Anvil Table · study notes

Hi-Opt I count — ace-neutral tags and side-counted aces

Hi-Opt I tags 3–6 as +1 and tens as −1. Twos, sevens, eights, nines, and aces are 0. Ignoring aces in the main count raises playing efficiency (about .61 vs Hi-Lo’s .51) because aces matter more for betting than for hit/stand. The cost is betting correlation: without a side count of aces, Hi-Opt I is a weaker betting count (.88 BC). Anvil Table tracks the main count only — tap every card, including aces (they just add 0). If you side-count aces, that is extra work you do in your head; the trainer will not keep a second column.

Last updated 2026-08-21

Tag values

2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
0	+1	+1	+1	+1	0	0	0	-1	0

Balanced: convert running count to true count (RC ÷ decks remaining). Initial running count: 0. Insurance default in Anvil Table: True count +3.

Betting correlation	0.88
Playing efficiency	0.61
Ace-neutral?	Yes — side-count aces to bet at full power

Why you would pick Hi-Opt I over Hi-Lo

Trade betting correlation (.97 → .88) for playing efficiency (.51 → .61). Aces vanish from the main count.

You care more about playing deviations than about a slightly tighter bet ramp, and you are willing to side-count aces for betting.

Weaknesses

If you do not side-count aces, you leave betting power on the table compared with Hi-Lo. Twos are 0, so you ignore a card Hi-Lo treats as small.

Practise Hi-Opt I in the trainer

Open the Hi-Opt I calculator. The count strip shows these tags live. Educational use only — not for a device at a live table.

FAQ

Why are aces 0 in Hi-Opt I?

Aces are strong for betting (blackjacks) but weaker as a signal for whether to hit a stiff. Ace-neutral counts push that information into an optional side count.

Educational study aid only. No real money. Do not use a phone or this trainer to assist play at a live casino table. Trainer.