Blackjack table

Hard 5 against a dealer 7 is always a hit under basic strategy. No card can bust it, and doubling on 5 has negative value.

Soft 16 against a dealer 7 is a clear hit under basic strategy. The hand can't bust on one card, and 16 rarely wins against a likely dealer 17.

Soft 18 against a dealer 7 is a stand in basic strategy, since doubling is unavailable and 18 beats or pushes the dealer's most likely outcomes.

Basic strategy for 6 decks with the dealer standing on soft 17 says hit a hard 10 against an Ace rather than double. Doubling is only correct when the dealer hits soft 17.

Basic strategy says to hit a hard 7 against a dealer 6. A total of 7 is too low to stand on or to profit from doubling.

A hard 11 cannot bust on one card, and doubling isn't allowed after three cards, so hitting is clearly better than standing.

Hard 11 against a dealer 8 is a standard double down under basic strategy, giving positive expected value.

Hard 16 against a dealer 9 is a hit under basic strategy since surrender isn't available. Standing on 16 loses more often against a strong upcard.

Hard 19 against a dealer 4 is a clear stand under basic strategy. The dealer's bust chance is high, and hitting or doubling would only risk busting.

Hard 15 against a dealer 7 is a hit under basic strategy. The dealer's strong upcard makes standing worse.

Basic strategy says to hit hard 12 against a dealer 10. The dealer will often make a strong total, so standing on 12 loses more often than hitting.

Basic strategy for hard 15 against a dealer 10 with no surrender available is to hit. Standing is slightly worse, since the dealer will often make 17 or better.

Hard 19 against a dealer 7 is a clear stand under basic strategy. Hitting or doubling would only risk busting a strong hand.

Basic strategy for hard 12 against a dealer 2 is to hit, since a 2 is not weak enough for the dealer to justify standing.

Hard 20 against a dealer 7 is a strong standing hand; splitting tens gives up a likely win, so basic strategy says stand.

Hard 20 against a dealer 10 is a strong standing hand, and splitting tens gives up a likely win. Basic strategy is to stand.

Hard 16 against a dealer 10 with no surrender available: basic strategy is to hit, since standing loses more often against a strong upcard.

Hard 11 against a dealer 4 is a standard double under basic strategy. The dealer's weak upcard and my strong drawing total make doubling the highest-EV play.

Under basic strategy for a 6-deck S17 game where the dealer peeks, hard 10 against a dealer 10 is a hit, not a double. Doubling only beats hitting against dealer 2 through 9.

A hard 20 against a dealer 10 is a clear stand under basic strategy. Any hit except an ace busts.

Hard 17 against a dealer 8 is a stand in basic strategy. Hitting risks busting on most cards for little gain.

Basic strategy for 6 decks with double after split allowed: split a pair of 4s against a dealer 5. Each 4 can then catch a 6 or 7 for a strong double opportunity.

Basic strategy with double after split allowed says to split a pair of 4s against a dealer 5. This resplit is legal, since we are below the four-hand maximum.

Hard 7 against a dealer 5 is a hit in basic strategy. Doubling on 7 is not favorable, and standing on 7 is clearly worse.

A hard 17 against a dealer 5 is a clear stand. The dealer is likely to bust, and hitting risks busting this hand.

Basic strategy is to stand on hard 12 against a dealer 5, since the dealer is likely to bust and hitting risks busting first.

Hard 9 against a dealer 5 is a standard double, and doubling after a split is allowed. The dealer's weak upcard makes doubling clearly +EV.