Blackjack Counting Betting Spreads and Bankroll Management

Question 1

What is a 'betting spread' in the context of card counting?

Accepted Answer

The ratio between minimum and maximum bets placed

Answer

A betting spread is the ratio of the largest bet to the smallest bet a counter makes, such as 1-to-12 spread.

Question 2

Why do card counters use a 1-to-12 spread rather than flat betting?

Accepted Answer

To maximize profit at positive counts and minimize loss at negative counts

Answer

Varying bet size by count allows counters to bet heavily when they hold the edge and minimally when the house has the advantage.

Question 3

What is the recommended minimum bankroll for a $10 minimum bet card counter using a 1-to-12 spread?

Accepted Answer

150-200 units (at least $1,500)

Answer

A bankroll of 150-200 betting units at your minimum bet size is typically recommended to survive natural variance swings.

Question 4

What does 'risk of ruin' measure in blackjack bankroll management?

Accepted Answer

The probability of losing the entire bankroll before reaching a profit goal

Answer

Risk of ruin is the statistical probability a player will exhaust their entire bankroll given their edge, spread, and starting capital.

Question 5

A card counter who flat bets regardless of the count will:

Accepted Answer

Eliminate their counting advantage entirely

Answer

Flat betting removes the ability to capitalize on positive counts, eliminating the mathematical edge card counting provides.

Blackjack Counting Practice Test