Bottom line: A true count scales a running count by the amount of undealt cards under a specified counting system. It is not another running count and does not imply a fixed advantage percentage. Use the divisor, resolution and rounding method published for the chosen strategy.
Basic conversion
For a system that uses full decks remaining, the common form is:
true count = running count ÷ estimated decks remaining
If the running count is +6 and 1.5 decks remain, the unrounded true count is +4. The +4 result is a true count; calling it a running count changes the meaning.
Conversion conventions vary
QFIT documentation notes that most counts use full decks remaining, some use half-deck or quarter-deck units, and some unbalanced systems use no true-count adjustment. Truncation, flooring, rounding and resolution must match the strategy’s index tables.
Deck estimation
In a multi-deck game, the player estimates how much of the shoe remains, not merely how many cards have appeared. Estimation error changes the divisor and can move a result across an index or betting threshold.
No universal edge per count
A rule such as “each true count adds 0.5%” is not universal. Expected value at a given count depends on rules, penetration, composition, strategy, index set and calculation method. Use a rule-matched simulation rather than a generic percentage.
Sources
Further reading
Keep the running count, remaining-card estimate and conversion convention in the same units.
