Blackjack is one of the most diverse casino card games. Not only does it come with a multitude of variations which keep growing, it has so many unique bets which makes whatever variation you play so much more exciting. The blackjack surrender rule is one such tweak in the game which makes what is an already thrilling gambling game even more exciting.
So, what does the surrender rule entail? How does it affect the way you play if at all? In brief the surrender rule is a mitigating measure which allows you quit and save half your money. When is it allowed? What else factors in to the decision to surrender? A number of factors including the rules at the table and what the dealer’s hand is. If you would like to understand this unique variation of the game, keep following along with us as we expand on how the rule works.
In addition to this game guide we have included a list of the best online blackjack sites to play for real money.
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What Is Surrender in Blackjack?
Surrender in blackjack is when a player decides to fold their hand before the game is over in order to get half their wager back. Often the surrender option is only availed at tables using a six to eight deck shoe. The rules are only available on games with higher bet limits and more than a single deck.
So, if you’re playing in the $20 tables, you’re probably not going to have that option. Also, as much as this surrender rule is to mitigate losses you cannot use it if the dealer has a blackjack. So how do you know when to use or take that option since the dealers’ cards are not all exposed.
Well, the dealer has to check after you take the option to surrender if they did have a blackjack then your request to surrender is denied and you automatically lose. if they do not have a blackjack you can go ahead and surrender the hand you want to give up and get half your wager back.
Blackjack Surrender Strategy
Like all things blackjack there is always a strategy involved. This is one of the best games for strategists and players who like to calculate each move. So, the strategy for surrender in blackjack involves two main influencing factors. The table rules about when the dealer is expected to hit or stand along with what hand you gave will influence whether or not you should surrender.
As we mentioned the surrender rule is almost always only exclusive to high limit tables. And at these tables the dealer is always expected to stand when the player has a soft 17 and to draw if the player has less. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and you should always check the rules of the table where you play. The conditions for when a dealer draws another card or stands are always clearly laid out on the table.
When to Surrender
In the event that the dealer has an ace or a face card you should surrender if you have a hand value between 15 and 17. That is because the odds of the dealer having a better hand than yours are high. The dealer may possibly even have a blackjack or close.
Spume may advise against a surrender on a hand of 17 too. The reasoning for this logic is that the table already says that the dealer had to stand when you have a seventeen. If the dealer’s hand is a 17 too then it’s a push and no one loses. However, it’s a big risk to take because there’s only one evening where it works out in your favor and multiple others where it does not.
When Not to Surrender
If you have a hand of 14 or less it would be advisable to hit and not surrender. You may even want to split and double down to spread your odds of winning.
Blackjack Surrender Tips
Remember that the strategy for surrendering need to adapt to the rules of the table. If the table is a stand on seventeen rules then surrender your hands between 15 and 17.
Where the table allows the dealer to draw on any 16 and above then you may take your chances and hit.
You can also use an insurance bet along with your surrender. However, if you lose you forfeit the insurance bet too.
the best way to practice your blackjack surrender strategy is to practice playing surrender games. You can do so online, where casinos offered free demo games for practice. That way you can hoe in and sharpen your strategy.