Every counting system works the same way: give each card a tag, keep a running total, and bet more when the cards left favour you. They differ in how many card values they track, whether you convert to a true count, and how hard they are to keep at table speed. Here are the seven systems in Counting Edge, side by side.
| System | Level | Type | Bet from | Ace side count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi-Lo | 1 | Balanced | True count | No |
| KO | 1 | Unbalanced | Running count | No |
| ReKO | 1 | Unbalanced | Running count | No |
| Hi-Opt II | 2 | Balanced | True count | Yes |
| Omega II | 2 | Balanced | True count | Yes |
| Zen Count | 2 | Balanced | True count | No |
| Wong Halves | 3 | Balanced | True count | No |
The value each system gives every card. 10 stands for 10, J, Q and K.
| System | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi-Lo | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | −1 | −1 |
| KO | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | −1 | −1 |
| ReKO | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | −1 | −1 |
| Hi-Opt II | +1 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | −2 | 0 |
| Omega II | +1 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +2 | +1 | 0 | −1 | −2 | 0 |
| Zen Count | +1 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +2 | +1 | 0 | 0 | −2 | −1 |
| Wong Halves | +0.5 | +1 | +1 | +1.5 | +1 | +0.5 | 0 | −0.5 | −1 | −1 |
The standard starting point. Low cards 2 to 6 are +1, 10s and aces are −1, and you divide by decks left to get a true count. It has the most published index plays, including the Illustrious 18. Hi-Lo guide →
Hi-Lo with one change: 7s count +1 too. That makes the count unbalanced, so it starts below zero and you bet off the running count, with no division. KO guide → · Hi-Lo vs KO →
The same tags as KO with a different starting count and key count, chosen so the running count stays reliable from single deck to eight-deck shoes.
A level 2 count: 4s and 5s are +2 and ten-value cards −2. Aces count 0, so serious players keep a separate ace side count for betting and insurance. Counting Edge has an ace side-count panel for it. Hi-Opt II guide →
Level 2 with 4, 5 and 6 at +2 and 9s at −1. Like Hi-Opt II it leaves aces at 0 and works best with an ace side count.
Level 2 that counts aces as −1 in the main count, so it needs no side count. A middle ground between Hi-Lo's simplicity and Omega II's precision.
The most precise system here, with half-point tags from +1.5 for a 5 down to −0.5 for a 9. Many players double every tag to count in whole numbers. Wong Halves guide →
Start with Hi-Lo. Switch to KO if dividing by decks left slows you down. Move to a level 2 system or Wong Halves only once you can keep Hi-Lo perfectly at table speed: the gain is real but small, and a miscount costs more than a less precise system.
The card counting practice trainer runs flash cards and timed deck drills for Hi-Lo, KO, Hi-Opt II, Omega II, Zen Count and Wong Halves in your browser.
Counting Edge supports every system on this page, with the true count, edge, bet ramp and strategy deviations worked out for you. Free and open source.
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