Stanford Wong
Hi-Lo – The Hi-Lo (also called High-Low) strategy is a Level I, balanced strategy optimized for betting originally created by Harvey Dubner in 1963. The Hi-Lo strategy was later refined by Julian Braun, published by Edward Thorp, and refined again by Stanford Wong. Published in Professional Blackjack, Pi Yee Press, 1975, rev. 1994. This is probably the most used counting strategy in existence. Most simulations and studies are based on this count. Some people believe this is a problem since the casinos will expect you to use the count. However, it really makes little difference. The indexes for this system vary somewhat from edition to edition of the book.
Wong Halves – An advanced, Level III, balanced strategy, using fractions and optimized for betting. This is one of the strongest systems. But it is quite difficult. Most people double the tag values to remove the fractions. Although still in use, most people opt for much simpler strategies, as current research does not show that much of a difference. Originally, some people side-counted aces when playing single-deck with Wong Halves. This is so complex that the tables are no longer in print.
Card Tag Values
|
Strategy |
A |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
T |
|
Hi-Lo |
-1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-1 |
|
Halves |
-1 |
.5 |
1 |
1 |
1.5 |
1 |
.5 |
0 |
-.5 |
-1 |
Specifics
|
Hi-Lo |
Halves |
|
|
Strategy Type |
Balanced |
Balanced |
|
Level |
I |
III |
|
Betting Correlation |
.97 |
.99 |
|
Playing Efficiency |
.51 |
.56 |
|
Insurance Correlation |
.76 |
.72 |
|
Ease of use |
6 |
2.5 |
|
Ace-Reckoned |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Compromise Indexes |
No |
No |
|
Suit Aware |
No |
No |
© 2009 Norman Wattenberger
