Blackjack table

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 14 against a dealer 7. Hitting has a higher expected value than standing or doubling.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 16 against a dealer 7. Standing has a lower expected return despite the risk of busting.

Hit hard 8 against the dealer's 9. You cannot bust on this draw, and doubling is less favorable than retaining the option to hit again.

Hit hard 16 against the dealer's 9. With surrender unavailable, hitting has a higher expected return than standing despite the bust risk.

Standing on hard 20 against a dealer 9 maximizes expected value. Splitting breaks up a strong hand, while hitting or doubling risks an almost certain bust.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer’s 7. Hitting or doubling has a lower expected return because of the high risk of busting.

Basic strategy calls for hitting hard 10 against a dealer ten-value card. Hitting preserves the option to draw again without risking an extra bet on a double.

Hit hard 15 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard. With surrender unavailable, hitting has a higher expected return than standing.

Stand on hard 18 against the dealer's ten-value upcard. Hitting risks busting and has lower expected value than standing.

Basic strategy stands on soft 18 against a dealer 8. Standing has a higher expected return than hitting or doubling.

Double hard 11 against the dealer’s 5 to maximize expected profit from this favorable matchup. A strong one-card draw and the dealer’s high bust risk justify the extra wager.

Basic strategy favors standing on hard 12 against a dealer 4. The dealer's weak upcard makes standing preferable to risking a bust by hitting.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer's 7. This strong total has higher expected value than hitting or doubling, which carry a high risk of busting.

Split the pair of eights against the dealer’s ten. With surrender unavailable and doubling after splits allowed, splitting has a higher expected value than playing hard 16.

Stand on hard 18 against the dealer’s ten. Hitting or doubling has lower expected value because of the high risk of busting.

Hit hard 12 against the dealer’s ten. Standing is more likely to lose, and doubling would increase exposure on an unfavorable hand.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer’s ten. Hitting has a high bust risk and lower expected value.

Hit hard 15 against the dealer’s 8. Basic strategy favors hitting over standing, while doubling would increase exposure on a weak hand.

Stand on hard 17 against the dealer’s 8. Hitting carries too much bust risk and has lower expected value.

Hit hard 13 against the dealer’s ten-value upcard. This has a higher expected return than standing or doubling under these rules.

Hit hard 14 against the dealer's ten-value upcard. Standing has a lower expected return because the dealer is likely to finish with a stronger total.

Double soft 17 against the dealer’s 6, as basic strategy recommends. The dealer’s weak upcard makes increasing the bet more profitable than hitting or standing.

Stand on hard 19 against the dealer's ace. Hitting or doubling risks busting a strong hand and has lower expected value.

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

Hit hard 8 against the dealer’s 10. Drawing cannot bust this hand, and hitting has better expected value than standing or doubling.

Stand on hard 18 against the dealer's 10. Hitting carries a high bust risk and has lower expected value than standing.