Blackjack table

Hard 13 against a dealer 8 is a hit in basic strategy; standing loses too often when the dealer makes a hand, and doubling is too risky with a weak total.

Hard 14 against a dealer 8 is a clear hit under basic strategy, since standing loses too often to the dealer's likely made hand.

Hard 17 against a dealer 8 is a clear stand; hitting risks busting a made hand.

Hard 16 versus a dealer ten is a hit in basic strategy: standing loses too often to a made dealer hand, and doubling a weak total against a strong upcard is negative EV.

Hard 18 against a dealer queen is a clear stand; hitting risks busting on most cards and is worse than letting the dealer play.

Hard 13 versus a dealer King is a clear hit under basic strategy; standing loses too often and doubling is too risky.

Hard 18 against a dealer King is a clear stand; hitting risks busting on most cards and the dealer may not beat 18.

Hard 20 versus an ace is a strong made hand; standing is clearly better than hitting, doubling, or splitting tens.

Hard 7 versus a dealer 10 is a clear hit; standing is far too weak and doubling is not justified.

Hard 13 against a dealer 10 is a clear hit under basic strategy; standing loses too often when the dealer finishes 17 or better.

Hard 16 versus a dealer jack is a clear hit under basic strategy; standing loses to any dealer 17 or better.

Hard 18 against a dealer 10 is a clear stand; hitting risks busting a strong total.

Hard 18 against an ace is a standing hand; hitting or doubling risks busting a strong total.

Hard 12 versus a dealer ten is a hit in basic strategy; standing loses too often to a made dealer hand, and doubling is too risky.

Hard 12 versus a dealer 3 is a basic-strategy hit; standing risks losing to too many dealer totals, and doubling is not justified.

Hard 20 is a strong made hand against a dealer 3, so standing avoids busting and lets the dealer risk going over.

Hard 19 against a dealer King is a strong made hand; standing is the clear basic-strategy play, and hitting or doubling would risk busting a winning total.

Soft 18 versus a dealer 4 is a basic-strategy double when doubling is allowed and the dealer stands on soft 17. Doubling maximizes expected value against this weak upcard.

Hard 13 versus a dealer 7 is a hit in basic strategy; standing loses too often and doubling is not justified.

Hard 16 against a dealer 7 is a hit under basic strategy; standing loses too often when the dealer makes 17 or better.

Hard 20 is a strong made hand against a dealer 7, and hitting risks busting a likely winner.

Hard 11 against a dealer 4 is a clear double: the extra bet is favored because the dealer is weak and one more card often makes a strong total.

Hard 9 against a dealer 10 is a hit in basic strategy; doubling is only correct against weaker upcards, and standing on 9 is too weak.

Hard 19 against a dealer 10 is a clear stand; hitting risks busting a strong total.

Hard 13 versus dealer 6 is a stand under basic strategy; the dealer is weak and hitting or doubling risks busting a made hand.

Hard 9 versus dealer 4 is a basic-strategy double in this six-deck game, so I double rather than hit.

Hard 20 versus a dealer 6 is already a strong made hand, so standing avoids busting and keeps the advantage against a weak upcard.

Hard 15 against a dealer 5 is a stand in basic strategy; the dealer is weak and doubling or hitting a stiff total is negative EV.

Hard 15 against a dealer 10 loses if I stand unless the dealer busts, so basic strategy is to hit rather than double or stand.

Hard 15 versus a dealer 6 is a stand in basic strategy: the dealer is weak and likely to bust, while hitting risks busting a made total.

Hard 20 versus a dealer 5 is a strong made hand; standing is the clear basic-strategy play, and hitting, doubling, or splitting tens would only risk a winning total.