Beginners to blackjack usually don't know what sort of strategy they should be using in order to get ahead when playing. One of the simplest ways to get an edge on the game is to use the Silver Fox Blackjack Count system, developed by Ralph Stricker. Stricker is a well-known blackjack game player who travelled around the country, teaching blackjack players the basics from his book "The Silver Fox Blackjack System - You Can Count on It."

This system is a level one counting system, which makes the Silver Fox Blackjack Count system easy to use. Each card from 2 to 7 is given a value of +1, the 8 is given a value of 0, and 9 up through to the Ace are -1. As you go through the deck, you count the card combinations. As you go through the deck, keep track of this number; for example, if you see two Queens, your count is now at -2.

The Silver Fox Blackjack Count system results in a final deck count of zero, and because of this, it's important to keep what's called a "true-count conversion." Instead of merely focusing on each bet separately, you need to keep track of the count for the entire deck as well. Some people decide to go for an unbalanced count instead of making the system more difficult with another number, including professional players.

The Silver Fox Blackjack Count isn't the most powerful counting strategy; if you look at the correlation of the playing efficiency, it's only at .56. However, its strong correlation for betting (.96) and above-average correlation of insurance profitability (.69) make it incredibly appealing to many blackjack players.

This sort of simplicity is what is important when designing or using a blackjack counting system like the Silver Fox. You aren't counting individual cards and you don't have to keep track of suits, which makes it perfect for people who are just learning how to win at blackjack. When a blackjack counting system is simple, it prevents careless mistakes that can happen more easily when you're trying to remember larger numbers.