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The Illustrious 18 deviations
The Illustrious 18 are the 18 hands where changing your play based on the true count gains the most. Together they capture most of the value of every possible count-based deviation, which is why counters learn them first.
How to use the index numbers
Each play has an index. When the true count is at or above the index, make the play in the "at or above" column. Below it, make the play in the "below" column (which is normal basic strategy for most of these hands). For example, 16 against 10 has an index of 0: stand at a true count of 0 or higher, hit when it's negative.
The Illustrious 18 (Hi-Lo, multi-deck, dealer stands on soft 17)
| # | Hand | Dealer | Index | At or above | Below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Insurance | A | +3 | Take insurance | No insurance |
| 2 | Hard 16 | 10 | 0 | Stand | Hit |
| 3 | Hard 15 | 10 | +4 | Stand | Hit |
| 4 | 10,10 | 5 | +5 | Split | Stand |
| 5 | 10,10 | 6 | +4 | Split | Stand |
| 6 | Hard 10 | 10 | +4 | Double | Hit |
| 7 | Hard 12 | 3 | +2 | Stand | Hit |
| 8 | Hard 12 | 2 | +3 | Stand | Hit |
| 9 | Hard 11 | A | +1 | Double | Hit |
| 10 | Hard 9 | 2 | +1 | Double | Hit |
| 11 | Hard 10 | A | +4 | Double | Hit |
| 12 | Hard 9 | 7 | +3 | Double | Hit |
| 13 | Hard 16 | 9 | +5 | Stand | Hit |
| 14 | Hard 13 | 2 | -1 | Stand | Hit |
| 15 | Hard 12 | 4 | 0 | Stand | Hit |
| 16 | Hard 12 | 5 | -2 | Stand | Hit |
| 17 | Hard 12 | 6 | -1 | Stand | Hit |
| 18 | Hard 13 | 3 | -2 | Stand | Hit |
Most important first: insurance, 16 v 10 and 15 v 10 account for a big share of the gain. When the dealer hits soft 17, 11 against an ace is always a double and 10 against an ace moves to +3.
The Fab 4 (late surrender)
If the game offers late surrender, these four count-based surrender plays are worth learning next.
| # | Hand | Dealer | Index | At or above | Below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hard 14 | 10 | +3 | Surrender | Hit |
| 2 | Hard 15 | 10 | 0 | Surrender | Hit |
| 3 | Hard 15 | 9 | +2 | Surrender | Hit |
| 4 | Hard 15 | A | +1 | Surrender | Hit |
How to learn them
- Start with insurance (+3), 16 v 10 (0) and 15 v 10 (+4).
- Group the rest: the 12s (v 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), the 13s (v 2, 3), the doubles (9, 10, 11) and the 10,10 splits.
- Drill them with a random true count until you answer instantly.
Frequently asked questions
Who created the Illustrious 18?
The list comes from Don Schlesinger's book Blackjack Attack, which ranked count-based strategy changes by how much they are worth to a Hi-Lo counter.
Should I learn the Illustrious 18 before basic strategy?
No. Learn basic strategy perfectly first, then the Hi-Lo running and true count, then the Illustrious 18.