Blackjack table

Double hard 9 against a dealer 3, as recommended by basic strategy for six-deck blackjack. This increases the wager in a favorable situation.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 16 against a dealer 7 when surrender is unavailable. Standing has a lower expected return, and doubling would increase exposure on a weak hand.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer's 2, as basic strategy recommends. Hitting or doubling risks a bust without improving expected value.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer’s jack. Keeping this strong total has higher expected value than hitting, doubling, or splitting.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer’s 9. Keeping this strong total has higher expected value than hitting, doubling, or splitting tens.

With hard 16 against a dealer ten-value card and no surrender available, hitting has a slightly higher expected return than standing.

Stand on hard 18 against the dealer’s king. Hitting has a high bust risk and a lower expected return than standing.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 15 against a dealer ten when surrender is unavailable. Standing has a lower expected return, and doubling would add risk to an unfavorable hand.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer's 10. Hitting risks a bust and has lower expected value than standing.

Hit soft 17 against the dealer's ten-value upcard. Standing is weak here, and the flexible ace allows improvement without risking a bust on this draw.

Basic strategy calls for hitting soft 18 against a dealer ten-value upcard. The ace's flexibility prevents an immediate bust and gives a chance to improve this unfavorable hand.

Stand on soft 20 against the dealer's ten-value upcard; hitting would reduce the expected value of this strong hand.

Hit soft 15 against the dealer's 7. Improving this weak total is preferable to standing, and doubling is not favorable in this matchup.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 15 against a dealer 7. Standing has a lower expected return because the dealer is likely to finish with 17 or better.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer's ten. Keeping this strong hand has higher expected value than splitting, hitting, or doubling.

Hit hard 5 against the dealer's 6. The hand is too low to stand or double, and taking a card cannot bust it.

Hit on hard 7 against the dealer's 6. There is no risk of busting with one card, and improving this low total is better than standing.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer’s 6. Hitting risks busting, while the dealer’s weak upcard favors keeping this total.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer's 4. Keeping this strong total has higher expected value than hitting, doubling, or splitting.

Stand on hard 12 against the dealer’s 5. The dealer’s weak upcard makes standing more profitable than risking a bust by hitting.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer’s 9. Keeping this strong hand has higher expected value than hitting, doubling, or splitting the queens.

Double hard 10 against the dealer’s 5. Basic strategy favors increasing the wager against this weak upcard.

Basic strategy doubles hard 9 against a dealer 3. The dealer’s weak upcard makes increasing the bet favorable.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 12 against a dealer 3 in this six-deck game. Hitting has a slightly higher expected return than standing.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer’s 3. Hitting risks busting and has lower expected value than standing.

Stand on hard 20 against the dealer's 7. Keeping this strong total has higher expected value than hitting, doubling, or splitting the ten-value cards.