Blackjack table

Hard 12 versus a dealer Queen is a hit under basic strategy; standing loses too often to a made dealer hand and doubling is too risky.

Hard 18 versus a dealer Queen is a clear stand; hitting risks busting a strong total.

Hard 13 versus a dealer queen is a clear hit in basic strategy; standing loses too often to a made 17–21, and doubling is far too risky.

Hard 20 against a dealer queen is a strong made hand; hitting risks busting and standing is the clear basic-strategy play.

Hard 12 versus a dealer 7 is a hit in basic strategy: standing loses too often to a strong upcard, and doubling is not justified.

Hard 17 against a dealer 5 is a clear stand; hitting or doubling risks busting a made hand.

Hard 13 against a dealer King is a hit under basic strategy; standing loses too often to a made dealer hand and doubling is too risky.

Hard 20 against a dealer 9 is a strong made hand; standing is the clear basic-strategy play rather than risking a bust by hitting or doubling.

Hard 15 versus dealer 8 is a hit under basic strategy; standing loses too often and doubling is not justified.

Hard 17 versus a dealer 8 is a clear stand; hitting busts on any 5 or higher and the expected value of standing is better.

Hard 18 versus a dealer 8 is a clear stand; hitting or doubling risks busting a strong made hand.

Hard 15 versus a dealer 9 is a hit under basic strategy; standing loses too often and doubling is not warranted.

Hard 13 against a dealer 8 is a hit in basic strategy; standing loses too often and doubling is negative EV.

Two aces should always be split; each ace starts a new hand against a weak dealer 4, which is the highest-EV basic-strategy play.

Hard 20 versus a dealer 10 is a clear stand; hitting or doubling risks a strong made hand, and splitting tens is negative EV.

Pair of aces against a dealer 6 is a mandatory split; each ace starts a strong hand while the dealer is weak.

Hard 13 versus a dealer King is a hit under basic strategy; standing loses too often to a made dealer hand and doubling is too risky.

Hard 14 versus a dealer King is a clear hit under basic strategy, since standing loses too often to a made dealer hand.

Hard 17 versus a dealer King is a stand; hitting risks busting a made hand.

Hard 5 is too weak to stand or double; hitting is the only correct basic-strategy play against a dealer 6.

Hard 8 against a dealer 6 is too weak to stand; hitting is the only sensible legal action.

Hard 17 versus a dealer 6 is a stand under basic strategy; hitting risks busting a made hand.

Hard 20 against a dealer 6 is a strong made hand; standing is correct, and splitting or doubling tens is a large negative-EV deviation.