As you might imagine, the Hi-Opt II system takes the Hi-Opt I to the next level, with new point values that make it more accurate and more efficient.
It was created by Lance Humble and and Julian Braun for the more advanced player. It involves a little more work (math) to keep track of the count, but that’s why it’s more effective.
Difference between Hi-Opt II & Hi-Opt I
The main difference is the range of values. In Hi-Opt II, the card values are set at -2, -1, 0, +1, or +2, making it harder to track the count. An additional difference is that the 2 and the 7 have values in the Hi-Opt II system, but not in the Hi-Opt I system.
How it works
Because it is a balanced system, you will start your count at zero. As you look at the chart below, there are not multiple cards that cancel each other out, like in Hi-Opt I. Because of that, you definitely spend more time calculating the running total as the cards are dealt. You will definitely have to focused on the table and the cards.
Each card is assigned a value of -2, 0, or +2. The chart of values is:
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | J | Q | K | A |
| +1 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | -2 | -2 | -2 | -2 | 0 |
You need to keep track of the true count, the running count divided by the estimate of the remaining decks. A true count is preferred over a running count because it can reduce the house edge by that fraction of a percentage more that can make a big difference in high level play. A true count better reflects the nature of the remaining deck.
Because the system is more accurate, once the true count becomes positive, you can start to increase your bet and as long as it stays positive, bet more than minimum allowed.
The advantage of counting cards is knowing when it’s beneficial to make a larger bet. The higher the positive count, the more your bet should be. Once the true count gets down to zero or less, you drop back to making the minimum bet.
Reckoning Aces
Although aces are given a value of zero for the running count, you still want to keep track of them, which is another reason this system is considered advanced and more difficult.
Keeping track of aces can be a vital part of this system. If you consider there are 24 aces in a 6 deck game (6 x4) or 32 aces in an 8 deck game, and you have a very high true count, combined with a deck where very few aces have dropped, there is a higher chance of hitting a blackjack. In that case, you want to be sure to be betting bigger.
Final Thoughts
The Hi Opt II system is not for a beginner player. It requires more concentration and more additional steps than Hi-Opt I for instance. To use this system, you should already have a clear efficiency in basic card counting. If you are proficient in basic card counting and looking for a more precise method, check this one out.
