Blackjack table

With a hard 15 against a dealer 10, hitting has the best expected value when surrender is unavailable.

A hard 5 is too low to stand or double; hit to improve the hand, even against the dealer’s weak 4.

With a hard 10 against the dealer’s 4, doubling would usually be preferred, but it is unavailable after taking a third card. Hitting is better than standing.

A hard 14 should stand against the dealer’s 4; the dealer has a strong chance to bust, while hitting risks busting my hand.

Stand on hard 17; the dealer’s 5 is a weak upcard, so hitting risks busting without improving the expected result.

Soft 20 is a very strong hand; standing avoids risking a good total against the dealer’s weak 4.

A total of 20 is a very strong hand, and standing avoids risking a likely win against the dealer’s queen.

Hard 18 against a dealer 10-value card is a stand; hitting risks busting, and doubling is not advisable.

A hard 12 against the dealer’s 7 is a hit by basic strategy; standing is likely to lose, and doubling is unfavorable.

Soft 15 against a dealer 9 is too weak to stand or double; hitting offers the best chance to improve the hand.

Soft 20 is a strong hand; standing is the best play against a dealer 9.

Hard 14 should stand against a dealer 4; the dealer has a strong chance to bust, while hitting risks busting.

Hard 16 against a dealer 5 is a strong stand; the dealer has a significant chance to bust, while hitting risks busting immediately.

A hard 20 is an exceptionally strong hand, and standing is the best play against a dealer 9. Splitting tens would give up that strength.

Hard 18 is strong against the dealer’s 7; hitting risks busting, and doubling is not strategically favorable.

Hard 16 against a dealer 8 is unfavorable to stand on; hitting has the better expected outcome.

Standing on hard 17 is the basic-strategy play against a dealer 8; hitting risks busting too often.