Blackjack Counting Introduction 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'bet spreading' in the context of card counting?
- Placing bets across multiple side bets simultaneously
- Varying bet size based on the count, betting large when count is high and small when low (Correct answer)
- Splitting bets across two hands to reduce variance
- Betting the same amount every hand to avoid detection
Correct answer: Varying bet size based on the count, betting large when count is high and small when low
Bet spreading is the practice of increasing bets when the count is favorable and minimizing bets when it is not.
Question 2: What is the 'Kelly Criterion' as it relates to blackjack counting?
- A rule for when to take insurance
- A formula for optimal bet sizing based on your edge and bankroll (Correct answer)
- A basic strategy chart variant
- A casino rule limiting bet increases
Correct answer: A formula for optimal bet sizing based on your edge and bankroll
The Kelly Criterion determines the mathematically optimal bet fraction based on your edge percentage and total bankroll to maximize long-term growth.
Question 3: What does 'back-counting' (also called 'Wonging') involve?
- Counting cards from behind other players and only sitting down at positive counts (Correct answer)
- Counting cards while playing from the back seat of a table
- A method of counting aces separately from other cards
- Signaling count information to a partner at another table
Correct answer: Counting cards from behind other players and only sitting down at positive counts
Back-counting (named after Stanford Wong) means observing a table without playing, then joining only when the count becomes favorable.
Question 4: Why is variance an important concept for card counters?
- High variance means counters always win in the short run
- Even with an edge, counters experience significant swings and need large bankrolls to survive losing streaks (Correct answer)
- Variance only matters if the count system is inaccurate
- Variance decreases as the count increases
Correct answer: Even with an edge, counters experience significant swings and need large bankrolls to survive losing streaks
Blackjack has high inherent variance, so counters need sufficient bankrolls to weather negative swings even when playing correctly.
Question 5: What is a 'team play' strategy in card counting?
- Playing at the same table as another counter without communicating
- Coordinated groups where 'spotters' count and signal a 'big player' to bet large only at favorable shoes (Correct answer)
- Two players sharing the same bankroll at separate tables
- A strategy where team members alternate playing each hand
Correct answer: Coordinated groups where 'spotters' count and signal a 'big player' to bet large only at favorable shoes
Team play divides roles — spotters count without raising suspicion while big players join only during favorable counts, maximizing edge and camouflage.
Question 6: Which casino countermeasure directly addresses card counting by changing game conditions?
- Installing surveillance cameras above tables
- Reducing deck penetration by shuffling earlier (Correct answer)
- Limiting blackjack payout to 6:5 instead of 3:2
- Increasing the number of decks in the shoe
Correct answer: Reducing deck penetration by shuffling earlier
Shuffling earlier (reducing penetration) limits how much useful information counters can gather before the deck is reset.
Question 7: What effect does a 6:5 blackjack payout (instead of 3:2) have on a card counter's edge?
- It has no effect since counters rely on bet variation, not payouts
- It increases the counter's edge because high cards are more valuable
- It significantly reduces or eliminates the counter's advantage by increasing the base house edge (Correct answer)
- It only affects basic strategy players, not counters
Correct answer: It significantly reduces or eliminates the counter's advantage by increasing the base house edge
A 6:5 blackjack payout adds roughly 1.4% to the house edge, often eliminating the counter's advantage entirely before counting even begins.
Blackjack Counting Introduction 4
What is 'bet spreading' in the context of card counting?