6 Jun 2025
At its core, card counting is a method used by blackjack players to track the cards being dealt. One of these systems is the Hi-Opt II (Highly Optimum II) system, a Level 2 counting system.
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Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Card counting is not permitted at our casino, and any attempt to engage in such practices may result in a ban or permanent exclusion. We do not encourage or condone card counting in any form. Always play responsibly! |
While modern casinos do not encourage card counting systems, these are interesting ways to make the game more exciting for you. Learn more about the Hi-Opt II system by reading about the following points:
- What is the Hi-Opt II System?
- How Does it Work?
- The Counts in Hi-Opt II
- Is the Hi-Opt II System Illegal?
What is the Hi-Opt II System?
The Hi-Opt II is a balanced, Level 2 card counting system. It was devised by Lance Humble and Julian Braun back in the 1970s to represent an upgraded version of the Hi-Opt I count. Various tweaks and adjustments were made to this count, making it a more powerful system compared to the first. However, it is more complicated due to the additional side count.
‼️ The House will Always have the Edge. Players should Never try to recover losses by gambling more. The outcome of the games is always entirely based on luck.
How Does It Work?
Similarly to other card counting systems, in the Hi-Opt II system, values are assigned to specific cards. These values, which are shown in the table below, are mentally calculated by the counter as the cards are dealt. While you count, it may help you determine the ratio of low cards to high cards remaining.
|
Card Rank |
Value |
|
2, 3 |
+1 |
|
4, 5 |
+2 |
|
6, 7 |
+1 |
|
8, 9 |
0 |
|
10, J, Q, K |
-2 |
|
Ace |
0 |
The Hi-Opt II is a balanced system that requires you to always start the count at 0. Balanced systems will go back to 0 at the end of the deck.
The Counts in Hi-Opt II
As you keep track of the card being dealt, a running count should continuously be changing with each card dealt. This running count must be converted into the true count. The formula for the true count is shown below.
True Count = Running Count
Number of Decks Remaining
It may be hard to know the exact number of decks remaining. However, with enough practice, an approximate estimate may be enough.
Hi-Opt II Side Counts
If you count the Aces that are still in play as a separate side count, the performance of the Hi-Opt II may significantly increase.
This side count is calculated by multiplying the number of remaining Aces by -2. You may temporarily add this result to your running count, recalculating your true count as a result.
Is the Hi-Opt II System Illegal?
Card counting systems, such as the Hi-Opt II and others, are not illegal. However, these are not encouraged to be used in any casino. Moreover, dealers may be able to detect players using these techniques. If you are caught using card counting, you may be asked to leave the table.
Will You Be Using the Hi-Opt II?
Due to the additional side count, this system may be a bit too complicated for beginner counters.
While card counting does not guarantee any wins, these systems may add some spice to your games while also helping you make wiser betting decisions. Will you be trying it out?
‼️ The House will Always have the Edge. Players should Never try to recover losses by gambling more. The outcome of the games is always entirely based on luck.
