The Advanced Omega II Card Counting System

Basics of the Advanced Omega II System

Unlike simpler card-counting methods, the Omega II is a multi-level counting system. While some cards are assigned values of 1 and -1, others are counted as 2 or -2. The system is also balanced because the sum of all assigned card values equals 0. Additionally, it becomes even more effective when a second count is kept for the Aces, although this step is not mandatory.

Card Values

The Omega II system has a complex structure, and the values assigned to each card can be confusing for players encountering it for the first time. Once they memorize them, however, the system immediately becomes much simpler because the math behind it is straightforward and easy to understand. More importantly, the Omega II is considered much more accurate than simple, level-1 systems such as the Hi-Lo.

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

Separate Count for the Aces

Many multi-level counting systems keep a separate count for the Aces, and the Advanced Omega II follows the same principle. In the main count, the Aces are neutral and are not included, yet they are among the most important cards in the deck. The reason is obvious – they form the strongest hand in the game, namely blackjack (Ace plus a 10-value card).

By keeping a separate count solely for the Aces, players can accurately track their odds of being dealt blackjack in the initial hand. This is quite simple – players only need to count the Aces as they appear on the table. Then, they subtract that number from the total number of Aces in the game. For instance, one standard deck contains 4 Aces, 2 decks have 8 Aces, and 4 decks contain 12 Aces. The most common variations, namely 6- and 8-deck blackjack games, consist of 24 and 32 Aces, respectively.

How to Use the Advanced Omega II System?

Applying this system in a real-life game requires a lot of concentration and practice beforehand. Once players learn the card values, they should begin using the method as soon as the cards are shuffled into the shoe. They then keep a running count by adding and subtracting 1 or 2 as the cards are dealt onto the table. The following example illustrates the system:

After the cards are reshuffled and the dealer places the cut card, players make their bets. Omega II counters are advised to start with a 1-unit bet (which could be $5, $10, $50, etc.). The first cards on the table are 7, 5, Ace, 3, Queen, and 4, and the dealer’s upcard is an 8. These correspond to the values +1, +2, 0, +1, -2, +2, and 0, so the running count is +4 – we simply add and subtract the numbers starting from 0.

To gauge how favorable the shoe is for the player, we need to convert the running count into the true count by dividing it by the number of decks still left in the shoe. Because we started counting at the beginning of a new shoe, it contains the full number of decks – 4 or 6, for example. The exact figure is irrelevant at this stage because the true count will not yet be higher than +2. With this system, players increase their bet once the true count reaches +2. Until the odds improve, flat betting is recommended.

If the running count is +4 after many hands have been dealt and roughly 2 decks remain in the shoe, we divide 4 by 2 to get a true count of +2. At this point, the player can place a 2-unit bet because the odds have improved. The higher the positive count (+2, +3, +4, +5), the higher the stakes should be. Once the true count falls below +2 (+1, 0, -1), the bet size is reduced to a single unit.

While the player keeps a running count and estimates the true count, they also track the Aces that appear on the table. Shoes that are rich in Aces are more favorable to the player. When a high positive count is combined with a strong Ace count, the bet size can be increased even further.