Blackjack table

Hard 15 versus a dealer 7 is a hit under basic strategy; standing loses too often against the dealer's likely made hand.

Double 11 against a dealer 10; the high expected value of drawing one card outweighs the dealer's strong upcard.

Hard 12 against a dealer 2 is a hit under basic strategy, as standing leaves too much dealer improvement equity.

Stand on hard 20 against a dealer 10; drawing or doubling only risks ruining a very strong total.

A pair of 4s is best played as a hard 8 against an ace; splitting would create two weak hands.

Hit hard 16 versus the dealer Ace; standing has a very poor expected outcome and surrender is unavailable.

Hard 12 against a dealer ace should hit under basic strategy; standing is unlikely to win.

Stand on hard 20 against a dealer 10; it is already a very strong total and hitting or splitting reduces expected value.

Double 11 against a dealer 6: this is a strong favorable matchup, and maximizing the wager has positive expectation.

Hard 13 against a dealer 10-value upcard should hit; standing loses too often to the dealer's likely made hand.

Hard 16 against a dealer 10 should hit when surrender is unavailable; standing loses too often to the dealer's likely made hand.

Stand on hard 19 against a dealer 10; hitting has a high bust risk and little upside.

Soft 19 is strong against a dealer 8, and standing avoids risking a downgrade or bust.

Stand on hard 17 against a dealer 6; drawing risks busting while the dealer is in a weak upcard position.

Split 6s against a dealer 5; separating them exploits the dealer's weak upcard and is the standard high-value play.

Double 9 against a dealer 5, a favorable weak upcard where one card has strong expected value.

Stand on hard 14 against the dealer's 5, letting the dealer draw through a weak upcard.

Hard 18 should stand against a dealer 10; hitting has substantial bust risk and doubling is unfavorable.

Double 11 against the dealer's 5, maximizing value against a weak upcard.

Double 11 against a dealer 8; drawing one card has strong positive expected value.

Hard 14 against a dealer 10-value upcard is too weak to stand; hitting has the better expected value.