Heavy's new Kiss Count Strategy for Blackjack

[flextimeLV]

Saw a mention for this in the August newsletter. Are there details posted anywhere? Thanks!

[heavy]

I haven't posted any details on it yet because the jury is out as to whether I'm going to merchandise it or not. Now that I'm retired from the day job I have more time to work on things like that. With that said, I'll give you some bits of it.

First off, it's based largely on a strategy originally developed - but not widely touted - by Thorpe way back in "Beat the Dealer" days. It's a very simplified count strategy you can learn in about an hour - and if you are not completely innumerate you can play it fairly well after two or three sessions. It is so simple you only have to track 2 cards - but I won't go into that.

It does have its own basic strategy that differs slightly from traditional basic strategy due to the count method. I admit to borrowing ideas from other systems along the way. For example, as with (which one is it . . Red Sevens?) I don't start the count at zero. I want to avoid having to count negative numbers, so I give you the option of starting the count at nine or above.

There is some ranging of bet size but it's relatively small. You start out with a base bet - usually two units. When the count gets to a certain point you double that bet. If the count goes higher you double the bet size again. If you lose either of those bets you double again. If you win you just go up two units and lock up the rest of the win. When the count drops you drop back to two units.

The strategy calls for a fair amount of "acting" on the players part - which I won't go into in any depth. However, the idea is to give the pit the idea that you are a walk-up drunk and don't really know the game that well.

The strategy itself gets you close to a one percent advantage. Yeah, for a $10 - $25 bettor seeing 50 hands per hour that's about an $8 an hour win over the long run. To make big money you have to bet big money.

[flextimeLV]

Looking forward to hearing how this works in live action! Thanks!

[Lonnegan]

I am thinking this is a variation on the Ace - 5 strategy

[heavy]

You are thinking correctly. As I mentioned in my post, the strategy was first developed by Thorpe and is mentioned in Beat the Dealer. I've tweaked basic strategy for it a bit and added my own betting progressions and table strategies. Have not had time to work on getting it in print format where I can do anything with it from a commercial perspective. Retirement. It ain't what it's cracked up to be. You don't have time to do anything except keep momma happy.