Counting Formula Guide

Overview

This guide explains how to write formulas for adjusting COUNT values and BET sizes using the WHEN-THEN formula system. The system allows you to create conditional logic that responds to different game situations using mathematical expressions.

Formula Types

COUNT Formulas

COUNT formulas determine how your running count changes based on cards seen and game conditions. All matching conditions are evaluated in sequence.

BET Formulas

BET formulas determine your bet size based on the current count and other variables. Only the first matching condition is used.

Basic Syntax

All formulas follow this pattern:

WHEN condition THEN action

Multiple statements can be combined with semicolons:

WHEN condition1 THEN action1; WHEN condition2 THEN action2

COUNT Formula Syntax

WHEN condition THEN COUNT(expression)

All the statements are evaluated for each hand played in the order they appear.

BET Formula Syntax

WHEN condition THEN BET(expression)

Each statement will be evaluated until one condition is met. The remaining statements are then skipped.

Available Variables

COUNT Formula Variables

VariableDescription
CountThe current count value
HPNumber of hands played in the current shoe

BET Formula Variables

VariableDescription
CountThe current count value
IBInitial bet size (your base bet)
CBCurrent bet size
MinBMinimum allowed bet size (from table rules)
MaxBMaximum allowed bet size (from table rules)
HPNumber of hands played in the current shoe
TrueCountTrue count (Count ÷ decks remaining)
TCTrue count (Count ÷ decks remaining)
TATotal number of Aces already dealt in the shoe

Condition Types

Card-Based Conditions

Test for specific cards being dealt:

CARD IN [2,3,4,5,6]          # Low cards
CARD IN [10,J,Q,K,A]         # High cards  
CARD IN [A]                  # Aces only
CARD IN [7,8,9]              # Neutral cards

Valid card values: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A

Comparison Conditions

Compare variables using mathematical operators:

Count > 5                    # Count greater than 5
TC >= 3                      # True Count 3 or higher
HP <= 10                     # 10 hands or fewer played
Count == 0                   # Count exactly zero
IB != CB                     # Current bet differs from initial
Count < -2                   # Negative count below -2

Comparison operators: >, <, >=, <=, ==, !=

Arithmetic Expressions

Basic Operations

  • Addition: Count + 1
  • Subtraction: Count - 1
  • Multiplication: Count * 2
  • Division: Count / 2

Complex Expressions

Use parentheses to control order of operations:

(Count + 1) * 2   # Add 1, then multiply by 2
Count + (HP / 10) # Add count to hands played divided by 10
(CB * 2) + IB     # Double current bet, add initial bet

Using Variables

All variables can be used in arithmetic expressions:

COUNT(Count + HP)            # Add hands played to count
BET(IB * TC)                 # Bet initial amount times true count
BET((CB + IB) / 2)           # Average of current and initial bet

COUNT Formula Examples

Basic Card Counting

Hi-Lo System:

WHEN CARD IN [2,3,4,5,6] THEN COUNT(Count + 1);
WHEN CARD IN [10,J,Q,K,A] THEN COUNT(Count - 1)

Ace-Five System:

WHEN CARD IN [5] THEN COUNT(Count + 1);
WHEN CARD IN [A] THEN COUNT(Count - 1)

Advanced Count Adjustments

Reset count after many hands:

WHEN CARD IN [2,3,4,5,6] THEN COUNT(Count + 1);
WHEN CARD IN [10,J,Q,K,A] THEN COUNT(Count - 1);
WHEN HP > 50 THEN COUNT(0)

Progressive counting:

WHEN CARD IN [2,3,4,5,6] THEN COUNT(Count + 1);
WHEN Count > 10 THEN COUNT(Count * 1.5)

BET Formula Examples

Simple Count-Based Betting

Increase bet when count is positive:

WHEN Count <= 0 THEN BET(IB);
WHEN Count > 0 THEN BET(IB * 2)

True count betting:

WHEN TC <= 1 THEN BET(IB);
WHEN TC >= 3 THEN BET(IB * 4);
WHEN TC > 1 THEN BET(IB * 2)

Progressive Betting

Double bet on high counts:

WHEN TC >= 4 THEN BET(CB * 2);
WHEN TC >= 2 THEN BET(IB * 3);
WHEN TC <= 1 THEN BET(IB)

Conservative progression:

WHEN TC >= 3 THEN BET(IB + (TC * 5));
WHEN TC > 0 THEN BET(IB + TC);
WHEN TC <= 0 THEN BET(IB)

Complex Betting Strategies

Kelly Criterion approximation:

WHEN TC >= 2 THEN BET(IB * (TC * 0.5));
WHEN TC > 0 THEN BET(IB * 1.5);
WHEN TC <= 0 THEN BET(IB)

Capped betting with minimums:

WHEN TC >= 5 THEN BET(MaxB);
WHEN TC >= 3 THEN BET(IB * TC);
WHEN TC > 0 THEN BET(IB * 2);
WHEN TC <= 0 THEN BET(MinB)

Real-World Examples

Complete Ace-Five Count System

COUNT Formula:

WHEN CARD IN [5] THEN COUNT(Count + 1);
WHEN CARD IN [A] THEN COUNT(Count - 1)

BET Formula:

WHEN Count <= 1 THEN BET(IB);
WHEN Count > 1 THEN BET(CB * 2)

Complete Hi-Lo Count System

COUNT Formula:

WHEN CARD IN [2,3,4,5,6] THEN COUNT(Count + 1);
WHEN CARD IN [10,J,Q,K,A] THEN COUNT(Count - 1)

BET Formula:

WHEN TrueCount >= 3 THEN BET(CB * 2);
WHEN TrueCount > 1 THEN BET(IB * 2);
WHEN TrueCount <= 0 THEN BET(IB)

Important Rules

Formula Evaluation

  • COUNT formulas: All matching conditions are evaluated in sequence
  • BET formulas: Only the first matching condition is used
  • Conditions are checked from left to right (first to last)
  • Variables are case-insensitive (count = Count = COUNT)

Order Matters for BET Formulas

Since only the first match is used, put more specific conditions first:

WHEN TC >= 5 THEN BET(MaxB);      # Most specific first
WHEN TC >= 3 THEN BET(IB * 4);    # More specific  
WHEN TC > 1 THEN BET(IB * 2);     # Less specific
WHEN TC <= 1 THEN BET(IB)         # Catch-all last

Automatic Limits

  • BET formulas automatically respect table minimums and maximums
  • Division by zero is prevented and will cause an error
  • Invalid card values will cause parsing errors

Error Prevention

Common Mistakes

  1. Wrong function name: Use COUNT(...) for count formulas, BET(...) for bet formulas
  2. Invalid card values: Only use 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,J,Q,K,A
  3. Unmatched parentheses: Every ( needs a matching )
  4. Unknown variables: Only use the variables listed above
  5. Missing semicolons: Separate multiple statements with ;

Testing Your Formulas

Before using formulas in live play:

  1. Test with various count values
  2. Verify bet sizes stay within your bankroll
  3. Check that table limits are respected
  4. Test edge cases (very high/low counts)

Best Practices

For COUNT Formulas

  • Keep counting systems simple and proven
  • Test your system extensively before use
  • Consider resetting count periodically for accuracy

For BET Formulas

  • Start with conservative progressions
  • Always include a catch-all condition (e.g., WHEN TC <= 0 THEN BET(IB))
  • Respect your bankroll limitations
  • Consider the casino’s betting limits

General Tips

  • Use meaningful variable names in complex expressions
  • Comment your strategy (in notes, not in formulas)
  • Start simple and add complexity gradually
  • Always have an exit strategy for extreme counts

Formula Validation

The system validates your formulas and provides error messages for:

  • Invalid syntax
  • Unknown variables
  • Unmatched parentheses or brackets
  • Invalid card values
  • Incomplete expressions
  • Mathematical errors (like division by zero)

If you encounter errors, check:

  1. All parentheses and brackets are matched
  2. Variable names are spelled correctly
  3. Card values are valid
  4. Arithmetic expressions are complete
  5. Statements are separated by semicolons

Remember: These formulas are tools for simulation and practice. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.