Blackjack Counting Strategy Deviations and Index Plays 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is an 'index play' or 'index number' in card counting?
- A true count threshold at which to deviate from basic strategy (Correct answer)
- The number of cards counted per minute
- A casino rating for counting difficulty
- A betting unit multiplier
Correct answer: A true count threshold at which to deviate from basic strategy
Index numbers are the true count values at which a counter should alter their basic strategy decision to maximize expected value.
Question 2: The most valuable single strategy deviation in Hi-Lo is widely considered to be:
- Standing on 16 vs dealer 10 at high counts (Correct answer)
- Always splitting Aces
- Doubling on 11 vs Ace
- Never taking insurance
Correct answer: Standing on 16 vs dealer 10 at high counts
Standing on 16 vs dealer 10 at a true count of 0 or above (the 'Illustrious 18' top play) has one of the largest impacts on player EV.
Question 3: According to the 'Illustrious 18,' at what true count should a player stand on 15 vs dealer 10?
- +4 (Correct answer)
- +1
- -1
- +7
Correct answer: +4
A player should stand on 15 vs dealer 10 when the true count reaches +4 or higher, as the deck is ten-rich enough to make standing profitable.
Question 4: When should a counter deviate to double down on 10 vs dealer Ace (instead of hitting)?
- When true count is +4 or higher (Correct answer)
- When true count is 0 or higher
- When running count is positive
- When dealer shows a 5 instead
Correct answer: When true count is +4 or higher
Doubling 10 vs Ace becomes profitable at a true count of approximately +4, when the deck's ten-richness makes the double down worthwhile.
Question 5: What does 'fab four surrenders' refer to in blackjack counting?
- Four surrender plays triggered by count that basic strategy doesn't include (Correct answer)
- Surrendering on the first four hands each shoe
- Four specific dealer up cards to always surrender against
- Four hands a day maximum to surrender
Correct answer: Four surrender plays triggered by count that basic strategy doesn't include
The Fab Four are four late surrender deviations (e.g., 15 vs Ace, 14 vs 10) that become correct at specific true count levels.
Question 6: At which true count does the insurance bet become a positive expectation play in Hi-Lo?
- +3 (Correct answer)
- +1
- +5
- +10
Correct answer: +3
Insurance pays 2:1 and becomes profitable at a true count of +3, when enough tens remain to make it statistically favorable.
Blackjack Counting Strategy Deviations and Index Plays 1
What is an 'index play' or 'index number' in card counting?