When Can You Surrender in Blackjack?

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. It’s a game that requires skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. One of the strategies that players can use to increase their chances of winning is to surrender.

What is Surrender

Surrender is an option that allows players to give up their hand and lose only half of their original bet. This option is not available at all casinos or tables, so it’s important to know when it’s allowed.

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When Can You Surrender in Blackjack

In general, there are two types of surrender: early surrender and late surrender. Early surrender is rare and allows players to forfeit their hand before the dealer checks for blackjack. Late surrender is more common and allows players to forfeit their hand after the dealer checks for blackjack.

  • Early Surrender: Early surrender is allowed at some casinos, but it’s very rare. It’s only allowed before the dealer checks for blackjack.

    It’s important to note that early surrender has a higher house edge than late surrender.

  • Late Surrender: Late surrender is more common than early surrender and it’s allowed at most casinos. It’s only allowed after the dealer checks for blackjack.

Why Would You Surrender in Blackjack

Surrendering can be a strategic move if you have a weak hand and believe that your chances of winning are low. Instead of losing your entire bet, you can lose only half by using this option.

PRO TIP:When you have a weaker hand than the dealer, it’s often a good idea to surrender in Blackjack. Surrendering allows you to get half of your initial bet back, rather than risking the full bet by playing out the hand. When deciding whether to surrender or not, look at your two cards and the dealer’s upcard. If your hand totals 16 or less and the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, 9, 10 or face card, then it’s advisable to surrender.

If you’re dealt a 16 against a dealer’s 10 or an ace, your chances of winning are very low. By choosing to surrender, you can lose only half of your bet and save the other half for a better hand.

When Should You Not Surrender

While surrendering can be a strategic move, there are some situations where it’s not recommended:

  • If you have a hard 12-16 and the dealer has a 7 or higher
  • If you have a pair of 8s
  • If the dealer has an ace and you have a soft 17 or higher

In these situations, it’s better to hit or stand rather than surrendering. Surrendering in these situations will result in losing more money over time.

Conclusion

Surrendering is an option that can be used strategically to minimize losses in blackjack. It’s important to know when surrendering is allowed and when it’s not recommended. Always consider the dealer’s upcard and your own hand before deciding whether or not to surrender.