What Is Blackjack Deviation?

If you’re a blackjack player, you’ve probably heard of the term “deviation.” But what is deviation and why is it important

Simply put, deviation is the strategy adjustment that a player makes based on the count of the deck. This means that as the count of the deck changes, a player may deviate from basic strategy in order to increase their chances of winning.

So why do players deviate from basic strategy The answer lies in the fact that basic strategy is designed for a specific set of rules and conditions. However, casinos often have different rules and conditions which can affect the outcome of a game.

For example, let’s say you’re playing blackjack with 6 decks and the dealer hits on soft 17. According to basic strategy, you should stand on a hard 16 when the dealer has a 10 showing. However, if the count is high (meaning there are more low cards remaining in the deck), it may be more advantageous to hit that hard 16 instead.

Deviation can be calculated using what’s known as an “index number.” These numbers are assigned to each play in basic strategy and represent how much deviation is needed at various counts. For example, if an index number for hitting a hard 16 against a dealer’s 10 is +4, this means that you should deviate from basic strategy and hit that hand when the count is +4 or higher.

It’s important to note that deviation should only be used by experienced players who have mastered basic strategy. If you’re new to blackjack or still learning basic strategy, it’s best to stick with that until you have a solid understanding of the game.

The Benefits of Deviation

So why bother with deviation at all The answer is simple: it can increase your overall win rate. By adjusting your strategy based on the count, you can take advantage of the times when the deck is in your favor and minimize losses when it’s not.

Deviation also allows players to take advantage of certain rule variations that may be available at a specific casino. For example, if a casino offers a “no-peek” rule (where the dealer doesn’t check for blackjack until after players have made their decisions), deviation can help players make better decisions in this scenario.

Another benefit of deviation is that it can help to disguise your play from the casino. If you’re consistently deviating from basic strategy, it can be harder for the casino to detect whether you’re counting cards or not.

The Drawbacks of Deviation

While deviation can increase your win rate, it’s important to understand that it’s not a foolproof strategy. Deviating too much or at the wrong times can actually decrease your chances of winning.

Additionally, deviation requires a lot of mental effort and concentration. If you’re not able to keep track of the count while playing, deviation may not be worth pursuing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, deviation is an advanced blackjack strategy that should only be used by experienced players who have mastered basic strategy. While it can increase your overall win rate and allow you to take advantage of certain rule variations, it requires a lot of mental effort and concentration. If you’re new to blackjack or still learning basic strategy, stick with that until you have a solid understanding of the game.