Card counting systems are used mainly by professional players because they are considered more complex and advanced strategies. However, as they have grown so popular, many methods have now been specially designed to be both simplified and efficient and, therefore, suitable for beginners.
It has never been easier to learn a card counting system and become a proficient Blackjack player. All that is required is a willingness to invest a lot of time and effort and to strive for continuous improvement. Some card counting systems are harder to learn than others, but, in return, they provide players with extremely accurate information about the cards.
The Wong Halves system is famous for its high level of difficulty and its complicated scheme of assigned point values. However, if players manage to grasp its main principles and apply them when needed, they can be confident that their edge over the casino will be extremely high. This system should not be used by inexperienced card counters, as keeping track of the cards in line with its assigned values is a very challenging process that requires solid knowledge of the basic card counting systems.
Brief History of the Wong Halves System
The Wong Halves system was introduced by John Ferguson, who is better known in the gambling world as Stanford Wong. The method rose significantly in popularity thanks to his successful book Professional Blackjack, published in 1975.
Mr Ferguson is one of the most recognised blackjack players worldwide, as he developed one of the most accurate strategies of all time. His work was influenced by the famous book Beat the Dealer by Edward Thorp, which greatly contributed to the creation of his own strategy.
Classifications of the Wong Halves System
As already mentioned, this system should be used by advanced players who have mastered a basic card counting system such as Hi-Lo or K-O. This is because the Wong Halves’ level of count is three, making it one of the most complicated strategies ever devised.
What sets it apart from other card counting methods is that it assigns fractional point values to some cards. Understandably, this makes the counting process much more difficult, as it requires great concentration and more complex mental calculations.
The Wong Halves system is a balanced one and, as such, requires the conversion of the running count into the true count. Calculating the true count in addition to tracking the cards can be a challenging form of multitasking, which is why even advanced players sometimes hesitate to use it. However, when applied correctly it provides extremely accurate information and can significantly increase their chances of winning.
Hi-Opt Systems
Zen Count System
Wong Halves System
The Illustrious 18
Single-deck Card Counting
Assigned Card Values in Wong Halves
Wong Halves is regarded as more difficult than other card counting systems because it uses an elaborate scheme. As noted, some cards are given fractional rather than whole-number point values. This calls for more detailed calculations which many players struggle to perform in noisy, distraction-filled casinos, as they lack the necessary concentration.
The Wong Halves system assigns the following values: tens, aces and all face cards are counted as minus one; twos and sevens as plus one-half; threes, fours and sixes as plus one; fives as plus one and a half; eights as zero; and nines as minus one-half. The strategy demands a great deal of concentration and effort to apply correctly, so it is highly recommended that players practise it elsewhere before using it in a casino.
After all, every wrong move and decision at the table is likely to cost money, and players who wish to make the most of every game need to be fully prepared in advance.
| Wong Halves Card Counting System | |
|---|---|
| Card Value | Count |
| 5 | count +1.5 |
| 3, 4, 6 | count +1 |
| 2, 7 | count +0.5 |
| 8 | count 0 |
| 9 | count -0.5 |
| 10, J, Q, K, A | count -1 |
Pros & Cons of the Wong Halves System
On the one hand, this system can be highly beneficial for players, as its betting correlation is an impressive 0.99 out of 1.00. This clearly indicates that Wong Halves is extremely efficient and accurate at predicting how favourable the upcoming cards will be. When applied correctly, it can significantly increase the players’ chances of gaining an advantage over the casino.
On the other hand, although this system has proved to be one of the most accurate ever developed, players need to take into account the fact that its assigned point values are harder to calculate in a casino setting. Moreover, to exploit it fully, they must have a solid knowledge of basic strategy and other card counting systems. Only dedicated players with the requisite willpower and experience can use this method to achieve the desired wins.
Conclusion
The Wong Halves system is considered one of the most complicated strategies ever created. Many players hold back from learning it because some of its assigned point values are fractional, which makes card counting much more difficult. It is indisputable that this system is among the hardest card counting methods of all time and, as a result, it is not widely used nowadays.
However, it is worth mentioning that it was devised by one of the world’s most recognised card counters and, as such, it delivers results like no other strategy. Players who invest the necessary time and effort can greatly improve their game and, more importantly, make better betting decisions. Wong Halves gives them the unique chance to make accurate predictions about the ratio between high- and low-value cards, enabling them to turn the tables in their favour.