Lesson IV:Choosing a system

Now that you've decided to give counting a try it's time to choose a system. There are literally dozens of systems out there. Each has its plusses and minuses. Some are easy to use but not very powerful while others are powerful but not easy to use. The key for you is to find a system you are comfortable with. I started the counting drill a few months ago with 4 counts, Hi-Low, KO, Hi-Opt I, and Thorpe Ultimate. Since then there have been  nearly 20 different counts added by people visiting the site.

Among these are Hi-Opt II, 10 Count, Revere Advanced, Revere Point, Gordon, Braun +-, Silver Fox, revere apm, Goat, Wong Halvesx2, Wong Halves, Omega II , Zen, canfield expert , USTON APC, Red Sevens, Red Aces, Lapointe, Reppert, and Gambler's Edge.

The values for these counts are listed on the counting drill page. The easiest system I believe is Hi-Opt I. I used this system for several years with success. After doing reading and researching on the internet for a better system I decided on KO. It is a good system for many reasons. First, it is quite simple and has no true count conversions. Secondly, the book has different levels of systems so you can work your way into a very powerful system. 

If I decided to goto a higher level count I would probably go on to Uston APC due to its high playing efficiency. I have many friends who swear by the Wong halves. It has a lower playing efficiency than Uston APC but a higher betting efficiency.

It's up to you to figure out how complicated a system you can master. Just because you can do it at home or on the computer with out a problem does not mean that you will be able to play in a casino using it. In the casino there will be many distractions. Noise, smoke, annoying pit critters, smug dealers, rude players and pretty cocktail waitresses will affect your playing ability. It is much better to play a lower level system perfect than make mistakes playing a higher level system.