The Zen Count System

Basics of the Zen Count

Like all blackjack card-counting systems, the Zen Count is based on the idea that high cards – Aces and 10-value cards – are more favorable to the player, while low cards (from 2s through 7s) favor the house. By identifying when a higher proportion of high cards is likely to appear, the method turns blackjack from a negative-expectation game into one with a positive EV (expected value). In other words, players who apply this system correctly alongside perfect strategy can increase their theoretical edge to 1% or even 2%.

When using the method, players assign point values of +/-1 and +/-2 to the various cards in the game. Consequently, the Zen Count is a two-level system, unlike simpler counts that use only +1 or -1. Unlike many other advanced techniques, it does not require keeping a side count for Aces. The numerical values for this system are:

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

How to Use the Zen Count System?

Because the structure of the system is fairly simple and only a handful of numerical values must be memorized, players should find it easy to use in live games. All they need to do is keep an accurate running count as the cards are dealt. The count starts at 0, and with every card that hits the table, players add or subtract its assigned value.

For example, suppose the observed cards are 5, 8, Ace, 5, 2, Jack, 6, and King. These correspond to +2, 0, -1, +2, +1, -2, +2, and -2. The sum is +2, which represents the running count. However, for this system, the running count has to be converted into a true count. By factoring in the number of decks still in the shoe, the count becomes more accurate.

To compute the true count, simply divide the running count by the number of remaining decks. If the running count is +6 in an 8-deck game and you estimate that roughly 6 decks remain, the true count is +1. Of course, this is an approximation, as pinpointing the exact number of decks left is virtually impossible.

At this point, players can adjust their play to gain a mathematical edge over the casino. They can do so in two ways: by deviating from basic strategy when the count calls for it and, more importantly, by varying their bet sizes. The idea is to raise the stakes when the remaining cards favor the player and lower them when they favor the house.

Whenever there are more high cards left in the shoe, the odds improve, and players should capitalize by increasing their bets. When the count is low – below +2 (-2, -1, 0, or +1) – players should stick to the table minimum, wagering just one unit. When the count reaches +2, they bet 2 units; at +3, they bet 3 units; and so forth. This conservative betting scheme works well even for players who are just beginning to use the Zen Count.