Blackjack Counting Strategy Deviations and Index Plays

Question 1

What is an 'index play' or 'index number' in card counting?

Accepted Answer

A true count threshold at which to deviate from basic strategy

Answer

The number of cards counted per minute

Answer

A casino rating for counting difficulty

Answer

A betting unit multiplier

Question 2

The most valuable single strategy deviation in Hi-Lo is widely considered to be:

Accepted Answer

Standing on 16 vs dealer 10 at high counts

Answer

Always splitting Aces

Answer

Doubling on 11 vs Ace

Answer

Never taking insurance

Question 3

According to the 'Illustrious 18,' at what true count should a player stand on 15 vs dealer 10?

Accepted Answer

+4

Answer

+1

Answer

-1

Answer

+7

Question 4

When should a counter deviate to double down on 10 vs dealer Ace (instead of hitting)?

Accepted Answer

When true count is +4 or higher

Answer

When true count is 0 or higher

Answer

When running count is positive

Answer

When dealer shows a 5 instead

Question 5

What does 'fab four surrenders' refer to in blackjack counting?

Accepted Answer

Four surrender plays triggered by count that basic strategy doesn't include

Answer

Surrendering on the first four hands each shoe

Answer

Four specific dealer up cards to always surrender against

Answer

Four hands a day maximum to surrender

Question 6

At which true count does the insurance bet become a positive expectation play in Hi-Lo?

Accepted Answer

+3

Answer

+1

Answer

+5

Answer

+10