REKO +2 Strategy Inconsistencies

[Fate]

I would like to preface my post by stating I originally contacted Norm directly about this issue. However, his short response said that I should post subjects like this in the forum. In regards to my query, he stated, “Counting systems are not basic strategy. A major point of counting systems is variation of play depending on the count. When the composition of the deck is different, the strategy employed is different. It is a different game.” As you will see below, this response does not answer my questions. Also, by no means what so ever am I trying to give Norm a hard time; I just want a reasonable explanation to the inconsistencies listed in Norm’s book Modern Blackjack regarding the REKO +2 counting system.

From Norm’s book, Modern Blackjack:

“With REKO, we normally play Basic Strategy, except when we have a count of +2 or greater. With a higher count, we play a different strategy.” http://www.qfit.com/book/ModernBlackjackPage72.htm

Edit Note: Since this thread was started, Norm has changed the wording of the above quote.

So, we play the Basic Strategy for all plays when the REKO count is below +2; clearly stated in Norm’s book.

So why do the indexes for REKO +2 show indexes for Standing on 12v4 (2-6 decks) and Standing on 12v5, 12v6, 13v2, 13v3 (1 deck). http://www.qfit.com/book/ModernBlackjackPage73.htm

Why bother listing those Stands when they do not deviate from any Basic Strategy table; in other words, the indexes are telling you to Stand for these plays, when you already Stand using any Basic Strategy.

Did I miss some Basic Strategy tables that show something other than Standing on those plays? If so, please direct me to the Basic Strategy tables that show Hitting on 12v4, 12v5, 12v6, 13v2, 13v3.

Actually there is a Basic Strategy table that shows 12v4 being Hit in Norm’s book: http://www.qfit.com/book/ModernBlackjackPage76.htm

With that Basic Strategy table, Norm states, “Simply create a Basic Strategy chart with a mark wherever one of the strategy variations occurs. I have created a set of charts like this, which you can modify and print.” http://www.qfit.com/book/ModernBlackjackPage74.htm

However, Norm is contradicting himself because he clearly shows a Basic Strategy play for 12v4 (along with 12v5,12v6, 13v2, 13v3) is to Stand not Hit. http://www.qfit.com/book/ModernBlackjackPage56.htm and http://www.qfit.com/book/ModernBlackjackPage57.htm

Inconsistencies like these drive me crazy and put a big cloud of doubt over my head to what or who to believe when it comes to Basic Strategy and any Card Counting strategy!!!

I have been considering buying software from Norm, however, how can I trust the software to train me correctly; I do not want to lose big amounts of money at casinos because I have been fed wrong information; makes me question if casinos pay big bucks to throw in a wrong little bit of strategy here and there (published by experts and good Samaritans) to ultimately HOAX, SCAM, and STEAL from decent people like myself.

Please help; I really have a strong drive and appetite to be a professional blackjack player (I have been doing tons of reading and practicing over the last 2 months), but don't want to be misled/fooled into incorrect play that lines the pockets of the already rich.