Blackjack table

Hard 17 against a dealer 7 is a basic-strategy stand. Hitting risks busting on most cards and doesn't improve the expected value.

Basic strategy says to always stand on a hard 17. Here it's even stronger, since the dealer shows a 5 and is likely to bust.

A hard 20 against a dealer 10 is a strong standing hand. Basic strategy never splits tens, since breaking up a 20 lowers expected value.

Basic strategy says to stand on hard 16 against a dealer 6. The dealer busts often from a weak upcard, and hitting risks busting my own hand.

Basic strategy says to hit a hard 12 against a dealer 9, since the dealer's strong upcard makes standing worse.

Hard 11 against a dealer 4 is a standard double in basic strategy. The dealer's bust chance is high and our 11 has strong drawing potential.

Basic strategy says to stand on hard 15 against a dealer 4, since the dealer has a high bust chance and hitting risks busting.

Basic strategy says to stand on hard 15 against a dealer 3, because the dealer has a meaningful chance to bust and hitting risks busting ourselves.

Basic strategy says to stand on a hard 13 against a dealer 5. The dealer's bust chance is high, so there's no reason to risk busting.

Basic strategy says to hit a hard 12 against a dealer 10. The dealer peeked, so they don't have blackjack, and standing on 12 loses more often than hitting.

Hard 14 against a dealer 10 is a hit under basic strategy, and surrender isn't available. Standing on 14 loses more often than taking the bust risk.

Basic strategy doubles a hard 9 against a dealer 3 through 6. The dealer's 5 is a weak upcard with a high bust chance.

Hard 19 against a dealer 10 is a clear stand under basic strategy. Hitting or doubling would risk busting a strong total.

Soft 19 against a dealer 9 is a stand under basic strategy. Doubling is only correct against a 6 in some rule sets.

Basic strategy says to hit a pair of 4s against a dealer 9 (you split 4s only against a 5 or 6 with DAS). Hard 8 is too weak to double against a 9.

Hard 12 against a dealer 9 is a clear hit in basic strategy, because standing loses too often to the dealer's strong upcard.

Hard 12 against a dealer Ace is a hit under basic strategy. The dealer has already peeked and shows no blackjack, so standing on 12 loses too often.

Hard 17 against a dealer Ace is a stand under basic strategy for S17 with no surrender, since the bust risk from hitting is too high.

Hard 20 against a dealer 3 is a strong made hand, and basic strategy says never split tens. Standing maximizes expected value.

Hard 5 against a dealer 10 is a clear hit under basic strategy. Standing or doubling would give up expected value.

A hard 10 against a dealer 10 cannot bust on the next card, so hitting is clearly correct. Doubling isn't allowed on a three-card hand.

Basic strategy says hit a hard 12 against a dealer 10. Standing leaves the dealer too likely to beat 12.

Hard 19 against a dealer 10 is a clear stand under basic strategy, since hitting risks busting for little gain.

Basic strategy says to stand on hard 12 against a dealer 6, because the dealer has a high chance of busting. Hitting risks my own bust for little gain.