Part 1 (covering basic strategy) appeared in BJI 195. Part 2 appeared in BJI 196 and it covered how to keep track of the proportions of high cards to low cards in the remaining decks, what values we assign to each card, and how we add them up and normalize the ratio. Part 3 covers the optimal betting strategy (i.e., how to vary your bet with the true count), and at what counts do we vary from basic strategy to maximize profit.

The conversion to the true count gives you valuable information regarding what percent advantage you have over the casino. As it turns out, each additional unit in the true count value, increases your advantage over the house by about 0.5%. The true count value gives the advantage that the player has at any given time. To determine the wager in accordance to the advantage you have, you must subtract the initial house advantage from the total true count value. The house advantage is dictated by the rules of the game and can be determined with any number of computer programs. In the previous example, a true of 5 less the offset of 1, tells the player to bet 4 units on the next round of play.

The final portion of basic advantage play is the adjusted strategy numbers. This set of indices, are plays that deviate from basic strategy depending on the true count. These plays can increase the profitability of a game by as much as 10%. The chart below represents the ILLUSTRIOUS 18, which are the 18 most valuable true count dependent plays that deviate from basic strategy. Lastly a training regiment is outlined for the player.

These are the 18 most advantageous deviations from basic strategy, based on the Hi-Lo count. The 18 plays described equal about 80% of the gain that could be had from playing the full set of indexes.

Memorize basic strategy and be able to count down a single deck in 25 seconds. Begin deck estimation drills, via CV software. Convert to a viable true count.

Play basic strategy while counting a single deck with a maximum of 3 counting mistakes. Continue deck estimation drills.

Play basic strategy while counting a three deck shoe with a maximum of 3 counting mistakes. Continue deck estimation drills. Convert to a viable true count.

Play basic strategy while counting a five deck shoe with a maximum of 2 counting mistakes. Continue deck estimation drills. Convert to a viable true count.

Play basic strategy while counting a six deck shoe with a maximum of one counting mistake. Continue deck estimation drills. Convert to a viable true count.

Memorize adjusted strategy numbers. Play basic strategy while counting a six deck shoe with a maximum of one counting mistake. Continue deck estimation drills. Convert to a viable true count.

To be a successful card counter, you should deal yourself cards or purchase software for training purposes. A half hour of practice in the morning and evening provides a good practice routine. If you are able to count, watch television, and understand the jokes on that program while keeping an accurate count, it is a good indication you are a competent player.