💰 Betting Strategy Guide

đŸŽ¯ Core Betting Principle

The fundamental concept of advantage play in blackjack is to bet more when you have an edge and less when the casino has the advantage. This is achieved by combining perfect basic strategy with accurate card counting and proper bet sizing.

Key Formula

Player Edge = Card Counting Advantage + Basic Strategy

When the true count is positive, you have an edge. When negative, the house has the advantage.

📊 Common Betting Strategies

1. True Count Betting

Bet Size = Base Unit × True Count

Example: $10 base unit, True Count +3 = $30 bet

Pros: Simple, mathematically sound

Cons: Large bet spreads attract attention

2. Kelly Criterion

Bet % = (Edge × Odds - 1) / (Odds - 1)

Pros: Optimal bankroll growth, reduces risk

Cons: Complex calculations

Use: More conservative than pure count betting

3. Wonging (Back Counting)

Strategy: Only play when count is favorable (+2 or higher)

Method: Watch tables, enter on positive counts

Pros: Higher win rate, less money at risk

Cons: Not always practical, casinos watch for this

🎲 Bet Ramp Systems

Conservative Ramp (Recommended for Beginners)

True Count Bet Size (Units) Example ($10 base) Player Edge
-2 or lower Walk away $0 -1.5% or worse
-1 to +1 1 unit $10 ~0%
+2 2 units $20 ~+0.5%
+3 4 units $40 ~+1.0%
+4 8 units $80 ~+1.5%
+5+ 10-12 units $100-$120 ~+2.0%

Aggressive Ramp (Advanced Players)

Uses higher multipliers but creates more casino heat. Only recommended for experienced counters with large bankrolls.

Example Session

Bankroll: $2,000 | Base Unit: $10 | Max Bet: $100

Hand 1: True Count +1 → Bet $10

Hand 2: True Count +3 → Bet $40

Hand 3: True Count -1 → Bet $10 or leave table

đŸ’ŧ Bankroll Management

Essential Guidelines

Bankroll Requirements

Conservative: 200 betting units for max bet

Aggressive: 100 betting units for max bet

Example: Max bet $100 = $10,000-$20,000 bankroll needed

Risk of Ruin

  • Target: Keep risk of ruin under 5%
  • Factors: Bet spread, bankroll size, playing accuracy
  • Formula: Higher bankroll = lower risk
  • Reality check: Even 1% edge requires patience

Session Limits

  • Loss limit: 10-20% of total bankroll per session
  • Win goal: 20-50% of session buy-in
  • Time limit: Avoid fatigue affecting decisions
  • Emotional control: Never chase losses

đŸ•ĩī¸ Casino Countermeasures

What Casinos Look For

  • Large bet spreads: 1-10+ unit jumps
  • Bet correlation: Betting with the count
  • Playing time: Leaving during negative shoes
  • Strategy deviations: Playing differently based on count
  • Behavior patterns: Obvious counting motions

Camouflage Techniques

  • Reasonable spreads: Keep to 1-8 units maximum
  • Occasional bad plays: Make obvious "tourist" mistakes
  • Social behavior: Chat, drink (non-alcoholic), tip dealers
  • Vary timing: Don't always leave on negative counts
  • Different casinos: Rotate playing locations

⚠ī¸ Important Warning

Card counting is legal but casinos can ban you. Always maintain proper camouflage and never be obvious about your advantage play techniques.

đŸŽ¯ Advanced Techniques

Insurance Betting

Take Insurance when True Count â‰Ĩ +3

Insurance becomes profitable when there are enough 10-value cards remaining in the deck.

Basic Strategy Deviations

  • 16 vs 10: Stand when True Count â‰Ĩ 0 (normally hit)
  • 15 vs 10: Stand when True Count â‰Ĩ +4
  • 12 vs 2: Stand when True Count â‰Ĩ +3
  • 12 vs 3: Stand when True Count â‰Ĩ +2
  • 13 vs 2: Stand when True Count â‰Ĩ -1

Team Play

  • Spotters: Count cards, signal big players
  • Big players: Only play when count is favorable
  • Advantages: Larger bankroll, reduced variance
  • Challenges: Communication, profit sharing

📋 Practical Implementation

Step-by-Step Progression

Phase 1: Foundation

  • Master basic strategy (98%+ accuracy)
  • Learn Hi-Lo counting system
  • Practice at home until automatic
  • Start with flat betting

Phase 2: Implementation

  • Begin with small bet spreads (1-4)
  • Play short sessions
  • Track all results
  • Focus on accuracy over speed

Phase 3: Optimization

  • Increase bet spreads gradually
  • Add strategy deviations
  • Improve camouflage techniques
  • Consider team play

Expected Results

Realistic Expectations

Hourly Rate: $15-50 per hour (depending on stakes and skill)

Win Rate: 1-2% edge with perfect play

Variance: Expect significant ups and downs

Time to Profit: May take hundreds of hours to see consistent results

⚠ī¸ Final Considerations

Reality Check

Professional card counting requires:

  • Substantial bankroll ($10,000+ minimum)
  • Hundreds of hours of practice
  • Emotional discipline and patience
  • Acceptance of being banned from casinos
  • Understanding that edges are small

Legal and Ethical Notes

  • Legal: Card counting is not illegal
  • Casino rights: They can refuse service to anyone
  • Devices: Electronic aids are illegal
  • Team play: Coordination signals may be restricted
  • Responsible gambling: Never bet money you can't afford to lose

Remember

This information is for educational purposes. Card counting requires significant skill, bankroll, and emotional control. Most players are better off treating blackjack as entertainment rather than attempting advantage play.