Blackjack Surrender Rules - When Should Players Surrender?

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In the world of blackjack, understanding the various rules and strategies can greatly enhance your chances of winning. One such rule that seasoned players are familiar with is the "Blackjack Surrender" rule. This intriguing option allows players to gracefully bow out of a potentially unfavorable hand, minimizing losses and preserving their bankroll.

In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the Blackjack Surrender rule, discussing its benefits, when to implement it, and how it can be effectively incorporated into your blackjack gameplay. Get ready to take your blackjack skills to the next level as we explore the art of strategic surrender.

What Is Blackjack Surrender Strategies?

Players may decide to surrender if they find that there is little chance of winning the hand. This option allows players to keep half of your initial bet, instead of wasting your time hopelessly playing a weak hand and losing all your bet. 

If you are playing blackjack at a brick and mortar casino, you will have to make a gesture to inform the dealer you wish to surrender. However, when getting the most out of this casino game at online casino sites, all you need to do is click on the surrender button on the screen. 

There are two options in terms of surrendering a hand with distinctive strategies. They are Late Surrender and Early Surrender. 

Keep reading to find out each type’s strategies when it comes to surrendering a bad hand.

Late Surrender

Late surrender is quite popular at many blackjack tables. This strategy allows players to surrender their hands and keep half of the initial bet after the dealer checks for blackjack. 

However, your mileage may vary as the late surrender strategies are determined by players’ total, the dealer’s upcard, and the number of decks of cards.

Late Surrender - Single Deck Blackjack - Total Dependent

• If you are dealt a 15, you should surrender when the dealer has an Ace and hits on a soft 17.
• If you are dealt a 16, you should surrender when the dealer’s card is 10, or an Ace of a soft 17.
• If you are dealt a 17, you should surrender when the dealer shows an Ace and hits on a soft 17.

Late Surrender - Two Deck Blackjack - Total Dependent

• If you are dealt a 15, surrender against the dealer’s 10, or Ace, and hits on a soft 17.
• If you are dealt a 16, surrender against the dealer’s 10, and an Ace of a soft 17.
• If you are dealt a 17, you should surrender when the dealer has an Ace and hits on a soft 17.

Late Surrender - Over Four Decks - Total Dependent

• If you are dealt a 15, surrender against the dealer’s 10, or Ace and hits on a soft 17.
• If you are dealt a 16, always surrender when the dealer’s card is either 9, 10, or Ace of a soft 17. 
• If you are dealt a 17, you should surrender when the dealer has an Ace and hit on a soft 17.

Late Surrender - One Deck - Composition Dependent

• Always surrender when you are dealt a 16, and the dealer’s card is a ten. In case the dealer’s card is 9+7 or 10+6 and he hits on the soft 17, you should surrender.
• Surrender when you have a 9+6 or 10+5 and the dealer’s card is a ten or he has an Ace and hits on a soft 17.

Late Surrender - Two Decks - Composition Dependent

• Always surrender when you are dealt a 16 and the dealer’s card is a 10, an Ace and he stands on a soft 17.
• If the dealer shows he has an Ace and hits on a soft 17, you should always surrender if you are dealt a 17.
• You can choose to surrender when you have a 9+6, 10+5, and the dealer’s hand is the same as yours.
• If you are dealt a 16, and the dealer’s card is 9+7 or 10+6, you can opt to surrender.

Late Surrender - Four or Six Decks - Composition Dependent

• You should surrender when you have a hand of 9+6 or 10+5 and the dealer shows a ten or an Ace and he hits on a soft 17.
• Always surrender when you are dealt 16, and the dealer’s hand holds either 9, 10, or Ace.
• Always surrender when you are dealt a 17 and the dealer shows an Ace and hits on a soft 17.

Early Surrender

Early surrender enables players to forfeit his hand and half of his bet before the dealer checks for blackjack. This strategy is slightly different from late surrender: you can choose to early surrender when the dealer’s up card is a ten or ace.

Nowadays, early surrender is less found at casinos, both online sites, and offline ones as it is considered more advantageous for players to decide to give up playing the hand before the dealer checks for blackjack.

You should surrender when the dealer shows that he has an Ace and your hand is:

• A hard 5-7
• A hard 12-17
• A pair of 3s, 6s, 7s, 8s. In case the dealer hits on a soft 17, you should also surrender with a pair of 2s.

If the dealer’s hand is a 10, you should surrender when you have:

• A hard 14-16
• A pair of 7s or 8s. However, if you play single deck blackjack, double after split is allowed, you should not split the pair of 8s.

Surrender Tips

As a blackjack lover, you may know best how to win this casino game: exceed the dealer’s hand without going over 21. Therefore, it is necessary for you to get to know the goal of the game, how to play blackjack, and blackjack strategies, including when to surrender. 

Surrender can have a considerable effect on your strategies. If you assume that your hand cannot defeat the dealer’s one, it is better to surrender the hand and try your luck on the next round.

Play Blackjack for Free

You can play many blackjack demo versions to get insights into this casino game and apply strategies in an efficient manner without registration and making any deposit. There are also a bunch of free online baccarat, free bingo, keno and so much more for you to indulge in.

Search Online Casinos Offering Surrender

Some online casinos offer this playing option, while some do no. Therefore, if you want to practice this strategy and even play blackjack for real money, you should look for trusted online casino sites that allow players to surrender. You can contact the casino beforehand, or directly read our casino reviews to pick the one that suits you best. 

Conduct the Late Surrender

When you decide to make the late surrender, the house-edge will be reduced by about 0.07% in multi-deck blackjack games. This strategy keeps your bankroll more stable in comparison with a game where surrender is not allowed, and you have to play your hand hopelessly until the round ends.