Cap. 2

Hard Totals

The main matrix, 160 cells

Hard totals are hands without an ace, or where the ace can only count as 1 without busting — for example 10+6 or 9+4+3. They're the most common category of blackjack hand and the foundation of basic strategy: whether to hit, stand or double on a hard total depends entirely on the dealer's upcard. This chapter covers all 160 hard-total combinations, from the easy always-hit hands (5-8) to the close calls at 12-16 where a single dealer card flips the correct decision.