Introducing Myself

[kosmic]

Hello everyone. I just wanted to take the time to introduce myself and as a new counter-in-training I hope to learn a lot here.

I initially got into CC a couple years ago and after reading 6 or so books on BJ, I decided I wanted to learn Zen. I purchased felt, a shoe, over 60 actual casino decks for deck estimation, and Casino Verite. I practiced daily for 3 months and even visited LV a couple of times during my initial training without ever playing just to see if I could watch and count tables. Even though I could count down a deck in under 30 seconds, I felt that I didn't develop the necessary proficiency - I would lose the count all the time. I then abandoned the endeavor.

But after a year I'm back and I am really getting into it again and this time I want to end up actually playing. I switched to Hi-Lo and can count much easier. I'm still not at a proficient level to hit a casino but I plan on using Casino Verite daily until I'm ready.

I am using the "Hi-Lo Lite" system as published in Blackbelt in Blackjack by Snyder (IMO the best book I've read).

1. From my research, the True Edge method is not the best to use with Hi-Lo? Should I convert to the standard TC method in Wong's book and just learn the Illustrious 18?
2. Am I handicapping myself by going with Hi-Lo? Should I just switch back over to Zen and keep practicing? I've read Hi-Lo isn't that good for SD/DD and my concern is that I won't be able to play higher EV games with Hi-Lo.

For anyone who responds, I thank you in advance.