Blackjack table

Hit hard 7 against the dealer’s 2. There is no risk of busting on this draw, and the total is too low to stand or double profitably.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer's 2. Hitting has a high bust risk and lower expected value than standing.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 12 against a dealer 10. Standing is less favorable, and doubling would increase exposure on a weak hand.

Hit hard 13 against the dealer's 10. Improving the hand has higher expected value than standing against this strong upcard.

Against a dealer ace, basic strategy calls for hitting hard 10 rather than doubling. Keep the fives together; splitting them is less profitable.

Hit hard 14 against the dealer’s ace. With surrender unavailable, hitting has a higher expected value than standing.

Basic strategy stands on hard 16 against a dealer 3. Hitting risks busting, while standing lets the dealer's weak upcard work in our favor.

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

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

Stand on hard 18 against the dealer's ten-value upcard. Hitting or doubling has a worse expected return because of the high risk of busting.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 15 against a dealer 7. Standing loses more often, and doubling would increase exposure on a weak hand.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer’s 7. This is a strong total, and hitting would bust on every card except an ace.

Hit hard 5 against the dealer’s 9. There is no risk of busting on this draw, and doubling would commit extra chips to a weak hand.

Hit hard 12 against the dealer’s 9. Improving the hand has a higher expected value than standing against this strong upcard.

Hit hard 16 against the dealer's 7. With no surrender available, hitting has a higher expected return than standing or doubling.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer's 3. This strong total has better expected value than hitting or doubling, which carry a high risk of busting.

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

Stand on hard 16 against the dealer’s 5. The dealer has a weak upcard, and hitting or doubling risks busting a hand that can win if the dealer busts.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer's 2. This strong total has a higher expected return than hitting or doubling, which carry a high risk of busting.

Stand on soft 19 against the dealer’s 9. Keeping 19 has higher expected value than hitting or doubling.

Hit hard 14 against the dealer’s 10. With no surrender available, hitting has a higher expected return than standing or doubling.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer’s ten. Hitting has a high risk of busting and lower expected value than standing.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer's 4. This strong total benefits from the dealer's bust risk, while hitting or doubling would risk busting unnecessarily.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 13 against a dealer 9. Standing loses more on average, while doubling risks extra chips on a weak hand.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer’s 3. This strong total has higher expected value standing than risking a bust by hitting or doubling.