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Best Tips and Tricks On Surrender in Blackjack

surrender blackjack

Blackjack is one of the oldest casino games, yet it has not lost popularity, despite the gambling market offering a variety of games of chance. In this game, the house edge is one of the lowest, making blackjack popular among professional gamblers.

What Is Surrender in Blackjack?

Although its rules are not complicated, many players fail to win regularly. To win, you should master at least the basic strategy. This article does not focus on the basics. It deals with the nuances of the option to "surrender", i.e., stop playing and receive half of the bet back. It is worth noting that novice gamblers rarely use it because they do not want to lose half the bet. They do not think about the sum of money they lose while stubbornly continuing to try to be lucky in cases when it is necessary to retreat.

Unfortunately, this rule is not available at all online casinos. Only about one-third of them allow users to surrender if the situation seems to be going against them. Yet, this rule is favorable for experienced players and dramatically reduces the house edge.

The overall principle of the option to surrender implies that gamblers may fold after receiving two cards. The dealer will take your cards and half the bet. You will keep playing on other boxes.

None of the casinos allows surrendering if the dealer has an ace. In most clubs, it is prohibited to surrender if the croupier has any ten-value card.

Examples of the player's and dealer's hands for surrendering are provided below (for five- or six-deck blackjack in which the dealer stands on any 17). This is the most common version, proven by experienced professional players and mathematical statistics. Fans of exact figures calculated these data.

Suppose you play only for an adrenaline rush and want to provide the dealer who gets a percentage of casino profits with an opportunity to earn money, or you are indifferent to money. In that case, you should not follow these recommendations. However, if your aim is either to beat a casino or at least not to lose a lot, avoid making mistakes familiar to the majority of fans.

Types of Blackjack Surrender

There are two types of surrender:

  1. Early surrender: This allows you to surrender your hand before the dealer checks for blackjack. This is a more favorable option for the player, as it gives you the chance to surrender even if the dealer has a natural 21.
  2. Late surrender: This is the more common type. It allows you to surrender only after the dealer has checked for blackjack and confirmed they do not have one. If the dealer has blackjack, you lose your entire bet.

When to Surrender in Blackjack

It is possible to surrender in the following cases (any options available at casinos are discussed) on hard player's cards, i.e., if the hand is formed without an ace.

  • If the dealer has an ace, surrender when the total score is from 5 to 7 or from 12 to 17 inclusive. We want to emphasize that it is rarely allowed to surrender if the croupier has a face-up ace.
  • If the dealer has a face-up ten-value card, surrender when you have a 14, 15, or 16. Even if a 16 is composed of two eights, you should not split it, as it may seem profitable in other situations. Your 18 will not save you from a dealer's 19, 20, or blackjack.
  • If the dealer has a 9, you should surrender with a 16. You should not split two eighths.
  • If your hand has an Ace, most professional gamblers don't surrender.

Please follow these tips to increase your chances of winning.


Conclusion

As you can see, the number of situations requiring this option is minimal; however, the correct application of this rule can help players save a considerable amount of money.

Frequently asked Questions

❔ Can the surrender strategy be used at any blackjack table?

The surrender strategy is not an option at every blackjack table. It is an optional rule, so you must always check to see if the table you are playing at allows surrendering before you sit down and place your bets. If it is an option, it is a valuable tool to help you minimize losses on difficult hands.

🍀 What are the two types of the surrender strategy?

There are two main types of the surrender strategy: early surrender and late surrender. Early surrender is a more player-friendly option, as it allows you to give up your hand and forfeit half your bet even before the dealer checks for blackjack. Late surrender is the more common type; it allows you to surrender only after the dealer has checked their hand and confirmed they do not have a natural 21.

🤔 When should I use the surrender strategy?

You should use the surrender strategy in situations where your hand has a low probability of winning against the dealer's visible card. This strategic move is intended to cut your losses in half rather than risk losing your entire bet. Specific situations where surrendering is generally recommended include having a hard 16 against a dealer's 9, 10, or Ace, or having a hard 15 against a dealer's 10.

💪 Does the surrender strategy apply to pairs?

The surrender strategy can be used with a pair, but it's important to consider other options first. For example, if you have a pair of 8s against a dealer's 10 or Ace, some players might consider surrendering. However, many experts suggest splitting the pair of 8s as a more effective alternative. The best move often depends on the specific rules of the table and what offers the highest long-term return.

💰 How does the surrender strategy save money?

The surrender strategy saves you money by allowing you to forfeit only half of your initial bet instead of risking the entire amount on a hand with very poor odds of winning. By surrendering, you avoid the possibility of losing your full wager and can use the remaining half to play future hands. It is a defensive move designed for damage control.

Denis Anipchenko
Denis Anipchenko
Editor-in-chief and online gambling expert

Denis is a true professional with many years of experience in the gambling industry. His career started back in the late nineties when he worked as a croupier, pit boss, manager and casino manager. This unique experience allowed him to deeply understand the world of gambling from the inside. Since the late noughties Denis has dedicated himself to writing articles and analyses about gambling, and since the early tens he has become a key figure in the Casinoz team. Here he not only writes and edits content, but also creates reviews, shares his expertise and helps readers understand the intricacies of gambling. Denis combines practical experience and in-depth knowledge, making him one of the most respected experts in the industry. His writings are always up-to-date, proven and useful information for anyone interested in the casino world.

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Facts checked Alex Vasilev Scientific editor and fact checker
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