Zen Counting System
Blackjack Card Counting Systems. CV Blackjack products contain over 400 card counting strategy index tables. Following is a complete list of the Blackjack counting systems included. DAS stands for double down after split allowed, NHC indicates European no hole card and H17/S17 indicates dealer hits on. The Zen Count card counting system is one of the many card counting techniques devised by professional gambler and blackjack master Arnold Snyder. First mention of this strategy can be found in Snyder’s 1983 classic Blackbelt in Blackjack.
By There is no such thing as a “best” Obviously, the answer to this question is not as easy as it appears. Several approaches have been used in the past to evaluate card counting systems. One analytical approach is the calculation of several performance parameters (e.g., playing, betting, and insurance efficiencies). The results are then used to approximate the potential of one system over another. Another approach that is used is to simulate each system against typical game conditions on a high speed computer. Simulations can provide an accurate real-world estimate of the advantages and win-rates that are possible in playing a particular system.
However, the problem with coming up with a ‘best’ card counting system. Instead of a single-level ‘unbalanced’ count you could assign more accurate point values to each card and determine true counts by the exact number of decks or cards remaining. You could improve ‘playing’ efficiency by assigning a ‘zero’ to the Ace and side counting each of them. You could also side count other cards such as 7s, 8s, and 9s thus improving your play against specific hands. You could also incorporate play variations (changes to basic strategy) based on specific counts by remembering ‘every’ index number for ‘every’ play possible. To improve the accuracy of your insurance decisions you could also keep a separate count of all the tens in the deck or shoe. Of course, you don’t want to forget all the ‘practical’ advice each system offers in regard to betting, playing, camouflage, and other tips and tricks of the trade.
I believe the above comment was one of the most important suggestions ever made about card counting. Griffin suggested that it may be better to keep your base count simple to allow your brain the ability to perform other tasks and to utilize other sources of information. These other sources of information can often improve the potential of a single-level count over an advanced 2- or 3-level count that doesn’t use this information. This information includes side counts, shuffle tracking, ace location strategies, key card techniques, and dealer errors. My own experience at card counting has shown that Griffin was probably right.
Human error is another reason to keep it simple. The most advanced card counting system may be one that perfectly balances theoretical power and your human ability to execute it accurately.
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH
- The”Best” Card Counting System: A Comparison of the Top 100 by Copyright © 1994 – 2020 All Rights Reserved
FAQ 11: Originally published in Volume 6 Issue 4 of Blackjack Review Magazine
RETURN NEXT FAQ↑1 A single-level count assigns point values in such a manner that the non-zero point values are the same in absolute value, namely +1 or -1. The single-level Hi-Lo count, for example, assigns 2 – 6 as +1, 7 – 9 as 0, and Tens and Aces as -1.
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It says it all right in the name: Unbalanced Zen 2 is an unbalanced method for card counting in blackjack. That means, after an entire deck has been counted, the final count is something besides 0. While this does offer a quicker route to calculating the advantage, it offers a little less accuracy than other balanced systems for counting.
Unbalanced Zen II was first developed by George C. in 1995, outlined in his book The Unbalanced Zen II. Though relatively new on the blackjack scene, this direct counting method is a great choice for card counting novices.
How the Unbalanced Zen 2 Works
Unbalanced Zen II is actually a cross between the Revere Point Count and the Zen count methods, but its unbalanced nature adds a dash of simplicity to the mix. Being unbalanced, this card counting method does not require that the running count be converted to a true count before making betting decisions. It was designed so its application can freely switch between single-deck and multi-deck games and retain the method's accuracy. The following is a table of the point values in Unbalanced Zen II:
Unbalanced Zen 2 Card Point Values |
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 A |
+1 +2 +2 +2 +2 +1 0 0 -2 -1 |
Example of Using the Unbalanced Zen Count
Under this point scheme, a running count would operate like this:
- 1st card is a 10, so the running count is -2.
- 2nd card is a 4, so the running count becomes 0.
- 3rd card is a 2, so the running count is now +1.
- 4th card is a 5, making the running count +3.
The Unbalanced Zen II system was made specifically to be easy-to-use. It eliminates the need for a true count, but maintains a high level of accurate advantage calculation. Players don't even need to keep a side-count of the Aces in play, since Unbalanced Zen II is Ace-Reckoned, meaning Aces are assigned a value and have an effect on the running count.
With its straightforward design and ease of application, the Unbalanced Zen II system for counting cards is a great starting place for beginners. It can also help players develop the skills they'll need with more complex advanced methods.
Books about the Unbalanced Zen 2
If you can find it, The Unbalanced Zen II, written by the method's creator, George C., is an excellent book. The Unbalanced Zen II method is also discussed in Blackjack Attack, 2nd ed., by Don Schlesinger.
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