Betting Strategy
Counting gets you the edge. Bet sizing is how you extract it — without getting backed off.
KO Betting Ramp (6-deck)
KO uses the running count directly. Start at −20 for a 6-deck shoe.
Below 01× minHouse advantage
0 to +32× minNear break-even
+4 (pivot)4× min+0.5% player edge
+86-8× min+1%+ edge
+12+Max spread+1.5%+ edge
Hi-Lo Betting Ramp (True Count)
≤ +11× minHouse advantage
+24× min+0.5% edge
+38× min+1% edge
+412× min+1.5% edge
+5+Max spread+2%+ edge
Bet Spreads
Your spread is the ratio between min and max bet. Wider = more EV, more heat.
1-4Low heatMarginalLearning phase
1-8Moderate+0.5-1%Most counters
1-12High+1-1.5%Serious play
1-16+Backoff risk+2%+Teams only
Bankroll Requirements
$10 table$3,000–5,0001-8 spread
$25 table$7,500–12,0001-8 spread
$50 table$15,000–25,0001-8 spread
$100 table$30,000–50,0001-8 spread
Camouflage Essentials
→Flat bet a few hands when first sitting down — establish yourself
→Take insurance once per session (counters never do — break the pattern)
→Talk to the dealer. Silent + intense = dead giveaway
→Occasionally bet slightly out of sync with count (once per session)
→Buy in small. Cash out. Move. Never let them rate a long session.
→Never cap bets robotically at the same threshold every shoe