Help! New BJ card counter needs to be organized which cards to count first.

I am just getting started with the KO card counting system. As the dealer begins dealing cards, should I count each card as she deals them out or wait until all cards are dealt and then count in pairs. What is the sequence you experienced card counters usually use?

So far, I have been most comfortable at first base. I make my basic strategy decision and then go across the table counting everyone else's cards and then, finally, I count the dealer's cards. The only two problems with this is:
1. I can not always hope to get first base
2. When the dealer gets a natural, she quickly takes all the cards off the table and I lose my count.

You may want to check out the Golden Touch system - very easy to do!

Golden Touch Blackjack introduces the Speed Count, an easy to use strategy, designed to bridge the gap between basic strategy and card counting. There are no negative-value cards, true-count conversions, or tables of index numbers. It is unlikely that you will ever encounter a negative count. While is it is much easier to learn and use than a traditional count, the power is only about 1/3 to 1/2 of the Hi-Lo count, depending on how the effectiveness is measured, and whose simulations you believe. Dan Pronovost, who did the simulations for the book says the advantage is about 1/2 of the hi-lo. Fred Renzy says the advantage is between 0.4% and 0.5%. Norm Wattenberger, the creator ofCasino Vérité, and biggest skeptic of the Speed Count, says measuring risk and reward, it is about 1/3 as effective as the hi-lo, and believes the Knock-Out count is just as easy, but more powerful. One of these days I hope to simulate it myself.

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Thanks jphelan, but you did not answer my question. I am not sure I worded my original question correctly so let me try to rephase my question here.

I like to be methodical in my card counting at the casino. This means I like to do my basic strategy either before or after I count the cards on the table at the casino.

What do you do first when at the blackjack table as the dealer begins dealing out the cards? I just would like someone to describe to me exactly what their process is, step by step as the dealer begins dealing out the hand at the Blackjack table.

By the time the dealer has dealt the second card to third base, you should know the count. Not start the count.

Not only what Snidely said, but if you are in a game where players hold their cards (1 or 2 decks, 3/2 on BJ) you want to practice where you can see a two card combination and know the combined amount to add (or subtract) from your count.

If at first base,you may not be able to see the cards as dealt. Next to first or third is better.
I count in pairs,then when the dealer shows the players cards,count again.
Granted,at first the count will be as the first card is dealt to you.
It may change during the second round,plus or minus.
I'll sometimes use my fingers on my left hand to keep track of the count.
Try not to move your lips,during the count.
2 rounds of counting: Once as dealt and then as the dealer turns over the players hands.

If "Team play" have a buddy just count the aces or 5's.
When I loose my edge(Beers),I'll count aces.

Golden Touch is laughably weak.
If the cards are dealt face up, count them as they are dealt before you look at your own. Doesn't matter where you sit, but you can generally spread yourself out more at first and third. Don't worry about what experienced counters do, find what works best for you. Eventually, you'll get up to speed

Thanks especially to Snidely333, billryan and Rouletteman. Will be working on "knowing the count by the time third base gets his second card "

THAT is a lot of work!

Just count pairs that cancel each other out.
Just 2 rounds of counting,but HEY!
Use the method that works for you.
Sometimes, you can FEEL when the deck is rich and increase your bet or even play..... 2 hands,like I do.
I like next to 3rd base or third base. I can see all of the cards.Bet as the count implies.
You will probably be a winner in the long run.
Get your comps and have some fun.
I haven't been barred,yet.

Only one thing to add: Don't count out loud......