Blackjack table

Hit hard 12 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard. Hitting has a higher expected return than standing or doubling here.

Stand on hard 18 against the dealer’s queen. Hitting has a high bust risk and lower expected value than standing.

Hit hard 13 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard. Basic strategy favors hitting over standing, while doubling would increase exposure on an unfavorable hand.

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

Hit hard 12 against the dealer's 7. Improving this weak total has a higher expected value than standing or doubling.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer’s 5. Hitting or doubling risks busting a strong enough hand against a weak dealer upcard.

Hit hard 13 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard. Standing loses more on average, while doubling increases exposure on an unfavorable hand.

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

Hit hard 15 against the dealer’s 8. Improving the hand has a higher expected value than standing, while doubling would increase exposure on an unfavorable hand.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer’s 8. Hitting has a high bust risk and a lower expected return than standing.

Stand on hard 18 against the dealer’s 8. This is the basic-strategy play; hitting or doubling risks busting a strong total.

Hit hard 15 against the dealer's 9. With surrender unavailable, hitting has a better expected return than standing or doubling.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 13 against a dealer 8. Standing has lower expected value, and doubling would increase exposure on an unfavorable hand.

Splitting aces gives the highest expected value against the dealer’s 4, creating two strong starting hands instead of playing soft 12.

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

Splitting aces has the highest expected value against a dealer 6, creating two strong starting hands against a weak upcard.

Hit hard 13 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard. Basic strategy favors hitting over standing or doubling in this unfavorable matchup.

Hit hard 14 against the dealer's ten-value upcard. Standing has a lower expected return because the dealer is likely to finish with a stronger total.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer’s king. Hitting has a high bust risk and a lower expected return than standing.

Hit hard 5 against dealer 6. There is no risk of busting on this draw, and the hand is too weak to double profitably.

Hit hard 8 against the dealer's 6. There is no risk of busting on this draw, and improving the hand has higher expected value than standing.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer’s 6. Hitting risks busting a made hand, while the dealer’s weak upcard favors standing.

Stand on 20 against the dealer’s 6. Keeping this strong hand has higher expected value than splitting the jacks or drawing.