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Originally Posted by
petenelson
Just tell me what are your arguments for each one and what should I learn next, the zen or the Hi Opt II. I really don't want to put effort in one strategy if I can get the same or very similar results with an easier one.
Either system will serve you well. Straight side counting aces (hiopt2) requires accurate to 1/4 deck deck estimation skills. Personally I prefer a balanced ace side count for a few reasons including this one. The info that comes with hiopt2 uses a straight side count. Since you have been using hiopt1 I assume the side counting issue is something you are totally comfortable with if not that is one point for zen.
Zen and other ace compromise counts were brilliant innovations that surprised everyone. I don't think anyone expected the results for counting the ace as a weak high card would be so strong. It improved PE to something more palatable while not affecting BC much. The result is a count that works well for all games from SD to large shoe games. Hiopt2 will beat it at every game but that is assuming perfect play. Coming from a hiopt1 background you have a better shot at that than most.
Your question asks about extra effort. That is a personal question. If you find the ace adjustments are hard or take too long using hiopt1 it is something to consider. If not it is a non-issue. All things being equal hiopt2 is the easier switch for someone with a hiopt1 background but there is not much of a difference between the transition to either. Both involve changing count tags from 1 to 2. Zen adds an extra rank at this +2 but eliminates the side count. The latter shouldn't be much of an issue for you but that depends on how you feel about the side count.
Really the choice has more to do with you than anything else. If you plan on using additional side counts the gain will be more using Hiopt2. The gain is proportional to the starting PE of the main count. Hiopt2 wins on the sim at every turn but not by a lot. If you find the simplicity of Zen vs Hiopt2 appealing choose Zen. IF not take a good look at Hiopt2. There is no better linear level 2 count.
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