Just as with the Red Seven count, Mr. Snyder converts the count to the player’s % advantage so one can bet the advantage. To achieve this the count is divided by four, two for half decks and two because it is a level 2 count. If the running count were 8, the advantage would be 8/4 or 2. One would bet 2% of their bankroll.
For a level two system, the card values are about as accurate a reflection as they can be. When you look at the point values from Griffin, the most inaccurate Zen value is the Ace, which is actually greater than the ten value cards. By valuing the Ace as -1, he split the difference between the value of the Ace in playing strategy and betting strategy. This move, although a compromise, eliminates the need for an Ace side count. (This is editorial speculation on my part as Snyder did not discuss how the count was derived.)
One of the beauties of the Zen count is the way Snyder presents his basic strategy modifications. He differentiates between major and minor indices and put them together in easy to learn blocks. When playing blackjack, having to recall a massive number of indices makes play much more difficult. By using this approach, a high level counting system is learnable by anyone.
B.C. 0.96 P.E. 0.63 I.C. 0.85
Advantages: This is a Level Two system without a lot of indices to learn. Adjustments allow one to bet their advantage (Kelley Betting).
Disadvantages: Level Two makes it a bit harder to learn than a level one system. Plan to practice a bit longer, but you only have to do it once.
Although the above numbers were given, the authors do not elaborate much about the Hi-OPT II system. As you can see, the ten value cards are assigned a -2 value, and the Ace is assigned 0. This gives it a high insurance correlation, but lowers the betting efficiency. An Ace side count would push the betting efficiency up to 0.98 or 0.99.
B.C. 0.91 P.E. 0.67 I.C. 0.91
39. Omega II System
Blackjack for Blood by Bryce Carlson, 2001
This is a level two, balanced system with an Ace side count.
Mr. Carlson has developed a very strong system, which is especially strong when an Ace side count is used. The betting efficiency is 0.92 without the Ace side count, and 0.99 with it. This allows the player to learn and use the Omega II in steps. One may begin with the count above, with a simple betting and playing strategy. Add the Ace side count and more advanced betting and playing strategies. This versatile system allows one to keep it simple or take it to the highest level.
I enjoyed reading how the Omega II was developed. This type of teaching is appealing to me, because, as a writer, you are also a teacher. Carlson takes the reader through the development from effects of removal of cards to finding an optimum count using weighted averages. Finally he reduces the count to about level 2, rounds them off to whole numbers, and, viola, the Omega II is born.
In addition to the counting system, he gives good advice on how to learn Omega II, the Ace side count, camouflaging your play, and a lot of ways to draw blood.
B.C. 0.92 P.E. 0.67 I.C. 0.85
Advantages: Level 2 counting system, accurately developed, and can be learned in steps.
Disadvantages: Being a level 2 system, it may take a little longer to learn than a level one count.
