Blackjack table

Hit hard 13 against the dealer’s ace. Basic strategy favors hitting over standing or doubling because the dealer’s strong upcard makes standing too weak.

Hit hard 14 against the dealer’s ace. With no surrender available, hitting has a higher expected return than standing.

Hit hard 9 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard. Improving the hand without committing to a double has the highest expected value.

For this three-card hard 16 against a dealer ten-value card, standing is narrowly preferable when accounting for card composition. The 4 and 5 already in the hand reduce the availability of favorable hits.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 16 against a dealer 7. Despite the bust risk, hitting has a higher expected return than standing or doubling.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer’s queen. Keeping this strong hand has higher expected value than splitting, hitting, or doubling.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer’s king. Hitting or doubling risks busting a strong hand and has lower expected value.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer’s ten. Keeping this strong total has higher expected value than hitting, doubling, or splitting.

Basic strategy calls for hitting soft 15 against a dealer 3. Doubling is preferable against 4 through 6, but not against 3.

Hit soft 17 against the dealer’s 3 when doubling is unavailable. Drawing cannot bust this hand, and hitting has higher expected value than standing.

Basic strategy calls for standing on hard 13 against a dealer 3. Hitting risks busting when the dealer has a weak upcard.

Hit hard 15 against the dealer’s 9. With surrender unavailable, hitting has a higher expected value than standing or doubling.

With hard 16 against a dealer ten and no surrender available, hitting has a slightly higher expected value than standing under basic strategy.

Standing on hard 20 against a dealer 7 maximizes expected value. Splitting the kings sacrifices a strong made hand, while hitting or doubling risks busting.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer’s 5. This strong total benefits from the dealer’s bust risk, while hitting or doubling would risk busting unnecessarily.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer’s ten. Hitting or doubling risks busting a strong hand and has lower expected value.

Double hard 11 against the dealer's 7. This is the highest expected-value play under these rules.

Stand on hard 15 against the dealer's 5. The dealer's weak upcard makes standing preferable to risking a bust by hitting.

Hit hard 12 against the dealer's 10. Improving the hand has higher expected value than standing, while doubling would increase exposure on an unfavorable hand.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer’s 10. Hitting carries a high bust risk and has lower expected value than standing.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer’s 8. Hitting or doubling has lower expected value because of the high risk of busting.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer’s 5. Keeping this strong hand has higher expected value than splitting tens, doubling, or hitting.