When confronted with a dealer's strong upcard, a player should adopt more conservative strategies focused on risk management. This often involves evaluating their own hand's strength and adjusting their betting behavior accordingly. It’s crucial to play in a way that minimizes potential losses, such as refraining from aggressive bets and opting for more defensive plays like standing on lower totals when the dealer shows a strong card. Players should also consider the dealer's tendencies and the specific rules of the game, as these factors may influence optimal decisions.