KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
Blackjack
The KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) card counting system is a beginner-friendly, unbalanced
card counting method designed to simplify the complexities of traditional counting systems
while still providing players with a statistical edge in blackjack. Developed with ease of use
in mind, the KISS system eliminates the need to track every card in the deck, focusing
instead on a select subset of cards. This approach reduces cognitive load and makes it an
excellent choice for novice counters or casual players seeking to improve their gameplay.
The KISS system is available in three variations—KISS I, KISS II, and KISS III—each
progressively increasing in complexity and accuracy. At its core, the system assigns simple
values (+1, 0, -1) to specific cards, enabling players to maintain a running count throughout
the game. Unlike balanced systems such as the Hi-Lo count, the KISS system does not
require converting the running count into a true count, making it easier to implement in
real-time casino settings.
In KISS I, cards 4, 5, and 6 are tagged as +1, while 10s and face cards are -1.
Aces and other cards are ignored (value 0).
KISS II introduces additional complexity by differentiating between red and
black 2s (red 2 = 0, black 2 = +1) and includes 3s and 10s in the count.
KISS III further refines the system by adding 7s as +1 and counting Aces as -
1, making it suitable for multi-deck games.
Detailed card tagging values for each variation can be found on Blackjack
Gala.
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In summary, the KISS system offers a streamlined approach to card counting, balancing
simplicity with effectiveness. Its variations cater to players of different skill levels, making it
a versatile tool for improving blackjack performance. By understanding its mechanics, card
tagging values, and strategic adjustments, players can leverage the KISS system to gain a
measurable edge over the house.
Table of Contents
Card Tagging Values and Mechanics of KISS Systems
Card Tagging Values in KISS I, II, and III Systems
KISS I Card Tagging Values
KISS II Card Tagging Values
KISS III Card Tagging Values
Running Count Mechanics in KISS Systems
Advantages of Using a Running Count
Running Count Trigger Points
Betting Strategy Adjustments
Low Running Count (0 or Negative)
Moderate Running Count (+5 to +10)
High Running Count (+15 or Higher)
Betting Correlation in KISS III
Playing Strategy Adjustments
Doubling Down
Splitting Pairs
Taking Insurance
Optimal Trigger Points for Decision-Making
KISS I Trigger Points
KISS II Trigger Points
KISS III Trigger Points
Running Count to True Count Conversion and Usage in KISS Systems
True Count Conversion in KISS Systems
KISS I and True Count Conversion
KISS II and True Count Simplification
KISS III and True Count Integration
Adjusting Betting Strategies Using True Count
Low True Count (-1 to +1)
Moderate True Count (+2 to +4)
High True Count (+5 or Higher)
Playing Strategy Adjustments Based on True Count
Doubling Down
Splitting Pairs
Taking Insurance
Optimal Trigger Points for Decision-Making
Betting Trigger Points
Playing Trigger Points
Insurance Trigger Points
Betting and Playing Strategy Adjustments with Optimal Trigger Points
Adjusting Betting Strategies Based on Running Count
Betting at Low Running Counts (Below +5)
Betting at Moderate Running Counts (+5 to +15)
Betting at High Running Counts (Above +15)
Playing Strategy Adjustments Based on Running Count
Doubling Down Adjustments
Splitting Pairs Adjustments
Taking Insurance
Optimal Trigger Points for Betting and Playing Decisions
Betting Trigger Points
Playing Trigger Points
Risk Management and Betting Spread
Bankroll Considerations
Advanced Adjustments for Multi-Deck Games
In KISS I, only four cards (3, 4, 5, 6) are assigned a positive value, while high cards (10, J, Q,
K, A) are given a negative value. The 2s, 7s, 8s, and 9s are ignored, simplifying the count
significantly. This makes KISS I ideal for beginners. (Blackjack Gala)
KISS II introduces suit awareness for the 2s. Black 2s are counted as +1, while red 2s are
ignored. This slight adjustment improves the system's accuracy while maintaining
simplicity. (Blackjack Info)
KISS III adds the 7s to the count with a value of +1, further increasing the system's betting
correlation. Like KISS II, it requires players to differentiate between black and red 2s. This
version is more accurate but slightly more complex than KISS I and II. (LOL Blackjack)
In KISS I, a running count of +10 or higher signals a favorable deck, prompting the
player to increase their bet.
In KISS II and III, the trigger points are adjusted slightly to account for the additional
card values being tracked. For instance, in KISS III, a running count of +20 or more is
often used as a betting signal. (Blackjack Gala)
Betting Strategy Adjustments
The KISS systems use the running count to guide betting decisions. As the count increases,
the deck becomes more favorable for the player, indicating a higher probability of receiving
a blackjack or strong hand. Here’s how betting adjustments are made:
Doubling Down
High Running Count: When the running count is high, players should double down
more aggressively, especially on hands like 10 or 11.
Low Running Count: Avoid doubling down in unfavorable situations, as the
likelihood of receiving a high card is reduced.
Splitting Pairs
High Running Count: Splitting pairs like 8s and Aces becomes more advantageous
when the count is high.
Low Running Count: Avoid splitting pairs unless basic strategy dictates it.
Taking Insurance
High Running Count: Insurance becomes a viable option when the running count is
significantly positive, as the likelihood of the dealer having a blackjack increases.
Low Running Count: Never take insurance in unfavorable situations, as it is a losing
bet in the long run.
Optimal Trigger Points for Decision-Making
Trigger points are critical for determining when to adjust bets or deviate from basic
strategy. These points vary depending on the version of the KISS system being used.
These trigger points are designed to maximize the player’s advantage while minimizing risk.
Players should adjust their strategy based on the specific rules and conditions of the game
they are playing. (Blackjack Info)
By understanding the card tagging values, running count mechanics, betting and playing
strategy adjustments, and optimal trigger points, players can effectively use the KISS
systems to gain an edge in blackjack.
Doubling Down
Doubling down is a powerful move that can maximize profits in favorable situations. In KISS
systems, players might double down on soft hands (e.g., A-6) when the running count
reaches a specific threshold. For example, in KISS II, a running count of +15 might indicate a
favorable scenario for doubling down. Players who convert to the true count can use a
threshold of +3 or higher to make this decision. (Blackjack Info Forums)
Splitting Pairs
Pair splitting decisions are also influenced by the true count. For instance, splitting tens is
generally not recommended, but at a high true count (e.g., +6 or higher), it may become a
profitable play. In KISS III, players might use a running count of +30 or higher as a trigger
for splitting tens, while true count users can rely on a threshold of +5. (Blackjack Bluebook
II)
Taking Insurance
Insurance is a side bet that pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. While basic strategy advises
against taking insurance, a high true count can make it a profitable option. In KISS systems,
players might take insurance when the running count exceeds a specific value, such as +25
in KISS III. True count users can use a threshold of +3 or higher to determine when to take
insurance. (Blackjack Slayer)
By understanding and applying true count conversion and usage, players can enhance their
decision-making and maximize their advantage in blackjack.
Key Adjustment: Maintain minimum bets until the running count exceeds the
threshold for moderate or high counts.
Example: In a six-deck game using KISS II, keep bets at the table minimum when the
running count is below +5. (Counting Edge)
Key Adjustment: Increase bets by 1–2 units for every 5-point increase in the
running count.
Example: If the running count is +10 in KISS III, a player betting $10 at the table
minimum might increase their bet to $20. (Blackjack Age)
Betting at High Running Counts (Above +15)
High running counts signal a significant player advantage, as the remaining cards are rich in
high-value cards (10s and Aces). In these situations, players should maximize their bets
within their predetermined betting spread.
Key Adjustment: Bet the maximum allowable units when the running count
exceeds +15.
Example: In KISS II, a running count of +20 might prompt a player to bet 10 units
(e.g., $100 if the base unit is $10). (Blackjack Slayer)
Key Adjustment: Double down on soft hands (e.g., A-7) or hard 9, 10, and 11 when
the running count exceeds specific thresholds.
Example: In KISS III, a running count of +25 might indicate doubling down on A-7
against a dealer's 3, whereas basic strategy would suggest hitting. (Casino Guardian)
Key Adjustment: Split 10s or other pairs (e.g., 9s) when the running count is
exceptionally high.
Example: In KISS II, a running count of +30 might justify splitting 10s against a
dealer’s 6. (Blackjack Info)
Taking Insurance
Insurance is typically a poor bet in blackjack, but it becomes profitable when the deck is rich
in 10-value cards. The KISS systems provide specific running count thresholds for taking
insurance.
Key Adjustment: Take insurance when the running count indicates a high
likelihood of the dealer having a blackjack.
Example: In KISS II, take insurance at a running count of +18 or higher. (Counting
Edge)
Optimal Trigger Points for Betting and Playing Decisions
Trigger points are predefined thresholds in the running count that signal when to adjust
bets or deviate from basic strategy. These points vary slightly between KISS I, II, and III due
to differences in card tagging values and the complexity of the systems.
Doubling Down: In KISS III, double down on soft 18 (A-7) at a running count of +25
or higher.
Splitting Pairs: Split 10s at a running count of +30 or higher in KISS II. (Casino
Guardian)
Insurance: Take insurance at a running count of +18 in KISS II and +22 in KISS III.
(Counting Edge)
Recommended Spread: Use a 1–6 unit spread for double-deck games and a 1–10
unit spread for six-deck games. (888 Casino)
Bankroll Considerations
Players should avoid overextending their bankroll, even at high running counts. A
conservative approach ensures long-term profitability.
Key Adjustment: Limit maximum bets to 5% of the total bankroll, even in highly
favorable situations.
Example: A player with a $1,000 bankroll should cap their maximum bet at $50,
regardless of the running count.
Key Adjustment: Increase the running count trigger points by 5 for six-deck games
to account for the dilution of high-value cards.
Example: In KISS II, adjust the betting trigger point from +15 to +20 in a six-deck
game. (Blackjack Age)
By incorporating these advanced adjustments, players can maintain the effectiveness of the
KISS systems in a variety of blackjack formats.
Conclusion
The KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) card counting systems—KISS I, II, and III—are designed to
simplify blackjack card counting while maintaining effectiveness. Each system uses unique
card tagging values, with KISS I being the simplest and KISS III offering greater accuracy by
incorporating additional cards like 7s and suit-specific 2s. Unlike balanced systems, KISS
systems rely on an unbalanced running count, eliminating the need for true count
conversion in most cases. This makes them accessible to beginners while still providing a
competitive edge. For betting, the systems use predefined running count trigger points,
such as +10 in KISS I or +20 in KISS III, to signal when to increase wagers. Similarly, playing
strategy adjustments, such as doubling down, splitting pairs, and taking insurance, are
guided by these thresholds, ensuring decisions are optimized based on deck composition.
The research highlights that KISS systems prioritize simplicity without sacrificing
profitability, making them ideal for players seeking a balance between ease of use and
effectiveness. KISS III, while slightly more complex, offers higher betting correlation,
making it suitable for advanced players. The systems’ reliance on running count thresholds
instead of true count conversion minimizes errors and accelerates decision-making.
However, players can enhance their strategies by incorporating true count conversion in
multi-deck games or for precise deviations from basic strategy. Moving forward, players
should tailor their use of KISS systems to specific game conditions, such as adjusting trigger
points for multi-deck games, and ensure proper bankroll management to mitigate risk. For
more details on the mechanics and applications of KISS systems, refer to resources like
Blackjack Gala and Counting Edge.
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