Many professional players use card-counting systems because they give them the opportunity to determine whether their situation is favourable and to make wiser decisions about their moves. Another reason these strategies have grown so popular is that they provide valuable information about the cards remaining in the deck, which helps players adjust their bets accordingly and avoid losing money.
Card-counting systems vary in difficulty, accuracy and effectiveness, which is why, before deciding to use one, players must take these factors into account; otherwise, they risk achieving the opposite of their intended goal. In order to make any of these systems work in their favour, it is essential to know the basic strategy inside out and exercise discipline.
The Zen Count is a card-counting system that is considered more complicated than traditional ones and, therefore, players should familiarise themselves with the basic systems first. Nevertheless, the strategy is not hard to comprehend, and as long as they are willing to dedicate time and effort to it, learning it will not be a problem.
Brief History of Zen Count System
This system grew in popularity thanks to the acclaimed books Blackbelt in Blackjack and The Big Book of Blackjack, both written by professional player Arnold Snyder. It is not the only card-counting system he developed; the Red Seven is also his creation.
Mr Snyder’s works are based on his own experience, which is why his methods are extremely effective and accurate. He is an inspiration to many, having been inducted into the Blackjack Hall of Fame for his numerous innovations and techniques.
Classifications of the Zen Count System
The Zen Count is a level-two system, which places it among those strategies that require knowledge of basic card-counting methods before players can use them successfully. However, although it is a level-two count, the system is moderately simplified and can be applied in a casino setting with relative ease. Moreover, it gives players the chance to gain an advantage over the casino by providing them with accurate information about the upcoming cards.
The Zen Count is a balanced system, meaning that if players were to count an entire deck, their final count should be zero. Another characteristic of a balanced system is that it requires the conversion of the running count into the true count. The true count is calculated by dividing the running count by the number of decks remaining in the game.
The running count also plays a crucial role in this system, as it indicates how players should adjust their wagers and moves. If the running count is positive, they should increase their bets, and if it is negative, they should bet as little as possible. Many players struggle to make these calculations in their heads while playing, which is why it is vital to become familiar with both the running and the true counts before sitting at the table.
Hi-Opt Systems
Zen Count System
Wong Halves System
The Illustrious 18
Single-deck Card Counting
Assigned Values of the Cards in the Zen Count System
For a card-counting system to be successful and efficient, it must provide players with a reliable plan that they can understand and apply during the game. Like most of the well-known card-counting systems, the Zen Count also uses the principle of assigning point values to the cards.
However, because this method is level two, players should expect it to be more complicated than the basic systems and to involve more than the three standard values of minus one, plus one and zero. If they devote the necessary time and effort to learning it, the system will, in return, give them the chance to gain an advantage over the casino and adjust their bets and moves accordingly.
The assigned values in the Zen Count are as follows: twos, threes and sevens are counted as plus one; fours, fives and sixes as plus two; eights and nines as zero; aces as minus one; and the remaining cards as minus two. At first glance, this strategy may seem difficult to learn, but if players take the time to familiarise themselves with it, they will be able to understand its patterns fully. It can be extremely beneficial, as the multilevel count enables them to adjust their bets more precisely and, thus, earn more money.
| Zen Count Card Counting System | |
|---|---|
| Card Value | Count |
| 4, 5, 6 | count +2 |
| 2, 3, 7 | count +1 |
| 8, 9 | count 0 |
| A | count -1 |
| 10, J, Q, K | count -2 |
Pros & Cons of the Zen Count System
On the one hand, when applied correctly the Zen Count offers players a high level of accuracy while still being reasonably easy to understand. Moreover, its betting correlation of 0.96 is proof that the system performs very well. Combined with basic strategy, it can be extremely beneficial to players and lead to the desired wins.
On the other hand, as already noted, the Zen Count is a balanced system that requires more calculations and greater concentration. Casinos are often full of distractions and, even if players know the system inside-out, they may still be unable to recall it when needed.
Conclusion
The Zen Count is a card-counting system designed to help players make wiser decisions about their bets and moves. When applied correctly, it can work wonders at the blackjack tables, which is why it is used by many professional players. However, to win, they must remain extremely disciplined and focused throughout the entire game.
For this reason, it is important to choose a system that is not only efficient but also practical in a distracting environment. It is also essential to consider the many obstacles card counters face in casinos, as it is no secret that many venues are reluctant to host such customers.