Zen Count | Better than Omega II Advanced Counting System
Zen Count is an advanced card counting system that is extremely similar to Omega II. This system is classified as a level two system, making it more complicated than Hi-Lo and other simpler card counting systems.
Like Omega II, this system is designed for single and double-deck games but can still be useful for games where multiple decks are in play. The lower number of decks make it easier to keep an accurate count of all high value and neutral cards, especially since the cards assigned with negative values are instrumental to create Natural 21s. Playing with multiple decks can be problematic because even high counts can still result in low value cards getting dealt and keep the player from winning a Natural.
How Does Zen Count Card Counting Work?
Zen Count is a balanced system which means that players will start the count at 0 and the ending count should also be 0. Ending the count after all decks used in the session is exhausted on anything but a 0 means that the card counter lost count and failed to effectively use the system.
The goal in using this system is to wait for a high positive count to stake high. The reason for this can be explained by seeing how the cards are valued below:
| Card Value | Assigned Value |
| 4, 5, 6 | +2 |
| 2, 3, 7 | +1 |
| 8, 9 | 0 |
| Ace | -1 |
| 10, Jack, Queen, King | -2 |
As seen above, Aces are valued negatively so a high count means that these cards are more likely to be drawn, increasing the probability of Natural blackjacks and the Any Pair side bet paying out thanks to pairs of Aces, which are also good for splits and potentially creating more pairs, occurring for the player. Because 8s and 9s are neutral, some card counters can keep track of them separately for other high value hands and for potential bet adjustments for splits while keeping the count for Naturals separate.
Is the Zen Count Card Counting System Good?
Zen Count is an advanced system that isn’t suitable for a lot of players, but is more preferrable to Omega II thanks to how Aces are valued and counted. This simple difference makes it easier to predict whether Natural 21s and winning Any Pairs with Aces winning. While the ultimate goal is the 21, the Any Pair side bet paying out even through the lowest payout Mixed Pair is a welcome outcome that can boost a gambler’s winnings.
Keeping track of the count can be difficult when playing at tables using multiple decks that can complicate the count. As such, any blackjack player who wants to try out this system should first master Hi-Lo or Red Seven before moving to this complex system. One part of the system that can be confusing for new counters is how 7s are valued, resulting in bettors mixing up +1 and +2 value cards and mess up the count.
The good thing about Zen Count is that instead of 8s and Aces being neutral, which helps keep track of Splits and Pairs, this count treats 8s and 9s as neutral which allows Aces to be counted to aim to win big through Naturals. Should players get a high positive count, they can aim to maximize the high potential payout by staking higher than normal and placing a bet on the Any Pair side bet.
Is Zen Count the Ultimate Card Counting System?
One more thing to consider is that this system is designed for games with a small number of decks at play. Tables that use more than two decks at a time may screw up the count and keep players from maximizing the effectivity of this system.
Possibly. Not only is Zen Count arguably better than Omega II, it is also an efficient and accurate means to keep track of the cards. The downside is the system’s complexity but is slightly offset by the Aces being counted for easier successful bets for 21s instead of 8s and 9s.
Conclusion
The Zen Count card counting system is one of the best advanced card counting systems out there, especially thanks to the fact that Aces are counted alongside 10s and face cards which make it likely for card counters to get paid out high on 21s more often. Still, bettors may need to practice blackjack deviations to counteract the benefits of using this system to not get kicked out either by the live dealer, gaming provider, or the casino itself.
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