Soft17: HiOpt II or Omega II?

[Soft17]

Can someone help me choose between HiOpt II and Omega II for SD and DD play.

From bjmath.com:
Name 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > 9 T A BC PE IC OSR
Hi Opt II 1 1 2 2 1 1 0 0 -2 S(-2) 0.982 0.668 0.920 97.82
Omega II 1 1 2 2 2 1 0 -1 -2 S(-2) 0.989 0.671 0.867 98.16

I see that Omega II is slightly better on BE and PE, but a little worse on IC. But the differences are too small to be of any significance. Am I correct?

If not on these, then what should I make my choice based on? Available literature, popularity, etc?

All help appreciated.

Thanks,
Soft17.

[Parker]

> Can someone help me choose between HiOpt II
> and Omega II for SD and DD play.

> From bjmath.com:
> Name 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > 9 T A BC PE IC OSR
> Hi Opt II 1 1 2 2 1 1 0 0 -2 S(-2) 0.982
> 0.668 0.920 97.82
> Omega II 1 1 2 2 2 1 0 -1 -2 S(-2) 0.989
> 0.671 0.867 98.16

> I see that Omega II is slightly better on BE
> and PE, but a little worse on IC. But the
> differences are too small to be of any
> significance. Am I correct?

You are correct. Practically speaking, the differences are insignificant.

> If not on these, then what should I make my
> choice based on? Available literature,
> popularity, etc?

AOII is presented in Bryce Carlson's excellent book, Blackjack for Blood. The only real reference for HOII is the 27 page photocopied report sold on our online catalog.

Still, both counts are discussed extensively in Don's Blackjack Attack, and most of the common software (Casino Verite, BJRM2002, etc.) supports both systems.

[bjdavid]

I would give the nod to Hi Opt II. I think it is slightly easier to keep the count. You don't have to count the 9 and only 2 small cards are valued at 2 rather than 3 cards. Your work load is a bit less. Unless you are a natural with multi-level counts, I would guess you will tire a little less and make slightly fewer mistakes.
By the way, I played Hi-Opt II for several years, but switched to hi-lo for various reasons. That single level, ace reckoned system is a piece of cake, and I can quickly jump right back in, even if I haven't played or practiced for a period.

Regarding ace side counting, unless you can do it effectively and apply it easily, you should go to an ace reckoned system. I had a terrible time with the ace side count in 6 deck shoes, even though it was easy with single deck and not too bad with DD. Good luck!

[Soft17]

...definitely some points I need to consider.

[Waters]

I recently reread the chapter in Blackjack Attack on SCORE, and it covers the differences between counts a bit. Deeper penetration and a higher spread will get you much more profit than the difference between these two counts.

After looking at the SCOREs, the major deciding factors on which count you will use are (1) how complex the count is to keep, especially when also trying to maintain cover, and (2) what game you are playing. PE matters more in a SD or DD game than a shoe, for example. Personally, I am tempted to check out Halves.