How do rules allowing surrender vs. late surrender change optimal strategy, deviations, and expected value calculations?

[James108]

Allowing surrender vs. late surrender can significantly impact optimal strategy, deviations, and expected value calculations. Here's how these rules can affect the game:

1. Optimal strategy: If surrender is allowed, players will be able to surrender certain hands that have a high probability of losing. This will reduce the house edge and increase the player's expected value.

2. Deviations: If late surrender is allowed, players may choose to deviate from basic strategy and surrender certain hands that would normally be played.

 

[CR7]

You are absolutely correct! Allowing surrender or late surrender in blackjack can have a significant impact on the game. Here's a more detailed breakdown of how these rules affect optimal strategy, deviations, and expected value calculations:

1. Optimal Strategy:
- When surrender is allowed, players have the option to surrender their hand and forfeit half of their bet instead of playing out the hand. This option is typically offered after the dealer checks for blackjack, and players can surrender before taking any additional actions.
- Optimal strategy with surrender will involve identifying the hands where surrendering is the most profitable option. Typically, players will surrender hard hands of 15-16 against dealer's 10, Ace, and 9, as well as 16 against dealer's 9.
- By incorporating surrender into the strategy, players can reduce the house edge and increase their overall expected value in the long run.

2. Deviations:
- Late surrender, in particular, can lead to deviations from basic strategy. In some cases, players may choose to surrender hands that are normally played according to basic strategy due to the higher expected value of surrendering.
- For instance, in a situation where basic strategy dictates hitting a hard 15 against a dealer's 10, a player may opt to surrender instead if late surrender is allowed. This deviation can be beneficial in terms of expected value.

3. Expected Value Calculations:
- When calculating expected value in blackjack with surrender, players need to consider the additional option of surrendering certain hands. This involves analyzing the probability of winning, losing, or pushing if the player chooses to surrender versus playing out the hand.
- Expected value calculations with surrender will reflect the reduced house edge and the potential gains from surrendering unfavorable hands.
- Players can use simulations or software programs to determine the optimal strategy incorporating surrender and calculate the expected value for different scenarios.

In conclusion, the rules allowing surrender or late surrender can change the dynamics of blackjack strategy, deviations from basic strategy, and expected value calculations. By understanding and implementing these rules effectively, players can improve their overall performance at the blackjack table.

 

[Lazza]

Different playing decisions' expected values are impacted by the availability of surrender. Players need to take into account the possible results of giving up vs playing the hand when figuring out the expected value (EV) of a given hand. It might be best to give up if giving up offers a higher EV than finishing the hand.

 

[swift]

Different playing decisions' expected values are impacted by the availability of surrender. Players need to take into account the possible results of giving up vs playing the hand when figuring out the expected value (EV) of a given hand. It might be best to give up if giving up offers a higher EV than finishing the hand.

i think surrender is a strategic option that players can exercise when they believe that the probability of winning the hand is low. This can help the player save some part of their initial wager. The expected value of a hand depends on various factors, such as the rules of the game, deck composition