Blackjack table

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 14 against a dealer ten-value upcard. Standing is less favorable, and doubling would increase exposure on a weak hand.

This three-card hard 16 includes a 4, a composition-dependent exception that slightly favors standing against the dealer’s ten-value upcard.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer's 6. Basic strategy favors keeping this total rather than risking a bust while the dealer has a weak upcard.

Basic strategy stands on hard 13 against a dealer 3. Hitting risks busting, while the dealer's weak upcard favors letting the dealer draw.

Hit on hard 5 against the dealer’s 2. There is no risk of busting on this draw, and doubling this low total is unfavorable.

A hard 7 cannot bust on the next card, and hitting has a higher expected value than standing against the dealer's 2.

With hard 12 against a dealer 2, hitting has a higher expected return than standing under six-deck basic strategy.

Stand on hard 16 against the dealer's 2. Hitting carries a high bust risk, while the dealer must draw and may bust.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer's 7. Keeping this strong total has higher expected value than hitting, doubling, or splitting.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer’s ten. Hitting or doubling carries a high bust risk and has lower expected value.

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

Hit hard 14 against the dealer's ten-value upcard. Basic strategy favors hitting over standing or doubling in this situation.

Hit hard 12 against the dealer’s ace; basic strategy favors improving this weak total rather than standing or doubling.

Hit hard 14 against the dealer's ace. Basic strategy favors improving this weak total rather than standing against a strong upcard.

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

Stand on hard 15 against the dealer’s 6. The dealer’s high bust risk makes standing preferable to risking a bust by hitting or doubling.

Stand on hard 15 against the dealer's 5. The dealer has a weak upcard, and hitting risks busting; standing is the basic-strategy choice.

Hit soft 16 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard. Basic strategy favors improving this weak total rather than standing or doubling.

For this three-card hard 16 containing a 5 against a dealer ten, composition-dependent strategy slightly favors standing over hitting.

Against a dealer 8, basic strategy is to hit a pair of 2s rather than split. A hard total of 4 is too weak to stand or double.

Hit hard 8 against the dealer’s 8. Another card cannot bust this hand, and standing has a much lower expected return.

Stand on soft 19 against the dealer’s 8; hitting has lower expected value than keeping this strong total.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer’s 9. Keeping this strong total has higher expected value than hitting, doubling, or splitting the ten-value cards.

Hit hard 7 against the dealer's 8. The hand cannot bust on the next card, and doubling is unfavorable with such a low total.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer's 8. Basic strategy favors standing because hitting carries too much bust risk.

Basic strategy favors standing on hard 13 against a dealer 4. The dealer's weak upcard makes avoiding a potential bust more valuable than drawing.

Basic strategy calls for standing on hard 14 against a dealer 3. Hitting risks busting, while the dealer’s weak upcard makes standing the higher-value choice.