What Are Playing Deviations in Blackjack?

In blackjack, playing deviations are basic strategies that deviate from the mathematically correct way to play a hand. The reason for these deviations is to gain a small edge over the casino, or to reduce the house edge.

There are many different playing deviations, but some of the most common ones are as follows:

Splitting Aces: Most blackjack experts agree that you should always split aces when you are dealt them. This is because splitting them gives you a better chance of getting two blackjacks, which pays out 3-2.

Hitting Soft 17: Many blackjack players believe that you should always hit soft 17 (a hand containing an ace that totals either seven or 17). The reason for this is because hitting soft 17 gives you a better chance of hitting 21, or getting a hand that is closer to 21 than the dealer.

Doubling Down: Doubling down is when you double your bet after being dealt your first two cards. This is usually done when you have a total of 11, and the dealer is showing a low card.

Doubling down gives you a better chance of winning the hand, because you are effectively putting more money on the line when you have a good chance of winning.

Standing on Hard 16: This deviation is controversial, but many blackjack experts believe that it is correct to stand on hard 16 against a dealer’s high up-card (seven through ace). The reason for this is because 16 is such a low number, that even if the dealer hits 21, you will still have a good chance of winning the hand.

There are many other playing deviations, but these are some of the most common ones. Playing deviations are not always mathematically correct, but they can give you a small edge over the casino.