Now as we have covered the basics of this card counting system, it is time to actually explain how it is used to count cards at the blackjack table. Zen Count Card Counting System in Blackjack In other words, the higher the number of decks in play, the lower the starting count is.Īnother important thing is that if a player counts correctly through a deck of cards, their final count will always be +4. So, the starting count is 0 for a single-deck game, -4 for a double-deck game, and -20 for a six-deck game. In other words, if a player plays eight-deck blackjack, they would begin their running count at –28.

The starting count is calculated using this formula: And this is exactly what eliminates the need to convert the running count into a true count. However, with the KO system the starting count depends on the number of decks used to play. In most other card counting strategies, players must begin their running count with a count of 0. In this card counting method, all cards from 2 through 7 are assigned a +1 value, 8s and 9s are assigned a 0, and cards from 10 through ace are assigned a -1.

We say pitfall because failing to grasp the idea of a running count and to master the skill of keeping a running count could incur big losses for players.Īs per the rules of the KO system, players need to assign the value of +1, 0, or -1 to each card that is dealt at the blackjack table. Keeping a running count is the main piece, and potential pitfall, of the Knockout card counting system. How to Keep a Running Count with the KO System? But what values are assigned to the different cards in the deck, how to keep a running count, and how to adjust a bet according to the running count using the KO system? In this article, we explain in detail the principles of this easy to master but highly efficient card counting method.

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