Playing Deviations are times when the true count dictates a decision that differs from Basic Strategy.
Basic Strategy is the default correct playing decision for every possible hand combination in Blackjack. But as the Running and True Counts change, there are times that the ג€correctג€ play also changes.
If you were driving down a freeway with a 60 MPH speed limit, the default ג€strategyג€ would be to drive 60 MPH (or somewhere close to 60 MPH). It gets you where you want to go at the fastest allowable speed. In this case, driving at 10 MPH would be ridiculous, and likely to get you some interesting looks and gestures.
But if you came across backed-up traffic, you would slow down. This new information means that driving at 60 MPH is no longer a viable default.
Instead, you start driving at 10 MPH – or as slow as traffic dictates.
Playing Deviations are the decisions you make to deviate from Basic Strategy when the True Count dictates a different decision. As the composition of the cards changes (which you, my card-counting friend, will know because of the Running Count and the True Count), the correct play changes.
Before you start worrying that things just moved into Rainman territory, the reality is that it’s only about 20 situations you need to know.
Just as Basic Strategy is the default correct playing decision for every possible hand combination in blackjack, Playing Deviations are the correct decision based on your True Count. Many of them follow patterns that can help you memorize them. And when you do, it will help you maximize your advantage over the casino.