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Advantage Slots
21Blackjack
Intermediate

Illustrious 18 Deviations

Complete Advantage Play Strategy Guide

21
21

Blackjack

Quick Stats

Expected Edge

+0.1-0.3% additional

Bankroll Required

Medium ($2,000-4,000)

Time to Learn

1-2 months (after learning basic counting)

Additional Metrics

ev Gain
0.1-0.3%
total Deviations
18
percent Of Value
80%

Overview

The 18 most valuable playing deviations from basic strategy based on the true count. These plays capture about 80% of the value of all possible deviations.

Strategy

Learn the 18 most important index plays that deviate from basic strategy. Examples: Insurance at TC +3, 16 vs 10 stand at TC 0 or higher, 15 vs 10 surrender at TC 0 or higher. These plays squeeze additional EV from favorable counts.

What to Look For

  • Games where you're already counting cards
  • Tables with surrender option (captures 4 of the 18)
  • Conditions where playing decisions matter most (dealer 10 or Ace up)

Risks & Considerations

  • Can appear suspicious if done too obviously
  • Requires perfect memorization to avoid costly mistakes
  • Only worthwhile if you're already counting accurately

Pro Tip

Always start with proper bankroll management. Even with an edge, variance can be brutal. Never risk more than 1-2% of your total bankroll on a single session, and ensure you have at least 20-30 buy-ins for your chosen stakes.

Basic Strategy Chart

4-6 Decks, S17, DAS, Late Surrender

Legend
HHit
SStand
DDouble (Hit if not allowed)
DSDouble (Stand if not allowed)
PSplit
RhSurrender (Hit if not allowed)
RsSurrender (Stand if not allowed)
Hard Total2345678910A
9
H
D
D
D
D
H
H
H
H
H
10
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
H
H
11
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
12
H
H
S
S
S
H
H
H
H
H
13
S
S
S
S
S
H
H
H
H
H
14
S
S
S
S
S
H
H
H
H
H
15
S
S
S
S
S
H
H
H
Rh
Rh
16
S
S
S
S
S
H
H
Rh
Rh
Rh
5-8
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
17+
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S

Pro Tips

  • • Always split Aces and 8s
  • • Never split 5s or 10s
  • • Double down on 11 against everything except Ace
  • • Stand on 17 or higher (except soft 17)
  • • Never take insurance (unless counting cards at TC +3)

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