Blackjack table

Basic strategy is to always split aces; two hands each starting with an ace against a dealer 8 are far stronger than a soft 12.

Basic strategy says to stand on hard 17 against a dealer Ace when the dealer stands on soft 17 and there is no surrender. Hitting risks busting too often to be worth it.

Basic strategy for soft 16 (A-5) against a dealer 6 is to double down. The dealer's weak upcard makes the extra bet profitable.

A hard 20 against a dealer 10 is a strong standing hand. Splitting tens would give up a likely winner, so basic strategy says stand.

Basic strategy for hard 13 against a dealer 7 is to hit, since the dealer's strong upcard makes standing on 13 a losing play.

Basic strategy says to hit a hard 15 against a dealer 7, since the dealer is likely to make 17 or better. Standing would lose more often than drawing.

Hard 17 against a dealer 10 is a stand under basic strategy. Hitting risks busting far more often than it would improve the hand.

Hard 20 against a dealer 7 is a strong favorite, so standing is correct. Splitting tens gives up that edge.

A hard 6 against a dealer 10 is a clear hit in basic strategy. Standing or doubling would be strongly negative in expected value.

A hard 11 cannot bust on one card, and doubling is unavailable with three cards, so hitting against the dealer's 10 is clearly correct.

A hard 20 against a dealer 10 is a clear stand, since any hit other than an ace busts. Standing gives the best expected value.

Hard 17 against a dealer 3 is a stand in basic strategy. Hitting or doubling risks busting for no gain.

A hard 20 against a dealer 3 is a very strong hand, and basic strategy says to stand. Splitting tens gives up a likely win for a worse expected value.

Basic strategy for a hard 12 against a dealer 10 is to hit. Standing loses more often against a strong upcard.

Basic strategy for a hard 9 against a dealer 2 in a 6-deck, S17 game is to hit. Doubling a 9 is only correct against dealer 3 through 6.

Basic strategy for hard 12 against a dealer 2 is to hit, because a dealer showing 2 busts too rarely to justify standing.

Basic strategy says to hit hard 15 against a dealer 7, because the dealer's strong upcard makes standing worse than taking the bust risk.

Basic strategy for soft 13 against a dealer 2 in a 6-deck S17 game is to hit. Doubling soft 13 is only correct against a 5 or 6.

Soft 15 cannot bust on one card, and against a dealer 2 basic strategy is to hit when doubling isn't available.

Soft 17 against a dealer 2 should be hit under basic strategy when doubling isn't available. Hitting can't bust and improves on a total that only ties or loses to most dealer results.

Hard 17 against a dealer 2 is a standard stand, since hitting risks busting for little gain.

Basic strategy always splits 8s. Against a dealer 9 with no surrender available, splitting loses less than playing a hard 16.

Hard 11 against a dealer 9 is a standard double, and double after split is allowed.

Basic strategy says to hit a hard 13 against a dealer 9, since the dealer's strong upcard makes standing on 13 too weak.

Basic strategy for a soft 17 against a dealer 7 is to hit, since standing on 17 against a likely 17 is weak and doubling is only correct against 3 through 6.

Hard 16 against a dealer 7 is a hit under basic strategy. The dealer's likely final total of 17 or more beats standing on 16.

Basic strategy says to hit a hard 13 against a dealer 7, because the dealer is likely to make a strong hand and standing on 13 loses too often.

Hard 19 against a dealer 7 is a clear stand under basic strategy. Hitting risks a bust for no gain.