What Are Blackjack Deviations? 

I finally experienced my first back off at the El Cortez!! Thanks Colin and blackjack apprenticeship for all you’ve taught me 🙏🏼 “Shallow men believe in luck”

Little extra tip from a beginner, if you are going to use these deviations play it off like you are going with your gut or your chickening out. Because if these work out for you you will get heat especially if you are as cool as a cucumber when you’re making these decisions

Surrender is such a nice rule, a spot near me when I card counted offered late surrender without sacrificing on the other rules ( H17 though but that's expected today ) and consistent 4.5/6 penetration or better. Got to replace some of these deviations that assume no surrender with the fab 4. People looked like you kicked their dog surrendering a 14 v 10.

BJA member here: Gamblers just want to do the show-boat deviations, Like split 10’s But Real APs will hit on a soft 18 against dealer 10, and if get dealt an 8 (hard 16 now), will deviate and stay on hard 16 against dealer 10 (if running positive). The dealer usually chuckles, cause 16 is worst than the initial 18. Play this hand many times..and mind you, on max bets 😬

wish you would provide more videos. Your videos are on the right track and a I hope everyone takes the small talk as a grain of salt. I encourage those who are card counter take the information given and add them to your tool box. Keep up the videos and I'd be happy to take part of your team if the opportunity came.

This must be the video I have ever seen. My God. The direction, the implications, the tone, the cinematography all scream excellence. James Cameron step aside. Colin is here to take all your Oscars.

Colin, I agree 100% Why give away any possible advantage to the house when the margins are so tight on a basic strategy play. Yes, mastering basic strategy first is an absolute must. 1-2 errors per hour can mean the difference in positive and negative ev in any session. The real truth is, most human nature is to be lazy or look for an easy way. There is no easy way in this if you are serious about what you are trying to accomplish. All it takes is the reminder of getting buried by the house and you realize. Your not counting, you’re gambling and when you gamble, you lose. I love your work, content and I think that it is a great reflection on your character that you have given to the church through the work that you have been gifted with. Thank you for your content and a great app. It’s worth 10 times the price. I just wish that it had some sounds to go with it. Maybe in an update.?🤔 Stay safe and be well!!

So either he’s collecting emails for marketing reasons or because he doesn’t think casinos have the ability to make a fake email address

All true what what the dude says. You gotta take whatever edge you can get....because the edges are miniscule. Anything that helps reduce RoR is a good thing.

Colin, BTW, when hitting a 16 vs. 10 using basic strategy, the RC is -1. That's why when using deviations you stand at RC0.

Your guys app is incredibly useful! I also found an app that let's you practice basic strategy by only getting dealt soft hands or doubles. It's perfect for practicing basic strategy.

I was just practicing deviations when thid cane our, great timing 👍

I have memorised basic strategy! 17-21 u stand 13-16 u hit if you have 7-10,A, you stand with 2-6 12 u stand with 4-6, you otherwise 11 you double down 10 you double down with 2-9, you hit with 10,A 9 you double down with 3-6, you hit otherwise 5-8 you hit (hard) 4 you split with 5-6, you hit otherwise A9 you stand A8 you double down with 6 otherwise you stand A7 you double down with 2-6, you stand with 7-8, you hit with 9-10,A A6 is like 9, you double down with 3-6 and hit otherwise A5,A4 you double down with 4-6, you hit otherwise A3,A2 you double down with 5-6, you hit otherwise AA, 8-8 you split 10-10, 5-5 you play them as regular hard 20/10 respectively 9-9 you stand with 7,10,A but you hit otherwise 7-7, 3-3, 2-2 you split from 2-7 and play them as hard totals otherwise I liked the 2,3,7 you split 2 through 7 mnemonic, it sounds nice 6-6 you split from 2-6, you hit otherwise (similarly to 7-7) 4-4 you split against 5-6, you hit otherwise You surrender with 16 against 9-10,A and with 15 against 10 And you don't buy insurance.

"A real man makes his own luck" - "Billy Zane, Titanic" - Dwight Schrute, The Office

I tried to get the deviation chart on your website using my email but it said try enter a better email

Yesterday I went to play at casino rama. The table was full so I was standing behind and watching the game. I was told by pittboss not to stand close to table. But here and there I kept finding table and counted cards from back and enter when the count was +14Rc made 300$ out of the shoe then faced heat and left

I'm curious, how often do you get dirty looks from other players at the table when you start to deviate from basic strategy?

Hey! I was just watching your other earlier video earlier today!

Nice job Colin

Ive been studying and finally decided to play this past month and already made a couple thousand dollars thanks to you man! Hoping to step up my game and get these deviations memorized 🙏🏽 I understand you take insurance on a +3 TRUE COUNT However the illustrious 18 doesn’t specify running count or true count. Ex: stand on 13 v 2 when the count is -1 or higher otherwise hit. When it says on a -1 I’m assuming a TRUE -1 count not a running -1 count? And if it is based on the true count does that go for the rest of the playing deviations as well for the illustrious 18 or are they all different? Thanks again, you’re a legend 💯

Hello Sir. Colin, The game I play is no peek means dealer doesn't check for blackjack when an up card is 10 & I will lose my entire double down in case dealer shows a blackjack. It changes BS so now BS suggest to hit on 11 v 10 instead of 2x. So what effect does it have on 10 v 10 & 11 v 10 deviations, if any ?

Great video

I have seen the deviation chart, and it's seems that you surrender with 17 against A and 8-8 against A, while in the regular chart this is not shown. Also the deviation chart has values for A10, but this is a blackjack* and thus the player does not play the hand as the player is rewarded or pushed immediately after the dealer checks for blackjack. Also, the 8-8 against ace is shown as a split and as a surrender at the same time. I assume that you surrender unless it's not available, in which case you do the option provided in the splits and hard/soft totals tables. *Indirect A10 also technically stands automatically, as the total is 21.

So, I've been playing the BJA app religiously for a while now and have found that I consistently have a lot more winning hands in a cold deck (true -6) because I have the luxury of hitting on higher numbers because there are more low cards in the deck. Is this a form of deviation?

Hello Colin can you make a video about Knockout counting system? great job btw :D

I'm just needing clarification on interpreting the Hit 17 standard deviation chart you provide: with a hard 12 and dealer has 4: the chart shows '0-' in yellow. Does this mean if the True count is 0 or negative to Stand, otherwise hit? by the way: I really appreciate all of your videos.......keep up the great work...

Hi I’m a recent graduate who just got my first job and moved to Salt Lake City. I’m super close to a casino in Nevada and I’m not into gambling so this attracted me. My casino has a royal bet that gives you 3:1 if you have the same suit card. Is this truly an advantage or would it be better to stick to basic strategy?

Am I being stupid - on the chart it says the count in the deviation boxes but doesn't say what to do instead of basic strategy?

Excellent Colin ♠️

On your deviation chart, you showing Doubling Down with 11 against a Dealer Ace, regardless of count; however, shouldn't you Hit instead of the TC is +1 or less?

So am i supposed to do the complete opposite when the chart says to deviate?

One of deviation i did before was bet insurance and double down when I had 11 against dealer A while the count was high, the 10 or picture cards were coming out.

2:39 mark: Per BJA Deviation Chart a 16 Surrenders against a 10 at *Any Positive Running Count (0+)* not a *True Count of Zero and above (+0)*.

2:12 just so people visualize this correctly, for insurance to have a positive expectation value it actually only needs to be 2:1 odds so being "more likely than not" is not the standard

Should I play with casino card players? Can you make a Video about it?

I heard that you should never split 10's even if the count warrants the play. Splitting 10's with a big bet out would be a red flag for surveillance; you might as well wear a sign that says Card Counter. To the casino, only stupid players and card counters split 10's. Refraining from splitting 10's is a good cover play, same with double down on soft 20. What is your opinion on this?

Can you make a Video about the stearn betting system?

I tried download the deviation chart from the link provided but it won't allow me to do so. Why? Yes, I put my first name and email. It keeps saying enter a better email. Why is it doing that?

Do playing deviations change by Blackjack rules? If dealer hits or stands on 17 would that change anything?

Colin please do a ko system video and likes and differences with hi lo

Hey Collin I've been studying through the app and have been able to 10x - 20x my bank roll through just basic & hi lo. When im looking at the deviations, it is vague at some parts and I can't tell what to deviate to. For example if you have a soft 17 and the dealer has a face card of 2 you deviate if true count is 1 or more. With that are you deviating to stay, hit or double? The charts just seem vague. I don't want to risk my a high bankroll on something that doesn't show me what to deviate to otherwise it seems like im gambling at that point. If you're able to help it would be greatly appreciated

I played at a casino yesterday that doubles down for you on all 10's and 11's Instarted with $100 and cashed out $300 in 1 shoe, and I was only betting $15. It was Atlantis in Reno Nevada

So im a beginner beginner.. i do follow strategy. I downloaded the app. And i want to start really putting my time into learning to be great. Would online blackjack live dealer blackjack be a good place to start to learn how to count. Its a real slow paced game when its a full table. I know it's not great to stay there and try to rake in money. But the speed of the game and the concentration you can put in to counting i was wandering if it's worth to use as a practice place.

I. Can't read the deviations chart on your app. I don't know what to do at the specified count.

I can't find the deviation chart on your website please help

Are there any good apps to practice card counting when you are away from the blackjack tables?

Where can i download/buy the training-app, and whats the name of the training app? I cant fint it..

Why is your deviation chart different from the illustrious 18 chart

Hello. If I am having a bad losing streak with online blackjack and casino blackjack are those all 1 big losing streak?

Can you run the following computer simulation and determine how much it shifts the advantage in the player’s direction: for those who can’t master continuous count on 6-8 decks... how about counting only cards of previous hand. Assuming 6 players at table (plus dealer) and an average of 3.5 cards each that’s about 24 cards exposed. That has to make at least a small difference - but how much?

Thoughts on Revere Point Count?

So as a newbie trying to learn the game, are all playing deviations based upon whatever the running count/true count is? Like the example Colin gave basic strategy says to never buy insurance but if my running count is high and I’m playing a hard 16 against an ace, I would buy insurance because you know that odds are the dealer is going to have a blackjack? Any answer is appreciated and thank you in advance!

Do you have any expirience in playing online Black jack live tables with pokerstar software for example ??? My problen is i dont know how many decks are in this card holder i can see a lot but doesnt know how much of them are into it, too bad i cant post a pic here ...

I'm a bit confused at when you'd be applying the deviations. Would you only use them for your first decision? For instance, lets say you've got a 7 vs the dealer's 5 and your hit card is a 5 for a total of 12. Assuming the count indicates you should deviate, would you, even with 3 cards?

If you notice another player at the table playing perfect basic strategy and the count is high, would placing a bet on their hand bring more heat?

Is the 16 stand whilst RC = 1 rule also true when dealer uses 8 decks? Or should be RC be higher then?

What do you think about Spanish 21?

Hey Colin, I found a new video game (kind of like Grand Theft Auto) where you can count cards to help build your fake money portfolio! It is Pokerstars VR. I play on the Oculus. They have blackjack table games. The only thing is, it only allows for a 1-10 bet spread. For example, you can play at a table that is $100 min bet, $1,000 max bet. Also, to count cards , the players a couple seats down, it is hard to see their card, so I actually have to hover over their hand to see it. It is still all good! They play through a 6 deck shoe with about .85 penetration.

The Deviations chart says 5:57 the true count must be met before deviating from BS but it doesn't say what exactly you deviate to? How do I know if I'm supposed to double or just hit? Or if BS says hit, once the true count is met, do I stay or double?

If we are true count -3 Dealer 10 player 16 Is it better "surender" or to hit for our EV?

first of all thanks for your great work really learnt a lot but i need to know something involved with the true count... for example if you playing blackjack with a 6 deck shoe but only three decks out of six are being played with one deck already played and the count is on +10 for example what would the true count be???? please assist

Hahaha “try again casinos, it’s not that easy!” 😂 I’ve been wondering lately just how many casinos use your software to run a counters bet spread

13vs 2 what does -1- mean? That's the only deviation with a minus before and after the number

When should you walk away from the table? When you’ve tripled your stack? Doubled it? Cause when I’m practicing, I find that YES Card Counting and Deviations and Perfect Basic Strategy Works and makes my chip stack a lot larger. But 2 rounds later I find my stack dwindling. How Come, if I am doing everything correctly?

hey @Blackjack Apprenticeship was wondering how much money i should win before i back off of an online casino. there are some that say that they will disable your account and you will not be able to access any money that you have deposited into your account, so that money will be gone/STOLEN if/when you are caught , just asking for a friend

Colin, is Edward Thorpe, “Beat The Casino,” still a relevant, basic strategy guide?

Wait wait hit against a 9 or 10 when you have sixteen? What happened to surrender?

I have question for anyone willing to answer: should you resplit your tens against a dealers 4, 5, and 6? Assuming you have the minimum required true count to do so, I feel like by making four hands of anything less than 20, even against a bust card, rather than sticking with 2 hands of 20 might not be such a great idea. But I’m certainly open to being wrong in this.

Colin, do you ever get the itch to get back into the casino and play?

Does the count/true count matter if you have 16 against their 10….if you can surrender.

Is there an app that only drills you on the soft hands of basic?

Hey I just had 16 vs 10 I was asking how to surrender and nobody answered, I hit my 16 and the dealer didn't give me my card and continued without hitting me.

Kinda new to you Chanel... kinda want to know besides your videos how can we get taught and get lessons ? I’m 17 and I want to learn how to play

Hi can I get the deviation ? Thabks

If you stand 16 against a 10 with a true zero, then you would stand on 16 at the start of the shoe. You’d have to get to a running 8D before you would hit it during the first deck. No?

Is it possible to beat baccarat using card counting??

How do I get in contact for a lesson

What does EV stand for?

Odds of dealer having blackjack is more than 1 in 3 at a true 3.

Just before this video was uploaded I happened to be thinking about the Insurance deviation and how I don't quite understand why a true 3 makes it a positive EV bet. At a true 3 there are 3 extra high cards per deck left to be dealt. So let's say there are 3 decks remaining with a true 3 - that's 69 high cards left (5 high cards times 4 suits times 3 decks plus 9). 4/5ths of those (on average) will be 10s, while the other 1/5th are Aces - that's 55.2 10s. 55.2 is only 35.4% of the remaining cards (156 for 3 decks). I don't understand why a 35.4% chance of a dealer blackjack is enough to make the Insurance bet worth it. What am I missing?

I was super into this game and learned everything up to deviations then fell off hard. I feel like either not worth my time because it’s almost always below 0 or idk

What about simplified deviation strategy? Like arnold snyders hi-low lite?

When deviating, how do you know if u deviate toward hit or toward stand. For instance on the chart it says A,8 / against a 4 up card and it has +3 on it. Im sitting here thinking i should not hit but I’m pretty sure the chart interpreter it as of u have a +3, hit on A,8

Cause casinos can’t make a fake email?

Go to the tables where there is only one or two people playing if they are losing watch the game until the shoe turns and play lean until you are up but continue to bet the same amount keeping your winnings aside until the shoe turns back to the house win and take your winnings and walk around to another table and watch again.Sooner or later the shoe has to start to pay out to the players not the house,etc.Was it from you that i saw this? or someone else.i was also told never to play insurance as you will always lose in the end.You are better off taking the small loss and keeping your winnings and just heading to another table.I have a few blackjack players i watch and everyone plays differently.It gets confusing.Are you talking about sitting at a single full table all night?.

those casinos don't have enough money to enter their email information into your website.

I really wanna know what you think of roobet,seems extremely popular and is a legitimate casino,also can you card count infinite bj

that guy is a gambler instead of card counter

The easiest deviation is the insurance bet.

Got kick out for hitting a hard 17 against an Ace.

You're really showing those casinos, making them give you their email address...

Coulnt a casino just give you any email address?? Sounds pretty easy to me

I have been playing blackjack for 15 years. I don't think card counting works, because dealer has the same advantage. I have also seen winning more hands during -ve counts. I have also seen that +ve count can result in losing. I can narrate you lot of examples later.

No idea.., ¡ never save money, even in game, and never got needs..,

6:12 its a joke right? lol

While it is stochastically true that you do sometimes stand on a 16 vs. a 10 and deviate from basic strategy based on cards remaining in the shoe, however, you never stand on a 16 vs. a 9...

My man keeps talking about "basic strajjy" I don't even know what that means

Casinos creating fake e-mail accounts in a hurry now, I suppose.

What's the difference between the H17 chart and the S17 chart