Little Ben: just curious

[Little Ben]

Afternoon Ladies and Gents,

Straight to the point? I?d like to know how other players implement the ?true count?. Is it better to calculate the count at the end of a round before the next deal or are you constantly reconfiguring your count as the cards are being deal across the table? I found myself in a debate the other day and thought I?d check to find the forum?s verdict.

Secondly; can anyone recommend a book with decent card counting drills and practice regimes?

Cheers

Little Ben

[Don Schlesinger]

> Afternoon Ladies and Gents,
> Straight to the point? I?d like to know how other
> players implement the ?true count?. Is it better to
> calculate the count at the end of a round before the
> next deal or are you constantly reconfiguring your
> count as the cards are being deal across the table? I
> found myself in a debate the other day and thought I?d
> check to find the forum?s verdict.

You need the TC only twice: As you get ready to play your own hand, and when the round is over, to place your next bet. Of course, with multiple hits, the count can actually change, so, occasionally, you need the TC while you are playing your hand. :-)

> Secondly; can anyone recommend a book with decent card
> counting drills and practice regimes?

Rick Blaine's new "Blackjack Blueprint." Also, get software!!

Don

[mysticmn2]

> You need the TC only twice: As you get ready to play
> your own hand, and when the round is over, to place
> your next bet. Of course, with multiple hits, the
> count can actually change, so, occasionally, you need
> the TC while you are playing your hand. :-)

> Rick Blaine's new "Blackjack Blueprint."
> Also, get software!!

> Don

What about the decision to insure or not, what count do you use, the count that started the round( the count you calculated your bet on ), or the count you know have after scanning the table and finally seeing the Ace?

[Wolverine]

> What about the decision to insure or not, what count
> do you use, the count that started the round( the
> count you calculated your bet on ), or the count you
> know have after scanning the table and finally seeing
> the Ace?

You should calculate your need to take insurance based upon ANY and ALL the information you can gather in a timely fashion. E.g., your first two starting cards, the ACE staring you in the face and prompting this exercise, any other players' first two cards exposed (some will turn them over on the table when the dealer asks for insurance, or you are playing a dealt up game), etc... Once you have as much information as possible, and made the TC converstion, decide if you need insurance or not.

[Don Schlesinger]

> What about the decision to insure or not, what count
> do you use, the count that started the round( the
> count you calculated your bet on ), or the count you
> know have after scanning the table and finally seeing
> the Ace?

The latter.

Don