Does card counting provide enough edge to beat the game of blackjack or do we have to combine this with shuffle tracking in the modern game. It seems to me that the error possiblities when tracking a shuffle, especially with now-a-days' shuffles, make ST not worth the effort. Maybe i'm wrong, but what i really want to know is whether card counting alone is enough, and i would like an honest opinion, despite the fact that the more you can do to add to your edge the merrier...
Thanks again.
M.
M:
ST is certainly worth it if you can find a trackable shuffle.
And it is worth it from more than simply the increase in EV you will obtain. Look at it as longevity insurance.
In other words, not typically mentioned is the cover ST provides. For example, lets say you decide to cut the playzone to the front of the pack (not necessarily recommended, but for purposes of discussion here, let's say that's what you decided to do). Then while you bet high, the count starts at zero (from the casino's persepective) and will be generally turning more and more negative throughout the playzone. Betting high during negative counts throws off the eye-in-the-sky should they be watching.
If you combine ST with regular counting, then the casino simply has a much harder time figuring out what you're doing.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Richard Reid
ST is very powerful technique. Depending on the shuffle simplicity you can - theoretically! - triple your expectation. BUT.
1. ST is quite difficult to master.
2. You should always move from casino to casino in searching of trackable shuffles.
3. ST increases variance. So you need larger bankroll then usual plus nerves of steel.
4. Cost of error is much, much greater with ST.
5. Below you mentioned KO system. Take note that ST is harder to use with unbalanced counts.
If you're ready to pay this price for EV increasing and heat decreasing, then go for it. Read all the sourses about ST and train yourself hardly. Actually, "tracking" and "training" are almost the same words. And I think not by pure chance :-)
Luck.
Garry Baldy.
Straight counting gets the money, but if you intend to play black or higher, you'll need to track. Start with something simple like best half tracking, 1-pass shuffles.
George
George -
First of all, let me say that it is nice to see you posting again. Don has assembled an amazing amount of talent in this forum (including himself, of course). If I may, I'd like to get your response to a few questions that I have for you.
(1) I believe that in one of your books you mentioned that (unlike Don) you have used a variety of counts over the years. What count do you use now and why do you currently favor this count over the others?
(2) I believe that you had mentioned previously that you had moved to Las Vegas. Do you find that shuffle tracking is still viable for you there?
(3) In the "Meet the Masters" area, Don mentioned that, in addition to your well-known books, there are 2 others (probably much earlier books) that you have written. Any chance of obtaining a copy of these in this day and age? Also, are you planning on (or in the stages of) writing another book?
Thanks very much for your response.
rwp
1) I was somewhat a "count junkie", and I definitely don't recommend that course for others. My favorites on the balanced side are the Revere Point Count, Snyder's Zen and the Hi-Lo. Unbalanced are the UBZ2 and KO.
2) Yes
3) Sorry but no.
George
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