Blackjack table

Hard 14 versus a dealer ten is a clear hit under basic strategy; standing loses too often and doubling is too risky.

Hard 16 versus a dealer ten is a losing stand; hitting is the basic-strategy play and the only way to improve the hand.

Hard 20 against a dealer 10 is a clear stand; hitting risks busting a nearly unbeatable total.

Hard 11 versus a dealer 9 is a standard double: the extra bet is justified because any ten makes 21 and the hand is strong enough to take one card only.

Hard 12 versus a dealer 7 should be hit under basic strategy; standing loses too often and doubling is not justified.

Pair of 8s totals 16 against a dealer 10, a classic split under basic strategy rather than standing or hitting a stiff.

Soft 19 against a dealer ten is a strong made hand; basic strategy is to stand rather than risk the ace becoming a hard total.

Hard 14 against a dealer ten is a clear hit under basic strategy; standing loses too often and doubling is not justified.

Hard 20 versus a dealer jack is a made hand; standing is the only positive-EV choice among the legal actions.

Hard 14 versus a dealer 5 is a basic-strategy stand: the dealer is weak and hitting risks busting a made hand.

Hard 14 versus a dealer 6 is a stand in basic strategy: the dealer is weak and likely to bust, so hitting or doubling risks busting a made hand.

Pair of nines against a dealer 4 is a standard split: each nine starts a strong hand while the dealer is weak.

Hard 11 against a dealer 4 is a clear double: the dealer is weak and one card gives a strong chance to make 21 or a high total.

Basic strategy splits a pair of nines against a dealer 4, since two fresh nines beat standing on 18 against a weak upcard. Resplit is legal and the extra bet is well within bankroll.

Pair of nines versus a dealer 4 is a standard split; another hand is still allowed and the extra bet is affordable.

Hard 12 against a dealer 4 is a basic-strategy stand: the dealer is weak enough that busting by hitting is the bigger risk, and doubling a stiff total is not justified.

Hard 16 against a dealer 4 is a stand in basic strategy: the dealer is weak and likely to bust, while hitting risks busting a made hand. Doubling is not justified with this total.

Hard 19 against a dealer 4 is a strong made hand; standing is clearly better than hitting or doubling.

Hard 17 versus a dealer 3 is a clear stand; hitting or doubling risks busting a made hand.

Soft 16 against a dealer 10 is a hit in basic strategy; standing leaves a weak total and doubling adds money to a disadvantageous hand.

Hard 12 versus a dealer 5 is a stand in basic strategy. The dealer is weak, and hitting risks busting on any ten-value card.

Hard 13 against a dealer 6 is a basic-strategy stand: the dealer is likely to bust, and hitting risks busting a made hand.

Hard 10 against a dealer 2 is a standard double: the dealer is weak and one more card is the highest-EV play.

Hard 18 against a dealer 10 is a stand in basic strategy; hitting or doubling risks busting a strong total.

Soft 20 is a very strong hand against a dealer 5. Standing is the correct play; hitting or doubling risks a worse total for little gain.

Hard 19 versus a dealer 9 is a clear stand; hitting or doubling risks busting a strong made hand.

Hard 16 versus a dealer 2 is a basic-strategy stand: the dealer is weak and likely to bust, while hitting risks busting a made hand. Doubling is far too risky with this total.

Hard 12 against a dealer King is a basic-strategy hit; standing loses to most made dealer totals and doubling is far too weak.

Hard 17 against a dealer King is a stand under basic strategy; hitting risks busting a made hand.