Blackjack table

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

Basic strategy calls for standing on hard 12 against a dealer 5. The dealer’s weak upcard makes standing preferable to risking a bust by hitting.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer's 4. Hitting risks busting, while standing lets the dealer's weak upcard work in our favor.

Double hard 10 against the dealer’s 7. This is the basic-strategy play and maximizes expected profit.

Hit hard 7 against the dealer's 10. This hand cannot bust on the next card, and doubling is unfavorable against a strong upcard.

Stand on hard 17 against a dealer ten. Hitting carries too much bust risk and has lower expected value.

Hit hard 6 against the dealer's ten-value upcard. You cannot bust on the next card, and doubling this weak total is unfavorable.

Hit hard 9 against the dealer’s queen. Standing is unlikely to win, and another card cannot bust this hand.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard. Hitting carries a high bust risk and lowers expected value.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard. Hitting has a high bust risk and a lower expected return.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 12 against a dealer 3 in this six-deck game. Standing has a slightly worse expected return.

Hit hard 16 against the dealer’s ace. With surrender unavailable, hitting has a higher expected value than standing or doubling.

Basic strategy recommends standing on hard 13 against a dealer 6. The dealer has a high bust probability, so taking another card would add unnecessary bust risk.

Basic strategy calls for hitting a pair of 3s against a dealer 8. Splitting or doubling is less profitable in this matchup.

Basic strategy recommends hitting hard 14 against a dealer 8. Standing is less favorable against the dealer's strong upcard.

Hit hard 12 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard. Basic strategy does not split sixes against a ten, and hitting has a better expected return than standing or doubling.

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

Stand on hard 12 against the dealer’s 6. The dealer’s high bust risk makes standing better than hitting or doubling.

Double hard 9 against the dealer’s 6, a weak upcard. This is the basic-strategy play that maximizes expected profit.