Card counting systems are renowned worldwide for the efficiency and accuracy they offer players. As they require a great deal of effort and knowledge, their main users are experienced gamblers who realise how beneficial they can be when applied correctly. Over the years, they have grown in popularity very quickly because of the significant edge that players are able to gain by using them.
The reason these card counting systems are so effective is that they enable players to derive valuable information from the cards and therefore make wiser decisions about their bets and moves. In this way, their chances of winning are significantly increased, and even though the casino has a built-in advantage, players can turn the tables in their favour and achieve the desired result.
All card counting systems share the same aim – to provide players with the information needed to help them make better decisions and, consequently, win. However, the main difference between them is the extent to which they achieve this, provided that they are applied correctly. This is why one of the most widely used card counting systems in Blackjack is Omega II, as it offers players an exceptionally high level of efficiency and accuracy throughout the game.
Brief History of the Omega II System
The Omega II card counting system drew the attention of many players when the successful book Blackjack for Blood was published in 2001. Its author, Bryce Carlson, is a famous professional player whose book inspired many gamblers. His main aim was to demonstrate that the notion that casinos cannot be beaten is wrong.
He proved that with an effective strategy, knowledge and discipline, everything is possible, even in the gambling world. Blackjack for Blood is very easy to understand, and it is recommended for both inexperienced and seasoned players, as it covers the basics of the game while also explaining more advanced subtleties. This book will go down in history as one of the most valuable Blackjack works ever written.
Classification of the Omega II System
Card counting systems are divided into two categories, depending on their level of difficulty and the value of their final count. The Omega II is a level-two system, which means it is more complex to comprehend than the Hi-Lo or K-O systems. However, players need to take into account the fact that it is also more effective and accurate, as its betting efficiency is nearly 99%. This can be a huge advantage for them if they manage to apply the system correctly in a casino setting.
Another classification that is worth mentioning is that this system is a balanced one, which means that players need to convert the running count into the true count in order to obtain more accurate information about the cards in the deck. In general, unbalanced card counting systems are considered to be easier to use than the balanced ones, because they do not require this specific conversion, which many players struggle to perform. This is the reason why the Omega II system is recommended for gamblers who have already mastered the basic card counting systems and know the principles behind them.
Hi-Opt Systems
Zen Count System
Wong Halves System
The Illustrious 18
Single-deck Card Counting
Assigned Values of the Cards in the Omega II System
The Omega II system uses the fundamental principle of assigning different point values to cards; however, the structure of this strategy makes the count more complicated than in most other systems. To be able to use it in a casino, players need to be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to it. This system is not the easiest one, but it is worth noting that, if they manage to understand it and apply it when needed, it really pays off.
The assigned values in this system are as follows: the cards two, three and seven are counted as plus one; four, five and six as plus two; eight and ace as zero; nine as minus one; and ten as minus two. It is noticeable that the counting in this system is much more diverse and complicated, as it involves more than the three standard assigned values of minus one, plus one and zero. Players should take their time to learn them carefully and observe the system’s subtleties if they want to take advantage of it.
| Omega II Card Counting System | |
|---|---|
| Card Value | Count |
| 4, 5, 6 | count +2 |
| 2, 3, 7 | count +1 |
| 8, A | count 0 |
| 9 | count -1 |
| 10, J, Q, K | count -2 |
Pros & Cons of the Omega II System
On the one hand, this system gives players a significantly higher chance of determining their position at any point in the game. Knowing whether they are in an advantageous situation is extremely valuable, as they can then adjust the basic strategy and their bets accordingly. Thanks to this information, they will be able to make wiser decisions and increase their chances of winning in the long term. The system is specifically designed to work in favour of players by helping them keep track of the cards more successfully.
On the other hand, one drawback of Omega II is its complicated structure, and when we add to this the fact that it is also a balanced system, it becomes one of the most challenging card counting methods. It is therefore important for players to consider whether they will be able to apply it in casinos, as most venues offer many distractions. Without a high level of concentration, players won’t be able to take advantage of it and may become confused by the counting process, which could result in financial losses.
Conclusion
Even though Omega II is considered to be one of the most complicated systems, players should take into account the fact that it gives them better chances of gaining an advantage over the casino and winning. In general, the harder a card counting system is, the better. This system has proven to be worth learning, as it provides a very high level of accuracy and efficiency. It is predominantly used by professional gamblers who are willing to invest a lot of time and effort in order to master and apply it when necessary. This is the only way they can take advantage of it, as its complex schedule of assigned values requires such dedication.