Blackjack table

Hit hard 12 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard. Standing has a lower expected return, and doubling is unfavorable.

Hit hard 13 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 18 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard. Hitting carries a high risk of busting and has lower expected value.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 14 against a dealer 8. Standing is less favorable, and doubling would increase exposure on a weak hand.

Basic strategy calls for hitting soft 14 against a dealer 7. The hand cannot bust on the next card, and doubling is less favorable against this upcard.

With hard 15 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard and no surrender available, hitting has a higher expected return than standing or doubling.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer’s king; hitting is overwhelmingly likely to bust and reduces expected value.

Basic strategy calls for hitting soft 17 against a dealer 7. The ace makes the next card safe from busting, while standing or doubling has lower expected value.

Basic strategy stands on soft 18 against a dealer 7. Standing has a higher expected return than hitting here.

Double hard 10 against the dealer's 7 to maximize expected profit. Treat the pair of fives as 10 rather than splitting into two weak hands.

Soft 14 against a dealer 4 is a hit under six-deck basic strategy. Doubling is preferred against 5 or 6, not 4.

Basic strategy favors standing on hard 12 against a dealer 4. Hitting risks busting, while the dealer's weak upcard makes standing preferable.

Stand on hard 19 against a dealer 2. Hitting or doubling risks busting a strong hand and reduces expected value.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer's 6. Keeping this strong total has higher expected value than splitting the ten-value cards or risking a bust.

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

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 13 against a dealer ace. Standing has lower expected value, and doubling would risk an extra bet in an unfavorable situation.

Basic strategy recommends standing on hard 14 against a dealer 2. Hitting risks busting, while the dealer must draw and may bust.

Stand on hard 16 against the dealer’s 3. Basic strategy favors letting the dealer risk busting rather than drawing with a high bust risk.

Double down on hard 11 against the dealer’s 8. This is the basic-strategy play with the highest expected return.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 15 against a dealer 7. Standing has a lower expected return, and doubling would increase exposure on a weak hand.

Hit hard 16 against the dealer’s 7. Standing has a lower expected return than taking another card, despite the risk of busting.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer's 7. Hitting carries a high bust risk and lowers expected value.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 13 against a dealer 10. Standing has a worse expected return, and doubling is unfavorable.

Hit hard 6 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard. Splitting threes or doubling here has lower expected value than taking another card.

Hit hard 14 against the dealer’s king. Standing is less favorable against a strong upcard, so hitting has the higher expected return.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer’s 6. Keeping this strong hand has higher expected value than splitting, doubling, or hitting.