Circuit for controlling a double-action hydraulic drive cylinder includes a directional control valve having working ports A and B, a pump port P, and a tank port T, wherein the directional control valve has a neutral position in which pump port P is blocked and working ports A, B are connected to tank port T. A pressure-limiting valve and a controllable load-holding valve are connected to the piston space in parallel, and a regeneration check valve is connected in series between a connection point for the parallel components and the rod space. A first precharge valve is connected between the working port A and the connection point, and a first bypass check valve is connected anti-parallel parallel with the first precharge valve and the load-holding valve. A second precharge valve is connected in series with the directional control valve between the tank port P and the rod space.