What are the Illustrious 18 deviations?
QUICK ANSWER
The Illustrious 18 are 18 specific plays where the correct action changes from basic strategy based on the true count. They generate most of the extra profit from counting beyond bet sizing. The most famous: take insurance at TC +3, and stand on 16 vs 10 at TC 0 or higher.
Why deviations matter
Bet-sizing gives you most of a counter''s edge, but playing deviations adds another ~10–15%.
Top 5 to learn first
| Hand | Index | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance | +3 | Take insurance |
| 16 vs 10 | 0 | Stand if TC ≥ 0 |
| 15 vs 10 | +4 | Stand |
| 12 vs 3 | +2 | Stand |
| 12 vs 2 | +3 | Stand |
How to use them
Only deviate when the true count crosses the index. Below the index, play basic strategy exactly.
Drill the full Illustrious 18 at BJLeague Deviations.
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