The KO or Knockout system is one of the easiest unbalanced blackjack card counting strategies as it was developed in a way that eliminates the need to keep true and side counts. This makes this system a really good starting off point for novice card counters.
The KO System was invented by Olaf Vancura, Ph. D., and Ken Fuchs and is detailed in their book Knock-Out Blackjack: The Easiest Card-Counting System Ever Devised.
The KO card counting method is very similar to the Hi/Lo system in that players assign a +1, 0, or -1 to cards to keep their running count. However, unlike the Hi/Lo method where players need to determine the true count, with the KO system keeping track of the running count is pretty much everything that players need to do.
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But what values are assigned to the different cards in the deck, how to keep a running count, and how to adjust a bet according to the running count using the KO system? In this article, we explain in detail the principles of this easy to master but highly efficient card counting method.
How to Keep a Running Count with the KO System?
Keeping a running count is the main piece, and potential pitfall, of the Knockout card counting system. We say pitfall because failing to grasp the idea of a running count and to master the skill of keeping a running count could incur big losses for players.
As per the rules of the KO system, players need to assign the value of +1, 0, or -1 to each card that is dealt at the blackjack table. In this card counting method, all cards from 2 through 7 are assigned a +1 value, 8s and 9s are assigned a 0, and cards from 10 through ace are assigned a -1.
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | J | Q | K | A |
| +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 |
In most other card counting strategies, players must begin their running count with a count of 0. However, with the KO system the starting count depends on the number of decks used to play. And this is exactly what eliminates the need to convert the running count into a true count.
The starting count is calculated using this formula:
4 – (4 x the number of decks in play)
In other words, if a player plays eight-deck blackjack, they would begin their running count at –28. That is:
4 – (4 x 8) = 4 – 32 = -28
So, the starting count is 0 for a single-deck game, -4 for a double-deck game, and -20 for a six-deck game. In other words, the higher the number of decks in play, the lower the starting count is.
Another important thing is that if a player counts correctly through a deck of cards, their final count will always be +4.
Running Count Keeping Hints
True Count Drills
Approaches Utilized by a Card Counter
Appropriate Games
Zen Count Card Counting System in Blackjack
Red 7 Card Counting System in Blackjack
Counting Cards Using the KO System
Now as we have covered the basics of this card counting system, it is time to actually explain how it is used to count cards at the blackjack table. Since the only thing that players need to do is to keep track on their running count, they only need to add or subtract 1 as cards are dealt by the blackjack dealer.
Players first need to determine the starting count depending on the number of decks. Then, they need to add 1 to their running count every time a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 appears, do nothing when an 8 or a 9 is dealt, or subtract 1 every time a 10, J, Q, K, or an ace is dealt by the dealer.
For example, if you play an eight-deck blackjack game, this means that your starting count is -28. The dealer deals a 5 and you need to add 1 to your running count. This means that your running count is -27 now. If the next card is a 3, you once again add 1 to your running card which is now -26.
Although the KO system is a pretty simple card counting method, it still needs quite some practice. A good way to start practicing this technique is by counting an entire deck at home again and again. Assigning the above noted card values, you need to work your way through the deck until all 52 cards have come out.
A good next step is to start timing yourself. At the casino you will not have the time to wait for all the cards to be dealt so as to determine your running count. This is why you need to keep a running total and add or subtract 1 as each card comes out. In order to be able to do that, you also need to be quick enough.
Every time you go through a deck at home, you should try to do it faster than the previous time, while also keeping an accurate count. As mentioned above, your running count should be at +4 when the final card of the deck is dealt.
It is also a good idea to have some background noises when practicing at home, so you can learn to keep your running track with distractions as there are plenty of them at the casino floor.
Adjusting Bets with the KO System
While it really is up to the player how they would size their bets, there are some general recommendations that newbie card counters might wish to follow. Generally speaking, players would want to bet the minimum table wager when their running count is low or negative. The reason to do this is because the system indicates there is a low chance of being dealt blackjack.
And when the running count is high, players can bet more as the KO system indicates the probability of getting blackjack is quite high.
Some players size their bets by using their running count as a multiplier for the minimum table bet. So, if the minimum wager at the table is $100 and your running count is 3, you can bet $300.
Other players use betting spreads with the KO system. Ultimately, it is up to each individual player to find what works best for their bankroll when using this particular card counting system.
