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Balanced Counting Systems: Running Counts Versus True Counts
The running total of the value assigned to each card is the running count. The Hi Lo system, for example, is a balanced count and the running count is changed to a “true count.” This is changed while taking the number of decks in play into account. The true count in Hi Lo is determined by dividing the number of decks that have not been dealt by the running count. There are many different ways to go about the true count calculation however.
Unbalanced Card Counting Systems
Since the card counting system is unbalanced there is no need to convert the numbers to a true count. In this case, the number of decks in use is the starting number or indices. The K-O system and the Red 7 system are popular unbalanced card counting systems.
Back BlackJack Counting
“Wonging”, as back counting is sometimes called, is simply a way of counting cards by standing behind a blackjack table where others are playing. As the cards are dealt they are counted. The name “Wonging” came from the man who proposed this idea, Stanford Wong.
When the game has reached a point where it appears the player has the advantage then the player will enter the game. Also known as “wong in” to the game. As the advantage increase, the player can increase the bets or lower them should the advantage turn in the other direction. Some players who back count like to bet the same amount when they enter a game known as flat betting. Some players may choose to “wong out” when the advantage goes against them or others will only stay in until the game is shuffled then they are out to back count at another table.
Back counting is best used on games with 4, 6, or 8 decks; however games that use 1 or 2 decks can also benefit from wonging. In shoe games, the count is most stable so a player will not have to play a hand or two and then leave. Mid shoe entry in games with only one or two decks is not always allowed. In this case, wonging is not possible.
Advantages of Back Card Counting
Traditional card counting and back counting are not the same and should not be confused.
This is because with back counting the player will not be playing every hand that he is allowed to see. There are a few advantages to this because he will not play a hand if he does not have the advantage. Overall, the player’s advantage increases. Another advantage is the player will not change is bet size very often, or ever in some cases. Casinos frequently detect card counters when they make big changes in their bets, but since that does not occur with back counting there is no problem.
Disadvantages of Back Card Counting
When it comes to back counting there are not all advantages. In fact, there are several disadvantages. One of them is the player rarely earns any casino comps because they are not at the table long enough to do so. Other players at the table may not like that other players enter during a game and have superstitions about how this affects the cards. Finally, players who enter and leave many games may be spotted as a card counter by casino personnel and this is certainly unwanted.
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