Blackjack Counting Strategy Deviations and Index Plays 3

Question 1

How does a counter decide when to split 10s against a dealer's low card?

Accepted Answer

When true count is very high (+4 or above) vs dealer 5 or 6

Answer

Splitting tens at very high positive counts vs dealer 5 or 6 can be profitable, though it is rarely done due to casino heat it attracts.

Question 2

The term 'cover play' in strategy deviations means:

Accepted Answer

Occasionally playing wrong on purpose to disguise counting

Answer

Cover plays are intentional minor strategy errors made to appear like a recreational player and avoid detection as a card counter.

Question 3

Doubling soft 19 (Ace-8) vs dealer 4 is a deviation that becomes correct at approximately what true count?

Accepted Answer

+3

Answer

Doubling soft 19 vs dealer 4 is a positive-count deviation that requires approximately +3 true count to become mathematically superior to standing.

Question 4

What is the index for standing on 12 vs dealer 2 in the Illustrious 18?

Accepted Answer

+3

Answer

A player should stand on 12 vs dealer 2 at a true count of +3 or higher, when the ten-rich deck makes the dealer's bust probability high enough.

Question 5

Why do strategy deviation opportunities occur more frequently near the end of a shoe?

Accepted Answer

True count fluctuations are larger with fewer decks remaining

Answer

Fewer remaining decks amplify true count swings, making extreme positive and negative counts (which trigger deviations) more common.

Blackjack Counting Practice Test