A method for decoding an encoded data stream representative of at least one image, which is divided into blocks. The decoding method includes, for a current block: evaluating a plurality of value hypotheses of at least one description element of the current block, by calculating a likelihood measurement per hypothesis; calculating a disparity in the likelihood measurements obtained; determining at least one parameter of a decoder based on the calculated disparity; decoding, using the determined decoder, complementary information for identifying at least one of the hypotheses; and identifying at least one of the hypotheses using the decoded complementary information and obtaining a value of the at least one description element for the current block, from the at least one identified hypothesis.