best blackjack strategy for maximizing wins if you're counting cards.
So I've been hitting the felt a lot lately, testing out different counting systems - hi-lo, omega II, all that - and I'm wondering if anyone has actually found a way to maximize the EV beyond just spreading bets wide and playing perfect basic? Like, do you guys go all-in on side bets or insurance when the count’s really juicy or do you still avoid that stuff like the plague?
Also, are there tables where you found heat way lower even with big bet jumps or is the pit always watching if your ramp is too obvious? I swear sometimes I get more looks just for how I hold chips. Looking for some actual strategies, not just textbook stuff, on getting away with the most when the count’s right.
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Early in my card counting days, I obsessed over camouflaging bet spreads but honestly, the bigger impact came from focusing on session length and table selection. Instead of trying to fly under the radar with chip tricks or fancy ramp tweaks, I found the quieter tables of American blackjack - especially in the early hours - drew way less attention even with sharp jumps. Sometimes it’s less about betting style and more about when and where you play.