Deviations in Blackjack Explained

Being a knowledgeable player can pay big dividends at the blackjack tables. That includes knowing the ins and out of basic strategy and recognizing when some blackjack playing deviations may be necessary.

Blackjack deviations allow players to adjust their basic strategy based on deck composition, game rules, and other key factors. Keep reading for some insight on this concept and what to expect when adding these skills to your repertoire.

What Are Blackjack Deviations?

Playing deviations in blackjack simply refer to times when you will have to alter basic strategy based on the rules of the table. Blackjack games vary by casino and can include differing elements like the number of decks (from one to eight), player rules, dealer rules, and more.

Blackjack basic strategy deviations may require players to change their play when it comes to hitting and standing depending on how things are playing out at the table. Those who are counting cards may also use deviations that may not be seen as standard when considering basic strategy.

Knowing all these different deviations can help players have the best chance of securing more winning sessions over time.

Using a Blackjack Deviations Chart

For those new to this concept, a blackjack deviations chart can make it easy to find the best move for differing games and rules. These can be especially handy when playing online as you don’t have to worry about being seen using the chart at a live casino and rick being barred from playing or accused of counting cards.

For those who are heading to a live casino, a blackjack deviations chart also allows you to practice some of the options on the card before heading to a casino. Many of a property’s rules can be found online (or by simply calling the casino or visiting the property’s website), so you can practice the game you plan to play.

Blackjack deviations charts can be found online and offer a chance to best tailor your basic strategy approach to the game that you are actually playing.

Common Deviations in Card Counting

Blackjack is a game where players can actually obtain a small edge if they can master card counting. There are various systems, but counting generally involves keeping a running count of high cards versus low cards. A player can then raise his bets when the count is favorable and there are more high cards left in the deck that could yield high hands and hopefully some blackjacks.

This requires plenty of practice and skill. It can be difficult to count cards in a crowded, noisy casino while also trying to avoid casino management noticing that you are counting cards. Using these strategies correctly may require some card counting deviations from traditional basic strategy. A skilled card counter has a better understanding of the cards that have already been played.

“For example, normally you will hit a 12 against a 2,” Blackjack Apprentice notes. “However, when the true count is above 3, it is statistically better to stand a 12 against a 2.”

The better a player gets at counting and the more practice they put in, the better a player will understand these card counting deviations.

How to Apply Deviations in Live Play

Making these blackjack playing deviations work for you depends on the game that you plan on playing. Knowing some of the key rules of the game is imperative to making these adjustments to basic strategy. Some of the things to consider include:

Number of decks in play – This is a critical piece of information when determining your blackjack playing deviations.
Rules – Is surrender available? Does the dealer stand on soft 17? These are some other rules to consider.
Basic strategy – Make sure you are well-versed in basic strategy as this gives you the best mathematical chance to win, outside of card counting.
Card counting – If you are card counting, it’s imperative to gain almost 100% excellence at making the right plays, according to experts. This helps tip the odds in your favor.

A game with a single deck may vary compared to games with multiple decks. For example, consider a single deck game versus a double-deck game. The double deck may only have one additional deck, but there are still some blackjack basic strategy deviations.

For example, a player in a double-deck game would want to split 2-2 and 3-3 when the dealer’s upcard is 2 through 7. But in a single-deck game, a player would also split 6-6 if the dealer shows 7 and the casino rules have the dealer hitting on soft 17.

This is just one example and there may be even more blackjack deviations to consider with games featuring even more decks. Knowing how to adjust your play can be the key to winning in the long term.

Conclusion

Blackjack playing deviations are alterations a player makes to basic strategy when considering the rules and number of decks in a certain game. A blackjack deviations chart can help players make these changes to their strategy.

There are also card counting deviations that can vary from what a player might expect to make when using normal basic strategy. Learning to count takes a lot of practice and playing perfectly is the best chance to tip the odds in the player’s favor.

Those looking to play some real-money blackjack and work on their strategy should head to Lucky Block Casino. There are numerous game options, including live dealer games like one might find in Las Vegas. SIgn-up just takes a few minutes and hopefully you’ll soon be hitting the tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are blackjack deviations?

These are changes to basic strategy based on the number of decks and rules at the table you are playing. This allows you to have the best strategy to fit the game, giving you the best mathematical decisions to make

How to calculate standard deviation in blackjack?

The standard deviation (SD) for a session is proportional to the SD per session multiplied by the square root of the number of hands a player is involved in. For example, consider a player with 100 hands in a session per hour. Here’s a look at the math to determine the SD:

The SD for that session is $10 * 1.15 * square root(100) = $115

What is the golden rule of blackjack?

While the “golden rule” may vary by player, there are a few plays someone should always keep in mind. For example, never split 10s and always split 8s. Players will always double down on an 11 against everything except for a dealer’s ace. There are numerous other general blackjack rules to keep in mind. Consult basic strategy for more of these.

What to never do in blackjack?

Never split 10s as you’re risking getting two losing hands instead of one winning hand. Also never take insurance, as this has a negative EV (expected value) in the long run. For other strategy considerations, review a basic strategy chart for the best chance at winning.