> Also, I'm thinking it might be easier to
> minimize negative numbers by making my IRC
> say +5. Assuming a 6 deck shoe, what would
> be my new pivot point, key count, and matrix
> value?

I recommend adjusting the IRC for a pivot point of 0. For 6D, this would mean an IRC of -24, and a key count of -8.

Yes, this means that you will be dealing with negative numbers most of the time. People are apprehensive about this for whatever reason, but it only takes a few hours of practice for most people to become comfortable with negative numbers. It is time well spent.

Why use a pivot point of zero? Because, eventually, you will consider true-counting KO. I know you will. Everybody does. :-)

Using a pivot of zero makes true-counting incredibly easy, as all you have to do is divide by number of unseen decks, just as with a balanced count.

Even if you do not wish to use KO in TC mode all the time or learn TC indices, an occasional quick TC conversion can be used to check if you are missing any advantage when the RC climbs rapidly early in the shoe. Again, with a pivot of zero this is very easy to do.