BJinNJ: Which Count to Learn?

[BJinNJ]

I spent the last week on vacation, and re-read several
BJ books, while camped along Lake Ontario.

Originally I planned to learn Hi/Lo, since the indices
and supporting work is so well documented by Master Wong.
And being a level 1 count, should be an easier study.

But then I re-read Mr. Renzy's Blackjack Bluebook II and
tried the level 2 Mentor count, for shucks and grins. To
my surprise, it was relatively easy to keep an accurate
count, presumably due to the symmetry of the system. And
Mr. Renzy does include the indices for various rules,
particularly H17/S17 multi-deck. And, the two deck game
efficiency is xlnt, too.

Most people seem to go with the Hi/Lo, since many counters
and teams use it. The only difference I see, other than
the level and bet/play efficiencies, is that the TC for
Mentor indices is double the TC used by Hi/Lo.

Are there any reasons to prefer one count over the other?
(the Zen count also looks good, and is close to Mentor)

Of course I still need to work on my count speed, and get
BS down pat, but the plan is to be ready for initial forays
to the casino after New Year.

TIA for any/all input/suggestions.

BJinNJ

[Illusion]

On if your playing double deck or six and eight deck games.

> I spent the last week on vacation, and re-read several
> BJ books, while camped along Lake Ontario.

> Originally I planned to learn Hi/Lo, since the indices
> and supporting work is so well documented by Master
> Wong.
> And being a level 1 count, should be an easier study.

> But then I re-read Mr. Renzy's Blackjack Bluebook II
> and
> tried the level 2 Mentor count, for shucks and grins.
> To
> my surprise, it was relatively easy to keep an
> accurate
> count, presumably due to the symmetry of the system.
> And
> Mr. Renzy does include the indices for various rules,
> particularly H17/S17 multi-deck. And, the two deck
> game
> efficiency is xlnt, too.

> Most people seem to go with the Hi/Lo, since many
> counters
> and teams use it. The only difference I see, other
> than
> the level and bet/play efficiencies, is that the TC
> for
> Mentor indices is double the TC used by Hi/Lo.

> Are there any reasons to prefer one count over the
> other?
> (the Zen count also looks good, and is close to
> Mentor)

> Of course I still need to work on my count speed, and
> get
> BS down pat, but the plan is to be ready for initial
> forays
> to the casino after New Year.

> TIA for any/all input/suggestions.

> BJinNJ

[BJinNJ]

topic musing about related issues to consider,
besides the actual system selection.

See link below.

The expectation is to play mostly 6/8 deck with
AC rules. But trips to Vegas, Miss. and NY/CT aren't
out of the question.

Renzey says the Mentor count is good for double deck
and shoes. I also hope to get the chance for team
play someday.

BJinNJ

Bootlegger on System Selection

[BJinNJ]

Chapter 5 of Blackjack Blueprint also addresses this question.

BJinNJ