Blackjack Counting Blackjack Counting 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of index numbers (also called indices) in advanced card counting?
- To track the number of cards dealt
- To determine when to deviate from basic strategy based on the true count (Correct answer)
- To calculate the house edge
- To memorize the order of cards in a shoe
Correct answer: To determine when to deviate from basic strategy based on the true count
Index numbers tell counters at what true count they should deviate from basic strategy for specific hands.
Question 2: What is the 'Illustrious 18' in card counting?
- The 18 most profitable basic strategy deviations based on the true count (Correct answer)
- 18 casinos most friendly to card counters
- The first 18 cards dealt from a fresh shoe
- A counting system using 18 card categories
Correct answer: The 18 most profitable basic strategy deviations based on the true count
The Illustrious 18 is a list of the 18 most valuable index plays that generate the majority of profit from strategy deviations.
Question 3: In the Omega II counting system, what value is assigned to tens and aces?
- Tens: -2, Aces: -1
- Tens: -1, Aces: 0
- Tens: -2, Aces: 0 (Correct answer)
- Tens: -1, Aces: -1
Correct answer: Tens: -2, Aces: 0
Omega II assigns -2 to tens and 0 to aces, requiring a separate ace side count for insurance decisions.
Question 4: How does penetration affect a card counter's edge?
- Higher penetration (more cards dealt) gives the counter a larger edge (Correct answer)
- Lower penetration gives the counter a larger edge
- Penetration has no effect on the counter's edge
- Penetration only affects the house edge
Correct answer: Higher penetration (more cards dealt) gives the counter a larger edge
Deeper penetration allows the true count to become more accurate and extreme, increasing the counter's advantage.
Question 5: What does 'camouflage' mean in the context of card counting?
- Hiding cards up your sleeve
- Disguising counting behavior to avoid detection by the casino (Correct answer)
- Using a disguise like a hat or glasses
- Counting with your eyes closed
Correct answer: Disguising counting behavior to avoid detection by the casino
Camouflage refers to techniques counters use to blend in as ordinary gamblers and avoid being detected by casino staff.
Question 6: Which casino countermeasure involves shuffling the shoe prematurely when a player's bet increases?
- Flat betting requirement
- Early shuffle (Correct answer)
- Heat
- Barring
Correct answer: Early shuffle
An early shuffle or 'preferential shuffle' is when the dealer shuffles before the cut card to prevent a counter from exploiting a positive count.
Question 7: In team play card counting, what is the role of the 'Big Player' (BP)?
- Sits at the table counting cards throughout the entire shoe
- Scouts multiple tables and signals when to join
- Joins a table with a positive count to make large bets (Correct answer)
- Distracts casino staff while others count
Correct answer: Joins a table with a positive count to make large bets
The Big Player moves between tables, joining only when a spotter signals a highly positive count, then making large bets.
Blackjack Counting Blackjack Counting 3
What is the primary purpose of index numbers (also called indices) in advanced card counting?