Playing the Hand When the Count and Bet Vary

Abstract

As discussed in the previous two chapters, most Players count cards to gauge the appropriate amount to bet on the next round. But the best way to play that round also depends to some extent on the undealt cards, for which counting gives a reasonable indicator; some improvement in performance could be expected from count-guided play adjustments.

Yet any count-dependent play is quite complex. Dozens of “play parameters” must be specified, such as on which hands to stand or draw, which initial hands to double or split, etc., all depending on Dealer’s upcard. Each of these many play parameters may have its own, separate dependence on count, a lengthy set of procedures usually called “strategy indices.”