Blackjack Deviations are adjustments of the basic blackjack strategy based on the true count. There is a way to play the 21-card game, but fixating on the idea that the basic blackjack strategy is all you need when more advanced options like card counting come into play may not be the best move. You might need to step away from this comfort zone to win.
Blackjack deviations are mathematically driven actions that can help players make the best decisions possible and beat blackjack.
However, these deviations might be hard to follow for anyone who does not understand card counting. But don’t worry. Today’s casino news explains the blackjack deviations in detail, including the types and charts.
Blackjack Deviations Explained for Serious Players
Blackjack deviations are gameplay strategies where you play contrary to basic blackjack. These card counting deviations work by considering the composition of the cards in a shoe through card counting and giving you action to take instead of basic blackjack strategy, which you can learn from our casino guides.
Blackjack gameplay involved beating the dealer to the formation of a hand with a total value of 21. The basic blackjack strategy states that when you are dealt some cards, you must perform certain actions to get the best possible outcome.
The strategy considers the number of card decks used and the dealer’s action on Soft 17, which is either hit or stand. Undeniably, following this alone can give you great winning chances, and it would be even better if you learned how to play blackjack side bets.
However, when the blackjack card counting chart comes into casino games, the basic strategy may not be enough to achieve your desired win. Also, take into account these deviations are not found when playing in an online casino, since it instead works on a Random Number Generator (RNG) to maintain a constant RTP.
Types of Blackjack Deviations
As mentioned, Blackjack deviations are connected to card counting, but the focus is on true count.
True count, which is either positive or negative, represents the number of high or low cards in a deck. It informs you about what cards have been dealt, and the cards that are still in the deck. A positive number indicates the presence of high cards, while a negative means fewer high cards.
This information requires that you make decisions that have better chances of winning than basic blackjack strategy. These decisions are called blackjack deviations and are divided into 2: Playing and Betting. You may ask: What of Illustrious 18? It is only a subset of the Blackjack deviations, where a card counter can deviate from basic strategy to gain an advantage over the casino.
Betting Deviations
Betting deviations involve adjusting bets as the true count changes. A change in the true count affects the house edge. If the true count is positive, the edge is low. When it is negative, the edge increases.
A card counter uses this to vary the bet size. Some casinos propose a bet spread of 1-5 units, some 1-6 units whole at a crazy level, and, of course, for professionals, 1-10. However, the generally accepted fair bet bread value for a blackjack bet is 1-8 units. You can utilize a blackjack bankroll calculator for money management.
Playing Deviations
Blackjack playing deviations are alterations of the basic strategy when the deck composition changes in correlation with the true count.
Blackjack Deviations Chart
Deviations are not guesses. They are based on mathematical calculations to give you accurate decisions. Study the chart below.
Playing Deviations
| Player’s Hand | True Count | Dealer’s Up Card | Blackjack Deviations |
| Pairs of 10s | 5 | 6 | Split |
| Pairs of 10s | 5 | 5 | Split |
| 9 | 4 | 7 | Double down |
| 9 | 1 | 2 | Double down |
| 10 | 4 | A | Double down |
| 10 | 4 | 10 | Double down |
| 11 | 1 | A | Double down |
| 12 | -1 | 6 | Stand |
| 12 | -1 | 5 | Stand |
| 12 | 0 | 4 | Stand |
| 12 | 2 | 3 | Stand |
| 12 | 4 | 2 | Stand |
| 13 | -2 | 3 | Stand or hit |
| 13 | -2 | 3 | Stand or hit |
| 15 | 4 | 10 | Stand |
| 16 | 0 | 10 | Stand |
| 16 | 5 | 9 | Stand |
At some tables, surrender is an option. What is surrender in blackjack? Players take this action when they have weak hands and stand no chance against the dealer. They fold, tendering their cards, which the dealer collects, and then take half of their stake.
If you have surrender as an option, note the following deviations.
| Player’s Hand | True Count (TC) | Dealer’s Up card | Playing Deviations |
| 15 | 2 | A | Surrender, but when the TC is +1, hit |
| 15 | 2 | 9 | Surrender, but when the TC is +1, hit |
| 15 | 0 | 10 | Surrender, but when the TC is -1, hit |
| 14 | 3 | 10 | Surrender, but when the TC is +2, hit |
Betting Deviations
| True Count | Betting Deviations: Units to wager in a 1-8 Blackjack spread Game |
| +5 and above | 8 |
| 4 | 8 |
| 3 | 4 |
| 2 | 2 |
| 1 | 1 |
| 0 or negative true count | 1 |
How To Use Blackjack Deviation Charts
Below are practical tips on getting the best out of blackjack deviations
Master Card Counting
Ensure to perfect your card counting skills. You can study a blackjack counting cards chart. Blackjack deviation charts provide actions to take based on the true count of your card counting. With a blackjack card counting practice, you will be able to apply the deviations chart.
Study blackjack deviation charts properly
Winning in blackjack is serious work and requires serious attention to strategies. With much study comes more understanding of how it works to achieve your desired result.
You can create flashcards to learn the deviations faster. Always look through those flashcards every once in a while to master them. You can’t take blackjack deviation charts to a blackjack table.
Using Blackjack Deviations for Smarter Decisions
Blackjack deviations are another broad part of blackjack you need to master to get the best winning chances. The playing deviations focus on true coins and dealers’ up cards, while the betting deviations focus on true counts. If you find yourself in a gameplay where the Basic strategy won’t be enough to get you a win, these deviations will come in handy. For the best blackjack online betting experience, visit Slots Paradise Casino.
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