Blackjack table

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 12 against a dealer 10-value upcard. Hitting has higher expected value than standing or doubling.

Hard 13 against a dealer ten-value upcard should be hit. Hitting has a higher expected return than standing.

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

Hit hard 14 against the dealer’s 8. Basic strategy favors hitting because standing loses more often against this strong upcard, while doubling risks too much on a weak total.

Basic strategy calls for hitting soft 14 against a dealer 7. Taking another card cannot bust this hand, and doubling is less profitable than hitting.

With hard 15 against a dealer ten-value card and no surrender available, hitting has a higher expected value than standing or doubling.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer’s king. Hitting would bust on every card except an ace, while 20 is already a strong total.

Basic strategy calls for hitting soft 17 against a dealer 7. Hitting cannot bust this hand and has higher expected value than standing or doubling.

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. A pair of fives is best played as 10, not split.

Basic strategy calls for hitting soft 14 against a dealer 4. Doubling is preferred against 5 or 6, but not 4.

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

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer’s 2. Hitting or doubling risks busting a strong hand and has lower expected value.

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

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 loses more often, and doubling risks an additional bet from a weak position.

Stand on hard 14 against a dealer 2, following basic strategy. Hitting has a lower expected return because of the risk of busting.

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

Hard 11 against a dealer 8 is a basic-strategy double. Increasing the bet here maximizes expected profit.

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

Hit hard 16 against the dealer's 7. Although busting is a risk, hitting has a higher expected return than standing.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer's 7. This strong total has a higher expected return than hitting, which carries a very high bust risk.

Hit hard 13 against the dealer’s 10. Basic strategy favors hitting over standing, while doubling would increase exposure on an unfavorable hand.

Hit a hard 6 against the dealer’s king. Splitting 3s against a ten-value upcard is unfavorable, and hitting cannot bust this hand.

Hit hard 14 against the dealer’s king. Basic strategy favors hitting because standing has a lower expected return against a ten-valued upcard.

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