bruce, a difference of "just" two strikes per game is still a 1.5 fold advantage for your friend. this advantage starts big; of course it's going to get huge after 9 trials.

we know from games like blackjack that even tiny edges are devastating in the long run, so it shouldn't come as a shock that the relatively large 3-2 advantage you describe here is also devastating.

so, perhaps taking side bets on strikes is better than counting cards.