Hi-Opt II: An Advanced Blackjack Count

Hi-Opt II is an advanced, balanced, level-2 counting system. “Level 2” means some ranks are +2 or −2, not only ±1. The main count treats aces as 0 (ace-neutral) and betting usually adds a separate ace side count. Full tags, metrics, and a training ladder live in the Hi-Opt II system guide.

What you are signing up for

Hi-Lo asks you to sort ranks into low / middle / high. Hi-Opt II asks you to remember different weights (4s and 5s are heavier than 2s, for example) and to keep aces on a side tally if you want the betting power. Playing efficiency is the usual reason people bother: more accurate strategy deviations once the true count is right.

You still convert running count to true count. That step does not go away. Refresh RC vs TC before you add ±2 tags.

How it differs from Hi-Lo

• Tags — Hi-Lo is ±1. Hi-Opt II uses a wider map; mixing the two mid-shoe is a classic fail.
• Aces — Hi-Lo tags aces −1 in the main count. Hi-Opt II leaves them out of the main count and side-counts them for betting.
• Use case — Hi-Lo is the teaching system and what our browser trainer scores. Hi-Opt II is a later specialization.

If you are still choosing a first system, read Hi-Lo vs KO and the Hi-Lo guide instead of this page.

When to learn it

After Hi-Lo (or Hi-Opt I) is automatic under distraction: clean RC, clean TC, chart intact while you count. If 16 vs 10 still makes you freeze, stay on the chart. If you want another level-2 option, compare Omega II.

How to train it

1. Flash the new tags until 4s/5s as +2 are instant.
2. Count a deck; check the balanced end point from the system guide.
3. Add the ace side count only after the main count survives a full shoe.
4. Do not use Hi-Lo index numbers with a Hi-Opt II true count.

A generic week plan (still useful) is practice at home. Swap in Hi-Opt II tags once Hi-Lo is boringly solid.

FAQ