Blackjack Counting Strategy Deviations and Index Plays 2

Question 1

The 'Illustrious 18' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The 18 most valuable basic strategy deviations for card counters

Answer

18 counting systems ranked by efficiency

Answer

18 casinos most favorable to counters

Answer

18 basic strategy rules never to deviate from

Question 2

What happens to strategy deviations at extreme negative counts?

Accepted Answer

Some hitting strategies become correct instead of standing

Answer

All deviations reverse to basic strategy

Answer

The count becomes unreliable for all decisions

Answer

Dealers must reshuffle immediately

Question 3

A counter should deviate from basic strategy and stand on 12 vs dealer 4 when:

Accepted Answer

True count is 0 or higher

Answer

True count is -2 or lower

Answer

The running count is above +6

Answer

Dealer has an Ace in the hole

Question 4

Why should counters focus first on the Illustrious 18 deviations before learning all possible index plays?

Accepted Answer

The Illustrious 18 capture 80-90% of the total EV from deviations

Answer

The other deviations are illegal

Answer

Other index plays require level-3 systems

Answer

The Illustrious 18 are easiest to memorize

Question 5

When should a counter take the surrender option on 16 vs dealer Ace?

Accepted Answer

When true count is below +1 (or at basic strategy)

Answer

When true count is above +4

Answer

Never; always hit 16 vs Ace

Answer

Only at negative counts

Question 6

In Hi-Lo, at what true count should a counter deviate to double down on 9 vs dealer 2?

Accepted Answer

+1

Answer

+4

Answer

-1

Answer

+7