have. I wish I'd had Fred Renzey's and Ian Anderson's books before I played a hand. I didn't but I'm glad I've got them now. Thanks again.

Sam

> I got the ko software. Its ok but I would
> still get one of the top notch programs like
> SBA or Casino Verite.

[AdvantageRay]

Speaking of Ian Anderson, I am pleasantly surprised at the readability of his book "Burning the Tables in Las Vegas". It reads more like a novel, but has excellent information. What a shame he has only ever written two books (that I know of), he is a very talented writer.

D

[Parker]

> Speaking of Ian Anderson, I am pleasantly
> surprised at the readability of his book
> "Burning the Tables in Las Vegas".
> It reads more like a novel, but has
> excellent information. What a shame he has
> only ever written two books (that I know
> of), he is a very talented writer.

Ian Andersen (note correct spelling) is indeed an entertaining writer.

Another one that surprised me is How to Detect Casino Cheating at Blackjack, by Bill Zender. Zender has been a card counter, pitboss, casino manager, and Nevada gaming agent at various points in his long career. This book contains numerous anecdotes regarding the "old days" in Las Vegas and other parts of Nevada, in addition to covering the subject matter at hand. Highly recommended.

[thanks4thefish]

He also wrote a novel, 'The Big Night Out', 1979.
An entertaining B grade novel about a casino scam his team perpetrates.

>Speaking of Ian Anderson, I am pleasantly
>surprised at the readability of his book
>"Burning the Tables in Las Vegas".
>It reads more like a novel, but has
>excellent information. What a shame he has
>only ever written two books (that I know
>of), he is a very talented writer.

[AdvantageRay]

..I actually thought about that after I made the post. Ah well...thats what I get for mispelling the name of a living legend

fish thanks for the info, I will have to look that one up to see if I can find it.

D

[thanks4thefish]

> fish thanks for the info, I will have to
> look that one up to see if I can find it.

It was published by Simon & Schuster.

If you enjoyed Anderson, you should take a look at Uston, Ken. See my review of Uston: 'Two Books on BJ' on BJ Main message board.

[sam]

My apology to Ian Andersen for the first error that caused AdvantageRay to err also.

Sam

> Ian Andersen (note correct spelling) is
> indeed an entertaining writer.

> Another one that surprised me is How to
> Detect Casino Cheating at Blackjack, by
> Bill Zender. Zender has been a card counter,
> pitboss, casino manager, and Nevada gaming
> agent at various points in his long career.
> This book contains numerous anecdotes
> regarding the "old days" in Las
> Vegas and other parts of Nevada, in addition
> to covering the subject matter at hand.
> Highly recommended.

[ETZ]

There are a lot of used copies on Amazon starting at $1.50

ETZ

> ..I actually thought about that after I made
> the post. Ah well...thats what I get for
> mispelling the name of a living legend

> fish thanks for the info, I will have to
> look that one up to see if I can find it.

> D