Blackjack Counting Back-Counting and Wonging 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'Wonging' in blackjack card counting?
- Counting cards while playing every hand from the start of a shoe
- Watching a blackjack game without betting and only joining when the count is favorable (Correct answer)
- Splitting bets across multiple tables simultaneously
- Memorizing the dealer's hole card through visual techniques
Correct answer: Watching a blackjack game without betting and only joining when the count is favorable
Wonging involves back-counting a game from behind without betting, then entering only when the true count reaches a profitable threshold.
Question 2: Who coined and popularized the term 'Wonging' in blackjack?
- Edward Thorp
- Ken Uston
- Stanford Wong (Correct answer)
- Arnold Snyder
Correct answer: Stanford Wong
Stanford Wong popularized and gave his name to this back-counting technique in his influential book 'Professional Blackjack.'
Question 3: What is the primary advantage of back-counting over playing every hand from shoe start?
- It allows you to legally see other players' cards more easily
- You only play when the deck is in your favor, dramatically improving overall edge (Correct answer)
- It confuses casino surveillance systems by varying play style
- You can place larger bets without drawing attention
Correct answer: You only play when the deck is in your favor, dramatically improving overall edge
By only entering when the count is positive, a Wonger avoids all negative-expectation situations, dramatically improving win rate per hour of play.
Question 4: At what true count do most back-counters typically enter a Hi-Lo game?
- +1
- +2 (Correct answer)
- +3
- +4
Correct answer: +2
Most counters enter at a true count of +2, where the player's edge begins to exceed variance costs and the bet spread becomes statistically worthwhile.
Question 5: Which casino rule was specifically designed to eliminate the Wonging strategy?
- No hole card rule
- No mid-shoe entry (Correct answer)
- Surrender not allowed
- No resplitting of aces
Correct answer: No mid-shoe entry
The 'no mid-shoe entry' rule prevents players from joining a game after the first hand is dealt, directly eliminating the back-counting advantage.
Question 6: What does a back-counter do when the count turns negative during active play?
- Continues playing but reduces bets to the table minimum
- Leaves the table and resumes watching from behind or moves to another table (Correct answer)
- Requests an early shuffle from the dealer
- Increases bets trying to recoup losses quickly
Correct answer: Leaves the table and resumes watching from behind or moves to another table
A Wonger exits the game when the count drops to neutral or negative, walking away to back-count another shoe or table for the next favorable opportunity.
Question 7: What is the main risk Wongers face from casino surveillance staff?
- Being forced to play more hands per shoe
- Being identified as a counter due to erratic entry and exit patterns (Correct answer)
- Losing track of the running count while standing behind the table
- Being required to share winnings with other players at the table
Correct answer: Being identified as a counter due to erratic entry and exit patterns
Repeatedly joining mid-shoe and leaving when the count drops is a recognizable pattern that modern casino surveillance teams are specifically trained to detect.
Blackjack Counting Back-Counting and Wonging 1
What is 'Wonging' in blackjack card counting?