Blackjack is a game of skill that requires more than just luck to win consistently. One of the strategies used by successful blackjack players is card counting. Card counting is the process of tracking the cards that have been dealt to determine the likelihood of certain cards being drawn in the future. This knowledge can then be used to adjust your betting strategy and increase your chances of winning. One popular card counting system is the REKO Count, developed by Lawrence Revere. In this article, we will explore the REKO Count and how it can help you become a better blackjack player.
History of the REKO Count
Lawrence Revere was a blackjack player and author who developed the REKO Count in the 1970s. REKO stands for “REVerse KO,” as it is essentially a simplified version of the Knock-Out (KO) Count, which we discussed in a previous article. Revere created the REKO Count to be an easy-to-learn system that could be used by beginners and experienced players alike.
How the REKO Count Works
The REKO Count is a balanced counting system, which means that the total value of all the cards in the deck should add up to zero if counted correctly. The system assigns a value of +1 to 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, and 7s. It assigns a value of -1 to 10s, jacks, queens, kings, and aces. 8s and 9s have a value of zero.
To use the REKO Count, you need to keep a running count in your head of the cards that have been dealt. Each time a card is dealt, you add or subtract its value from the running count. For example, if the first three cards dealt are a 5, a jack, and a 3, your running count would be +1 (from the 5) -1 (from the jack) +1 (from the 3) = +1.
Once you have a running count, you need to calculate the true count. The true count is the running count divided by the number of decks left in the shoe. This is important because the odds change as the number of decks left in the shoe changes. The more positive the true count, the more you should bet.
Advantages of the REKO Count
One of the advantages of the REKO Count is its simplicity. It is easy to learn and can be mastered quickly. Unlike other counting systems that require you to keep track of multiple values for each card, the REKO Count only uses three values (+1, -1, and 0). This makes it easier to use in a live game and reduces the risk of making mistakes.
Another advantage of the REKO Count is that it is a balanced system. Balanced systems, like the REKO Count, require less mental effort to calculate the true count. The running count is enough to give you a general idea of the odds, while the true count provides a more accurate representation of the odds.
Disadvantages of the REKO Count
One of the disadvantages of the REKO Count is that it is a level one counting system. This means that it does not take into account all of the cards in the deck. Level two and level three counting systems are more accurate but also more complicated to use.
Another disadvantage of the REKO Count is that it may not be as effective in games with multiple decks. This is because the count is based on a single deck, and as more decks are added, the count becomes less accurate. If you plan on playing in games with multiple decks, you may want to consider using a more sophisticated counting system. Additionally, some players find that the negative value assigned to some cards can be confusing and harder to keep track of than a simple +1/-1 system. However, the REKO Count is still a popular choice for players who want a simple and effective way to gain an edge in their blackjack games.