Originally Posted by
dogman_1234
Both Norm and Flash are correct concerning KO.
Norm is correct that for the average counter, you will have an advantage. Furthermore, you are not required to perform a "Tru Count" conversion. That means less computational complexity; freeing resources in the AP's mind to analyse his/her environment and look more natural. I, as a KO player, can attest to its powers. I feel it is a good count for an introductory counter. I say good because:
Flash makes a point. The problem with KO, as well as other level one counts, is that you are sacrificing a lot of betting and playing opportunities for simplicity. Concerning KO, you will be betting later in the shoe more often than most. This is usual for all counts as the AP has to wait for an advantage. However; KO is unique as you will be betting 'too heavy' early in the game and 'too light' at the end. The authors, (if I am not mistaken, ) have attested to this weakness. You will not be betting over your actual advantage rather than the perceived advantage provided by KO. True counting KO will allow you to 'reconcile' this missing info and allow you to see where your 'true' advantage is and to what extent. Another issue with KO is the fact that it is a level one count. L1 counts are known for being varying in perception of advantage. Basically, you will have a lower BC relative to what your advantage is. You will also be missing certain playing decisions that a level one count will not offer as per information concerning the composition of the deck. Especially if it is Ace reckoning, you will again sacrifice EV for simplicity.
That is why Flash offers 'serious' players to look into L2 counts with an ASC. You will see an increase in BC and your PE, allowing you to deviate basic strategy in a more efficient manner and allow you to be in more favourable opportunities while offering to keep you spread 'polite'! HO2 is a good count to use for double deck with DAS and good pen. Playing 2D with and ASC using HO2 or Zen would offer you so much more money for less issues offered by Level one counts. However; if you feel a L1 count offers you the best advantage, by all means go use a L1 count! Just be warned you are sacrificing EV!
I can only assume, as I do not posses the correct answer to you last question, is due to the fact that for BC: the count is indexed to the value of the cards, no matter what style of KO you use 2-7=1; 8,9=0, and 10-A=-1. If you change any of these values, so will your BC! PE is the same do to using the same deviation indicies...I believe. IC is the same as BC...change the tags of each card changes the IC.
TL;DR: KO is a level one count that is best for recreational and semi-serious players...like me! It is great to beat a variety of games; however, EV is sacrificed for simplicity. HO2 or Zen with an ASC beating 2D games with DAS would be the best next step in your game. Flash et.al can help you with that. BC, PE, IC are the same due to the fact that the KO system uses the same tags for all cards; regardless of method of computing the perceived advantage relative to the actual advantage. Read Griffin's Theory of Blackjack!!!
Bookmarks