What is Early Surrender and Late Surrender in Blackjack?

It is essential for the casino players to understand this rule in Blackjack because it will help improve their overall gaming skills and strategy. This rule is offered to the players during the Blackjack gaming sessions for a chance to surrender the game if they have little hope to win. The sole advantage of this Blackjack rule is to allow the players to keep back half of their initial bets instead of losing the whole bet. Basically, there are two types of surrender – Early surrender and Late surrender. So, before you play the next Blackjack game, let’s take a look at the fundamental differences between these two types.

What is Early Surrender and Late Surrender in Blackjack?

What is an early surrender in Blackjack?

Early surrender is a type of rule applicable in Blackjack games where a player is given a chance to surrender their right hand immediately after the cards are dealt. However, if the player opts to go for the early surrender, he/she must give up half of their betting value. Many players prefer using this type of surrender because it gives them the option to quit, regardless of the hand the dealer is holding. However, the usage of this rule is slowly perishing in the casino industry because the casinos that offer early surrender Blackjack games reduces its house edge over the players, although, some casinos compensate for it using a different rule.

What is late surrender in Blackjack?

Late surrender is the other form of rule in Blackjack where it allows a player to surrender their hand for the cost of half of their wagering amount, just like in early surrender. The only difference in this form of rule is that the player can only surrender after the dealer has checked his hand for a natural Blackjack. In case the croupier holds a natural Blackjack, the player will not be allowed to quit. Although this form of surrender doesn’t have low house edge like the early surrender, it’s still better than playing without the surrender feature.

Utilising an early surrender

The advantage that an early surrender offers may tempt many of the players to take it often but be careful. Not every time may bring you the same benefit. Before you sacrifice half of your wager, you need to know when and when not to take an early surrender. Here is when you should take or hold back an early surrender.

1. You should take an early surrender if:

  • The dealer shows an Ace, and you have a hard total of 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17.
  • The dealer shows an Ace, and you have a pair of 3s, 6s, 7s or 8s.
  • The dealer shows a 10-valued card, and you have a hard 14, 15, 16 or a pair of 7s or 8s.
  • In 2 deck game when the dealer shows a soft 17, and you have a pair of 2’s.

2. You should not take an early surrender if:

  • You hold a 10-valued card, and the dealer has a 4 and 10 or 5 and 9. This applies in the case of single deck blackjack.
  • You hold a 10-valued card, and the dealer has a 4 and 10. This applies in the case of 2 deck blackjack.

Utilising a late surrender

Even though a Late Surrender is popular, there are many land-based casinos that don’t offer this feature. So, before you join the game, remember to inquire if late surrender is offered on the Blackjack table. If you plan to use the late surrender, here’s when you should and should not take it.

1. You should take a late surrender if:

  • The dealer has an Ace and a 10-valued cart, and you have a hand total of 15.
  • The dealer has an Ace or 10-valued card, and you have a hand total of 16 (including pair 8’s).
  • The dealer has an Ace, and you have a hand total of 17.

2. You should not take a late surrender if:

  • You hold a hand total of 15, and the dealer shows a soft 17 and shows a 9, 10, or an Ace.
  • You hold a total hand of 16, and the dealer has a 9. This applies in the case of single deck Blackjack.
  • You have a total hand of 17, and the dealer holds a soft 17 and shows 9 or 10. This applies in the case of single deck Blackjack.