Blackjack table

Hard 8 is too weak to stand or double against a dealer 2; hit to improve the hand.

Stand on hard 18; hitting risks busting, and the dealer’s 2 is a weak upcard.

A pair of 4s totals 8, and against a dealer 8 the basic strategy is to hit rather than split or double.

Stand on 18 against the dealer’s 8; hitting has a substantial chance of busting and is inferior here.

A hard 5 is too weak to stand or double against a dealer 10. Hit to improve the hand.

Hard 13 against a dealer 10-value upcard is too weak to stand; basic strategy calls for a hit.

A hard 16 is a difficult hand, but against the dealer’s 10, hitting has better expected value than standing. Doubling is not advisable on this total.

A hard 20 is a very strong hand, and hitting risks busting without meaningful upside. Stand against the dealer’s ten.

Hard 14 is too weak to stand against the dealer’s 9; hitting has the better expected outcome.

Hard 17 should stand against a dealer 9; hitting has a substantial bust risk and is not the basic-strategy play.

Hard 12 against a dealer 3 is a hit under basic strategy; standing gives the dealer too much chance to make a strong hand.

A hard 20 is a strong hand; hitting risks busting, and standing is optimal against a dealer 3.

Soft 19 is strong, but against a dealer 10 the expected value of hitting or doubling is worse than standing.

A hard 13 against the dealer’s queen is too weak to stand, and doubling is not appropriate against a strong upcard. Hit to improve the hand.

Hard 17 should stand against a queen; hitting has a high bust risk and a worse expected outcome.

Hard 16 is too weak to stand against a dealer 7; without surrender, basic strategy is to hit.

Hard 15 is too weak to stand against an ace, and doubling is unfavorable; hit to improve the hand.

Hard 8 is too weak to stand or double, even against a dealer ace. Hit to improve the hand.

Hard 15 against a dealer ace is unfavorable to stand on; with surrender unavailable, hitting gives the best chance to improve.

A hard 10 against a dealer 4 is a strong doubling opportunity; doubling maximizes value while the dealer is in a weak position.

Soft 14 is too weak to stand against a dealer 4, and basic strategy doubles soft 14 only against a 5 or 6. Hit to improve the hand.

Hard 14 should stand against a dealer 4; the dealer is more likely to bust, and hitting risks busting my hand.

A hard 15 against a dealer 9 is a hit under basic strategy; standing is more likely to lose against the dealer’s strong upcard.