I - Glossary of Terms

ID. An abbreviation for "identification".

Illustrious 18. A term coined by Don Schlesinger to describe the 18 most advantageous deviations from basic strategy, based on the Hi-Lo count. The 18 plays described equal about 80% of the gain that could be had from playing the full set of indexes in more complex strategy tables.

IMHO. The acromym for "in my humble opinion".

IMO. Same as IMHO but not humble.

Implied Count. An educated guess used to modify play strategy as to the value of unseen cards in other players' hands based on the value of the dealer's card and cards taken or not taken by other players. For example, if the dealer has a stiff and a player hits a large card one can imply two extra low cards to modify play strategy.

Index number. A term often used by counters to identify the count for specific strategy deviations. For example, the proper index number for standing on a hard 16 versus a dealer's 10 is 0, using the Hi-Lo count.

Insurance. A side bet offered by casinos in blackjack that allows a player to bet up to half of the amount of his bet that the dealer has a natural when the dealer's upcard is an ace. It pays 2:1.

IP. The acromym for Imperial Palace, a casino.

IRC. The acromym for "initial running count."