ILLUSTRIOUS 18 + FAB 4
What are deviations?
Basic strategy tells you the best play when you don't know what cards are left. But when you're counting and know the deck is "hot" (lots of big cards left) or "cold" (lots of small cards left), sometimes the best play changes. These changed plays are called deviations.
The Illustrious 18 are the 18 most important deviations. Learn these and you'll make better decisions when it really matters.
How to read the numbers
Each deviation has a trigger number. When your true count hits that number or higher, change your play.
- +3 = the deck is hot (player-friendly) - lots of 10s and Aces left
- 0 = the deck is neutral
- -1 = the deck is slightly cold (dealer-friendly)
Simple rule: If the true count is at or above the number shown, make the deviation play.
The Illustrious 18 (H17 rules)
| # | Hand | Dealer | Index | Deviation |
|---|
| 1 | Insurance | A | +3 | Take insurance |
| 2 | 16 | 10 | 0 | Stand (normally hit) |
| 3 | 15 | 10 | +4 | Stand (normally hit) |
| 4 | 10,10 | 5 | +5 | Split (normally stand) |
| 5 | 10,10 | 6 | +4 | Split (normally stand) |
| 6 | 10 | 10 | +4 | Double (normally hit) |
| 7 | 12 | 3 | +2 | Stand (normally hit) |
| 8 | 12 | 2 | +3 | Stand (normally hit) |
| 9 | 11 | A | +1 | Double (normally hit) |
| 10 | 9 | 2 | +1 | Double (normally hit) |
| 11 | 10 | A | +4 | Double (normally hit) |
| 12 | 9 | 7 | +3 | Double (normally hit) |
| 13 | 16 | 9 | +5 | Stand (normally hit) |
| 14 | 13 | 2 | -1 | Hit (normally stand) |
| 15 | 12 | 4 | 0 | Stand (normally hit) |
| 16 | 12 | 5 | -2 | Hit (normally stand) |
| 17 | 12 | 6 | -1 | Hit (normally stand) |
| 18 | 13 | 3 | -2 | Hit (normally stand) |
The Fab 4 (Late Surrender Indices)
The Fab 4 are the four most important late surrender deviations. Surrender saves more money per hand than any other deviation play. If your casino offers late surrender, these are critical.
| # | Hand | Dealer | Index | Deviation |
|---|
| 19 | 14 | 10 | +3 | Surrender |
| 20 | 15 | 10 | 0 | Surrender (always in a counting game) |
| 21 | 15 | 9 | +2 | Surrender |
| 22 | 15 | A | +1 | Surrender |
Why these matter
Insurance: Normally a sucker bet, but when the count is +3 or higher, it actually favors you. This one deviation alone makes you real money over time.
Standing plays: When the deck is hot (full of 10s), you're more likely to bust if you hit. So you stand even with a weak hand like 16 vs dealer 10.
Surrender plays: When available, late surrender is the highest-EV deviation category. Giving up half your bet beats losing it all. The Fab 4 save more money per hand than any other deviation.
Bottom line: These 22 plays are the difference between a hobby counter and someone who actually wins.
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