True count calculation by rounds

Yet another method is to look up a multiplier in a table based on the number of players and the round number. Then use that multiplier to convert the running count to a true count. This can be used in single-deck play. This is described in Play Blackjack Like the Pros by Kevin Blackwood.

How often do we calculate true counts?

Everyone recalculates before making a bet. Different players make additional recalculations differently as follows:

Ø  Before Insurance – Recalculate before an Insurance bet. Counts all seen cards, including all of your hands, in face-down dealing.

Ø  Before first decision – Recalculate before the first playing decision in each hand.

Ø  Before every close decision – Recalculate for every playing decision that matters.

Recalculation for every decision is very important in single-deck Blackjack games. In shoe games, failing to recalculate after betting results in a performance hit of 5%-10% depending on penetration and number of players. However, if the true count is very high, over +4 in a level I strategy, or +8 in a level II strategy, all that matters is that the count is high. Exactly how high matters little.

Is there any time that I do not calculate true count?

Some people use the running count for decisions with a zero index. For example, when you have a 16 vs. ten, the running count is actually a bit more accurate than the true count using some strategies.

And we thought it was simple.☺

 © 2009 Norman Wattenberger