Blackjack is often decided by random chance. And sometimes, there just isn’t any of that luck to be had. When you have a bad hand and want to cut your losses without losing everything, you can surrender. In the 1970s, casinos started using this tactic to entice more customers. It was successful, yes, but it was almost too effective.
Due of the blackjack surrender move’s effectiveness in reducing the house edge, it is increasingly uncommon at brick-and-mortar gambling establishments. Thankfully, it can still be easily located online. Whether you choose to play at a table in Las Vegas or online, it’s in your best interest to familiarize yourself with the regulations beforehand.
Let’s analyze the best ways to benefit from surrendering in blackjack.
When Playing Blackjack, What Does “Surrender” Mean?
After the players and dealer reveal their cards, in a blackjack game where surrender is an option, you have the option of forfeiting half of your stake. Then why not let it play out? Now and again, your odds of winning are so low that you’d be better off saving your money for the next round if you surrendered.
Casinos no longer favor this blackjack technique since it can dramatically reduce the house edge. Be sure to check the regulations before you play, as only some blackjack variants still provide the surrender option.
How Do I Know When to Surrender in Blackjack?
In blackjack, surrendering can be done at two different times: early and late. Each has its own set of regulations and potential for significantly lowering the house advantage. Let’s look at the differences between the two and see how they can be put to use.
The Tactics of Giving Up Early
The power of the early surrender is greater. As much as 0.62% of the house edge can be eliminated, depending on the number of decks in play.
When the dealer’s up card is visible and before the dealer checks their hole card, early surrender is an option. If the dealer wins, you’ll still lose only half your original wager with this option.
The following are some examples of hands when the player has a less than 25% chance of winning against the dealer. In these predicaments, submission is the best option:
When a ten is the up card for the dealer:
The two 7’s or 8’s are in your hand.
And if you’re 14, 15, or 16, good luck.
When an Ace is showing on the dealer’s face-up card:
And each of your cards add up to a 3 or a 6, 7 or an 8
And the years 12-17 are rough for you.
And you’ve got a challenging 5, 6, or 7
The Tactics of a Late Surrender
The late surrender reduces the house edge by around 0.1%, which is less than the other variant. It’s not hard to see why this particular set of guidelines is preferred by most casinos. You can still turn it to your benefit, though.
After receiving your initial two cards, the dealer has checked their hole card, and the up card is visible, you may make a late surrender. The main distinction is that if the dealer does not have blackjack, you will only receive half of your original wager back.
Some examples of when it might make sense to use the late surrender clause follow. In addition, their odds of beating the dealer are lower than 25%.
In a game of single-deck blackjack, you have 14 and the dealer has 10.
Two 7s, dealer ace, and soft 17 rule (in Single Deck Blackjack) mean you lose.
It’s the 15th:
If the dealer holds an ace and hits on soft 17 (in single or double deck blackjack), you should surrender 10+5 and 9+6.
If the dealer is holding a 10, you can surrender a 10+5, or a 9+6 (any number of decks).
If the dealer shows a 10 or an ace and hits on soft 17 (four to eight decks), you must surrender any hand totaling 15.
If you’re playing single- or double-deck blackjack, and the dealer shows an ace or a 10, you have 16.
There are four or more decks in play, and the dealer shows a 9, 10, or ace.
If the dealer shows an ace, you must surrender your pair of 8s, and doubling down after a split is not allowed (any number of decks).
If the dealer has an ace and hits on soft 17 (in single deck blackjack), you should surrender for 10 and 7.
The dealer uses a soft 17 strategy (any number of decks) when holding an ace.
Blackjack A gesture of surrender
Using Your Hands to Surrender in Blackjack
There is a hand signal to let the dealer know your next move in blackjack, as there is with other plays. If you want to give up a bet, you usually have to draw a horizontal line behind it with your index finger and announce it aloud.
If you’re playing at a table where the surrender hand signals are unfamiliar, it’s best to consult the dealer.
If the blackjack game you’re playing online supports surrendering, you’ll see a surrender button, which you can click when the time is right.
In conclusion, the surrender move is a potentially effective strategy.
When used correctly, the surrender can be a very effective strategy. So effective that it prompted several gambling establishments to remove the choice entirely. Fortunately, many online casinos provide the surrender option, in addition to generous welcome bonuses and ongoing rewards.
Is it time to test your newfound knowledge? Join now at one of our suggested sites!