Wonging is a gambling strategy that involves watching a game of blackjack and then joining the table when the count is favorable for the player. The term wonging was coined by Atlantic City card counters in the late 1970s, and it is named after Stanford Wong, a blackjack author who popularized and developed this technique in his books.
The main idea behind wonging is to avoid playing when the count is negative or neutral, and only play when the count is positive. The count is a measure of how favorable the remaining cards in the deck are for the player, based on a card counting system that assigns values to different cards. A positive count means that there are more high cards (10s and aces) than low cards (2s to 6s) left in the deck, which gives the player an advantage over the dealer. A negative count means that there are more low cards than high cards left in the deck, which gives the dealer an advantage over the player. A neutral count means that the deck is balanced and neither the player nor the dealer has an edge.
By wonging, the player can maximize their profits and minimize their losses, as they only play when they have an edge over the house. Wonging also saves the player time and money, as they do not have to make small bets or wait for favorable situations. Wonging also reduces the risk of detection by the casino staff, as the player does not have to vary their bet size or act suspiciously.
However, wonging also has some drawbacks and challenges. First, wonging requires the player to have a good card counting skill and a keen observation of the game. The player has to keep track of the count at one or more tables, and decide when to enter or exit the game. The player also has to be discreet and avoid drawing attention to themselves.
Second, wonging may not be possible or profitable in some situations. For example, some casinos may use multiple decks, continuous shuffling machines, or cut cards to prevent card counting. Some casinos may also have rules that prohibit mid-shoe entry, which means that the player cannot join the game until the cards are reshuffled. Some casinos may also have crowded tables, which means that the player may not find a seat when the count is favorable.
Third, wonging may be considered unethical or illegal by some casinos or jurisdictions. Some casinos may view wonging as a form of cheating or advantage play, and may ban or eject the player from the premises. Some jurisdictions may also have laws that prohibit wonging or card counting, and may impose fines or penalties on the player. Therefore, the player should be aware of the risks and consequences of wonging, and exercise caution and discretion.