Balanced vs Unbalanced Card Counting
There are different card counting systems out there. Most of them fall under either a balanced or unbalanced system. These two methods both work toward the same goal, getting a count on how many big cards are left in the deck, but they use very different methods. Here are the differences between the two systems, and some advantages that each presents.
In balanced strategies, all the point values sum to zero. These systems are usually the more accurate of the two because the count stays near zero. That gives you more time to think about betting strategies. The most common of these types is the “Hi-Lo” system. The count will vary to the “true count”, depending on the number of decks in the shoe. You’re also able to test how well you’re doing because at the end of the shoe you have a count of zero.
Unbalanced strategies work on the basis that the sum of all the cards is a positive number. The number that the counter starts out with is determined by the number of decks in the shoe. These systems are good because they can be used in the easier running count systems, and are generally easier to perform. The most popular unbalanced card counting systems are “Red 7” and the “K-O” systems.
Determining which system is best for you can only be determined by your results. Unbalanced systems are generally easier to learn and work better in single or small number of deck shoes. Balanced systems are more accurate and are better suited for large shoes with 6-8 decks. Try out different types until you find the system that works best for you.
