The Knock Out Card Counting System

Basics of the Knock Out System

All card-counting systems assign specific point values to cards in the deck. By keeping an accurate count during the game, players can determine whether the shoe is rich in favorable or unfavorable cards. In other words, they can tell whether more high cards than low cards remain to be played. The Knock Out System works in the same way, but unlike conventional systems such as the Hi-Lo count, it is considered an unbalanced counting system.

What sets it apart is the uneven distribution of positive- and negative-value cards. Under the KO count, cards from 2 through 6 are counted as +1, while Aces, 10s, and face cards are assigned a point value of -1. In this system, 8s and 9s are worth 0, while 7s are also assigned a value of +1. This means that counting through a full deck produces a final running count of +4.

• 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7: +1
• 8, 9: 0
• 10, J, Q, K, A: -1

This single-level system is extremely easy to learn because its positive and negative values are limited to +1 and -1. According to Vancura and Fuchs, the purpose of this imbalance is to eliminate the need to convert the running count into a true count. With this system, players simply maintain a running count as the cards appear on the table and do not have to worry about how many decks are in use or how many remain in the shoe.

How to Use the Knock Out System

The Knock Out System is easy to apply in real-life games and does not require days or weeks of practice. Players simply add or subtract 1 from the running count as each card is dealt. By maintaining the running count at all times, both during and between rounds, players can tell whether the odds are against them or in their favor.

There is one important point to note, however. Unlike most simple systems, which start the initial count at 0, the Knock Out System uses an Initial Running Count (IRC) that varies depending on the number of decks in play. It is calculated using the formula: IRC = 4 – (4 x number of decks). In a single-deck game, players start with a standard IRC of 0. In an 8-deck game, however, the IRC drops to -28. Below are the IRC values for common blackjack deck configurations:

• 1 deck: IRC is 0
• 2 decks: IRC is -4
• 4 decks: IRC is -12
• 6 decks: IRC is -20
• 8 decks: IRC is -28

It is important to always start with the correct IRC. This ensures that counting down to the last card in the shoe produces a final running count of +4. This may sound challenging, especially to someone who has just started counting cards, but the KO count is simple to apply in a real-life blackjack game.

To illustrate, consider a 6-deck game. After the reshuffle, the count starts at -20. It is best not to sit at the table yet; alternatively, players can sit and place 1-unit bets. The cards appearing on the table are 5, 8, Ace, 9, Jack, 4, 8, 3, and 6. Their total count is +2, so the running count becomes -18. Players can increase their bet size to 2 or more units once the running count reaches the applicable key count.

The crucial point occurs when the odds shift in the players’ favor. When using the KO count in a single-deck game, players should wait for the running count to reach +2 before raising their bets. In a double-deck game, however, players increase their bets when the running count is +1. This threshold is called the “key count” or “pivot count,” and it varies depending on the number of decks in use:

In addition to adjusting their bet size, players should make one more change when using the Knock Out method. According to the system’s creators, players can and should deviate from basic strategy regarding the insurance side bet. Basic strategy advises against taking insurance, but the KO system allows it under the right circumstances: only if the running count is +3 or higher.