KO
EasyProStarting Count
KO (Knock-Out) is an unbalanced system, making it easier to track without true count conversion.
- Level
- 1
- BC
- 98%
- PE
- 55%
- IC
- 78%
| A | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -1 |
Systems
KO
Knock-Out from Vancura and Fuchs. Same idea as Hi-Lo, except sevens are +1 — that extra plus makes the count unbalanced.
The values
How the values work
Olaf Vancura and Ken Fuchs published Knock-Out Blackjack in 1996. KO is Hi-Lo with sevens counted +1. That extra plus per deck is the imbalance. You start from an initial running count and never divide by decks.
The IRC for KO is (decks − 1) × −4. A six-deck shoe starts at −20. The running count itself is the betting signal.
+1
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Low cards plus sevens. Sevens are why the count does not return to 0.
0
8, 9
Neutral.
−1
10, J, Q, K, A
High cards, including aces in the main count.
Starting Count
The initial running count
Starting Count
IRC(decks − 1) × −4
KO does not start at 0. You set an initial running count (IRC) from the number of decks, then add every card from there. That pivot is why the same running count means roughly the same thing in a six-deck shoe as in a double deck.
Before the first card, set IRC = (decks − 1) × −4. A six-deck shoe starts at −20. Add KO values from there. When the running count crosses the key count, raise the bet.
By shoe size
1
0
2
−4
4
−12
6
−20
8
−28
The app starts Running Count from this number automatically.
The math
Running count, no true count
Start from the IRC
KO is unbalanced. A 52-card deck does not sum to zero, so the same running count means roughly the same thing in a six-deck shoe as in a double deck once you start from the IRC.
Initial running count = (number of decks − 1) × −4. Add KO values from there. When the running count crosses the key count, raise the bet. Skip true-count conversion.
Efficiency
Why the numbers look like that
KO’s betting correlation is very high for a level-one map. Playing efficiency is in Hi-Lo territory. You trade a little PE for not doing deck estimation.
BC
98%
Betting correlation
Betting correlation of 98% — the imbalance is built to make the running count a betting number.
PE
55%
Playing efficiency
Playing efficiency of 55%, close to Hi-Lo.
IC
78%
Insurance correlation
Insurance correlation of 78%.
In the app
Practice KO on iPhone
KO is a Pro system. Running Count starts from the KO initial count. There is no True Count drill because KO does not convert.
Memorize
Drill the KO values until every rank is automatic.
Running Count
Start from the initial running count, then add every card as it comes off the shoe. IRC is (decks − 1) × −4.
IRC
No true-count conversion. Bet and play off the running count once it crosses the key count.
Keep exploring
More from the app
Features
Practice, play, and track
Counting drills, strategy, session logs, live teams, and analytics — in one iPhone app.
Read more →Training
Modes that match how you learn
Running count, true count, speed drills, swipe practice, dealt-out shoes, and a full table.
Read more →Sessions
Log the table, live or after
Start a live session, journal bankroll and tables, PIN-lock the screen, and review P/L after you walk.
Read more →Dashboard
See where the count slips
Accuracy, streaks, personal records, and a tap-through of every recent drill so you know what to practice next.
Read more →Pro Mode
Start free. Unlock Pro for life.
A one-time $9.99 purchase — extra systems, deviations, sessions, teams, and no ads.
Read more →Support
Help and FAQs
Email us for bugs and billing, or browse common questions about practice, Pro Mode, sessions, and teams.
Read more →Practice Knock-Out without true count.
Pro Mode unlocks KO. Memorize the values, then keep a running count from the IRC.
